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scripture_n answer_v church_n word_n 3,982 5 4.2706 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

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lean_v no_o small_a weight_n on_o this_o mark_v matth._n 7._o 15_o 16_o where_o he_o give_v a_o general_a rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o their_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o their_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v he_o by_o their_o fruit_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n and_o verse_n 20._o wherefore_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o undoubted_a truth_n as_o none_o will_v get_v they_o deny_v in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v right_o improven_v may_v give_v people_n light_n in_o the_o former_a question_n to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n among_o the_o many_o waye●_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o as_o we_o need_v not_o any_o further_a application_n but_o exhort_v you_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim_n 2._o 7._o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o kilwinning_n upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o four_o sermon_n act_n 11._o 23._o who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o scope_n of_o my_o sermon_n yesterday_o from_o jeremiah_n 3._o 22._o be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o god_n the_o text_n in_o hand_n hold_v out_o a_o main_a duty_n you_o shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o when_o you_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o have_v close_v with_o he_o as_o all_o of_o you_o by_o your_o approach_n to_o
consult_v with_o for_o know_v what_o be_v heresy_n what_o not_o is●_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v who_o be_v the_o heretic_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o consult_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n but_o use_v a_o judicial_a process_n against_o the_o person_n challenge_v and_o prove_v the_o fact_n by_o witness_n so_o deut._n 17._o 4._o there_o must_v be_v a_o scandal_n of_o idolatry_n upon_o the_o man_n challenge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o inquire_v diligent_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v on_o he_o by_o witness_n verse_n 6._o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o three_o witness_n shall_v he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n he_o put_v to_o death_n they_o except_o four_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o church_n god_n type_v out_o thing_n spiritual_a by_o thing_n earthly_a and_o so_o those_o punishment_n be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n excommunication_n and_o hell_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n we_o answer_v first_o excommunication_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n present_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o type_n of_o they_o second_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v scripture_n to_o allegory_n and_o by_o this_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v cast_v at_o punishment_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o affirm_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o this_o much_o for_o argument_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o shall_v next_o hint_n at_o some_o argument_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n first_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unusual_a for_o magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o certain_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v have_v use_v this_o legal_a defence_n when_o the_o magistrate_n call_v they_o before_o he_o to_o answer_v about_o their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v have_v say_v you_o have_v no_o place_n to_o challenge_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n be_v free_a but_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o they_o decline_v the_o judge_n or_o use_v any_o such_o defence_n for_o sure_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v leave_v no_o lawful_a mean_v unessay_v there_o be_v a_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o rom._n 13._o 4._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n say_v for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o far_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a there_o be_v set_v down_o the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o if_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o fall_n worship_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n now_o that_o spreader_n of_o heresy_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a we_o do_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o this_o verse_n where_o we_o show_v that_o heresy_n and_o error_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v eschew_v as_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o the_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o his_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o much_o and_o all_o the_o place_n command_v zeal_n against_o error_n which_o be_v not_o few_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v this_o for_o they_o bind_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o place_n the_o minister_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o the_o magistrate_n according_a to_o he_o there_o be_v one_o exception_n they_o make_v much_o of_o against_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o doer_n of_o evil_a can_v be_v mean_v these_o that_o be_v take_v with_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n and_o that_o because_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a it_o be_v a_o evil_a say_v they_o that_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o magistrate_n because_o of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o error_n and_o heresy_n against_o christian_a truth_n for_o the_o magistrate_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n who_o themselves_o be_v enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o none_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o for_o spread_a error_n but_o rather_o for_o mantain_v truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o doer_n of_o evil_a here_o mean_v must_v be_v the_o controveener_n of_o the_o emperor_n civil_a law_n and_o not_o heretic_n and_o such_o like_a for_o answer_v this_o exception_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n for_o by_o the_o magistrate_n be_v here_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n but_o all_o magistrate_n in_o general_a do_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v paul_n indeed_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n to_o speak_v here_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n we_o shall_v mark_v one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o now_o sure_o it_o be_v this_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o magistrate_n in_o general_a and_o not_o astrict_v only_o to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n he_o not_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n unto_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n prove_v this_o in_o the_o 3_o v●rse_n for_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n now_o sure_a this_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n in_o general_n and_o of_o that_o which_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n unto_o many_o good_a work_n not_o only_o unto_o christian_a but_o also_o unto_o moral_a virtue_n we_o shall_v give_v you_o only_o another_o argument_n short_o take_v from_o that_o prophecy_n revel_v 17._o 16._o a_o prophecy_n t●at_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v bring_v down_o the_o antichrist_n and_o that_o error_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a work_n to_o god_n and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o from_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o from_o punish_v other_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o this_o much_o for_o our_o argument_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o promise_v to_o bring_v forth_o some_o of_o their_o argument_n and_o solve_v they_o herein_o we_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n for_o this_o be_v truth_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v truth_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o nimble_a spirit_n to_o propone_v argument_n which_o every_o one_o can_v answer_v we_o shall_v stay_v a_o little_a on_o this_o three_o point_n also_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o object_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n than_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o tollerate_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n but_o so_o it_o be_v he_o never_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o so_o do_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v record_v by_o any_o of_o the_o evangelist_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v for_o john_n say_v chap._n 20._o 30._o he_o do_v speak_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v so_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o their_o neglect_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n for_o first_o by_o that_o reason_n we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o mgistrate_n shall_v not_o punish_v theft_n because_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o second_o reprove_v he_o the_o church_n for_o not_o censure_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v that_o way_n and_o three_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n before_o and_o four_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v stire_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o this_o duty_n then_o for_o the_o sectary_n
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
suppress_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v not_o christ_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o new_a the_o second_o argument_n we_o bring_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o native_a end_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 12._o to_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n to_o repentance_n matth_n 18._o 15._o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a original_a church_n government_n who_o end_n be_v spiritual_a can_v be_v no_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o such_o produce_v no_o supernatural_a effect_n therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o high_a warrant_n for_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o make_v this_o argument_n that_o government_n who_o substantial_a part_n be_v all_o set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o or_o put_v a_o other_o in_o its_o place_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v reckon_v up_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o church_n officer_n have_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n thess_n 5_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o officer_n with_o power_n to_o rule_v establish_v in_o god_n house_n what_o they_o say_v that_o by_o rule_v there_o be_v mean_v preach_v because_o minister_n guide_v people_n by_o preach_v be_v a_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o that_o because_o of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o rule_v be_v another_o thing_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o exception_n affirm_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o clear_a place_n for_o it_o in_o heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o there_o be_v officer_n establish_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o so_o there_o be_v ruler_n officer_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n second_o the_o court_n and_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o for_o this_o see_v matth_n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n the_o adversary_n be_v so_o shamless_a that_o they_o say_v by_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o complaint_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v and_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o judicatory_a here_o mean_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v member_n and_o therefore_o in_o five_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o to_o wit_v the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o sit_v in_o civil_a court_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o civil_a business_n the_o three_o substantial_a of_o church_n government_n that_o have_v warrant_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o subordination_n of_o lesser_a judicatory_n to_o great_a and_o this_o be_v warrant_v in_o act_n 15_o 2._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v up_o from_o antioch_n to_o a_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n can_v not_o be_v end_v at_o antioch_n where_o there_o be_v a_o court_n with_o power_n they_o determine_v the_o question_n censure_v the_o schismatic_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o liar_n v._n 24._o the_o four_o substantial_a of_o this_o government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o censure_n 1._o by_o private_a admonition_n then_o more_o public_a matth_n 18._o 15._o the_o five_o thing_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o their_o censure_n which_o be_v not_o bodily_a as_o take_v way_n the_o life_n but_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n admonition_n reproof_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n matth_n 18_o 17_o let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n and_o see_v he_o have_v do_v so_o what_o man_n dare_v alter_v it_o take_v any_o prudential_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n give_v to_o preserve_v all_o these_o inviolable_a till_o christ_n come_v 1_o tim_n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o argument_n there_o be_v a_o four_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o last_o which_o be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o house_n without_o any_o particular_a government_n only_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o appoint_v what_o government_n they_o please_v it_o will_v reflect_v much_o on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n his_o vinyard_n his_o garden_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o law_n to_o govern_v no_o court_n to_o guide_v this_o kingdom_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o best_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n will_v not_o do_v so_o with_o his_o kingdom_n much_o less_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o for_o the_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n answer_v their_o objection_n iii_o the_o first_o be_v say_v they_o from_o 2_o tim_n 3_o 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o government_n we_o answer_v this_o same_o argument_n may_v as_o well_o strict_a against_o magistracy_n but_o second_o we_o say_v which_o we_o make_v already_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n hence_o their_o argument_n prove_v not_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v command_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o add_v to_o it_o but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v enough_o we_o answer_v not_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o save_v soul_n yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a also_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o say_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o be_v pollute_v by_o the_o rush_a foreward_n of_o dog_n and_o scandalous_a person_n all_o the_o preach_a that_o can_v be_v to_o bid_v scandalous_a man_n keep_v back_o will_v not_o do_v then_o 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o scandalous_a man_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n therefore_o put_v the_o incestous_a man_n from_o among_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
speak_v of_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n must_v be_v expon_v according_a to_o the_o first_o part_n howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v now_o certain_o that_o be_v mean_v of_o other_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v before_o add_v and_o so_o this_o five_o thousand_o must_v be_v a_o new_a number_n five_o in_o act_n 5._o 14._o beside_o all_o these_o it_o be_v say_v and_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o six_o in_o act._n 6._o 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n they_o multiply_v and_o multiply_v great_o and_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n but_o the_o leader_n and_o priest_n also_o who_o doubtless_o will_v bring_v multitude_n with_o they_o by_o their_o example_n now_o all_o these_o be_v consider_v any_o understand_a man_n may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o these_o will_v amount_v to_o behoove_v to_o be_v cast_v in_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o and_o can_v not_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o ground_n of_o our_o proof_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o first_o what_o they_o say_v against_o this_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n main_o they_o object_n and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v stranger_n who_o have_v not_o their_o dwell_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o do_v not_o remain_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o for_o this_o they_o cite_v act_n 2._o 8_o 9_o where_o it_o be_v reckon_v that_o among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o hearer_n there_o be_v parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamit_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o those_o man_n come_v out_o of_o those_o far_a country_n be_v godly_a man_n who_o come_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o come_n who_o be_v then_o expect_v yet_o they_o be_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o that_o time_n and_o for_o this_o see_v act_n 2._o 5._o and_o there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n so_o they_o have_v take_v up_o house_n and_o be_v dwell_v there_o and_o in_o five_o 14._o where_o peter_n begin_v his_o preach_a he_o say_v you_o man_n of_o judea_n and_o all_o you_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v this_o know_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n second_o we_o answer_v dwell_v where_o they_o please_v they_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o appear_v from_o several_a thing_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o any_o but_o member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o in_o verse_n 47._o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n daily_o second_o in_o verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n etc._n etc._n three_o in_o verse_n 45._o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o good_n into_o the_o church_n treasury_n for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o four_o we_o find_v in_o act._n 6._o 5._o that_o they_o all_o join_v in_o choose_v the_o deacon_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n now_o sure_a these_o be_v action_n that_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o church-member_n this_o for_o their_o first_o objection_n their_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o say_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o that_o they_o do_v meet_v all_o at_o one_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o evince_v our_o argument_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n do_v come_v together_o as_o for_o instance_n act._n 2._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v also_o say_v act._n 6._o 2._o then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 5._o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n now_o to_o take_v off_o this_o exception_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a of_o their_o objection_n first_o consider_v what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o number_n and_o what_o thousand_o be_v in_o this_o church_n and_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v possible_a that_o all_o those_o shall_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n must_v be_v take_v in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o learned_a that_o the_o word_n here_o turn_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v a_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o room_n but_o the_o agree_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o judgement_n in_o one_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o they_o cite_v act._n 4._o 25_o 26_o why_o do_v the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n imagine_v vain_a thing_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v up_o and_o the_o ruler_n be_v gather_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v there_o turn_v in_o one_o place_n which_o be_v here_o turn_v gather_v together_o and_o certain_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v prove_v that_o herod_n pontius_n pilate_n jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o they_o agree_v in_o one_o judgement_n and_o hearty_a affection_n about_o it_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n may_v well_o be_v take_v thus_o in_o t●is_n other_o place_n but_o yet_o to_o speak_v to_o these_o place_n further_a for_o act._n 2._o 1._o that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n it_o make_v nothing_o against_o our_o argument_n for_o the_o number_n be_v not_o then_o so_o great_a as_o we_o show_v it_o grow_v afterward_o and_o so_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n the_o same_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o that_o in_o verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n they_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o the_o full_a number_n that_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o so_o that_o although_o they_o may_v all_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o afterward_o they_o can_v not_o and_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o point_n they_o bring_v it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o mention_v they_o come_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o congregation_n partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v afterward_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n mean_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o from_o house_n to_o house_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n so_o that_o place_n make_v more_o against_o our_o opposite_n than_o against_o we_o for_o the_o other_o place_n in_o act._n 6._o 5._o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n be_v come_v to_o a_o great_a extent_n yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o whole_a multitude_n to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n can_v be_v mean_v all_o before_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v mean_v a_o great_a multitude_n as_o in_o that_o of_o luke_n 8._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gadarens_n round_o about_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o man_n and_o mother-son_n or_o every_o individual_a person_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v christ_n but_o only_o a_o great_a multitude_n or_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a multitude_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o luke_n 1._o 10._o and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n be_v pray_v without_o when_o zacharias_n be_v offer_v incense_n now_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o but_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o be_v present_a this_o for_o their_o second_o objection_n their_o three_o objection_n be_v this_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o before_o the_o persecution_n that_o fall_v out_o act._n 8_o 1._o yet_o when_o that_o persecution_n come_v there_o
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v se●k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n 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good_a and_o of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o of_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o stick_v fast_o by_o it_o what_o be_v from_o man_n corruption_n mourn_v for_o it_o pray_v themselves_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o a_o even_a way_n you_o have_v need_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o ground_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o quit_v they_o only_o remember_v they_o be_v truth_n you_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v with_o your_o hand_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a sect_n v._o a_o short_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v go_v through_o these_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o refute_v some_o dangerous_a error_n of_o doctrine_n 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alone_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o enough_o that_o any_o other_o have_v grace_n but_o only_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n under_o which_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n which_o similitude_n do_v show_v there_o be_v not_o that_o strictness_n require_v in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o separatist_n judge_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draught_n net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth_n 13._o second_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o tare_n ibid._n three_o it_o be_v compare_v matth_n 22._o to_o a_o table_n of_o guest_n where_o there_o be_v some_o with_o and_o some_o without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n four_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v and_o to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v many_o call_v but_o few_o choose_a now_o how_o shall_v tare_n chaff_n goat_n etc._n etc._n give_v convince_a sign_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o certain_o these_o similitude_n seem_v to_o speak_v that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wal_n or_o pick_v out_o in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n provide_v they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n once_o take_v they_o in_o and_o and_o then_o let_v the_o word_n work_n on_o they_o this_o great_a wale_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v when_o the_o net_n come_v to_o the_o shore_n when_o the_o great_a harvest_n come_v when_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v sever_v this_o much_o for_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o answer_v their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a shall_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o church_n member_n as_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o obj._n 1_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a be_v take_v from_o these_o glorious_a s●●ies_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n a_o chaste_a ●●rgine_n spouse_v to_o christ_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o christ_n mystical_a body_n who_o member_n be_v all_o gracious_a now_o say_v they_o see_v the_o church_n have_v these_o style_n in_o scripture_n shall_v any_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o discern_a have_v grace_n for_o answer_v if_o this_o argument_n conclude_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v conclude_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o who_o have_v real_a grace_n for_o none_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o christs●_n mystical_a body_n the_o lamb_n wife_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o only_a now_o this_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v they_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v paint_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o same_o for_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n be_v such_o and_o so_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v grant_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o you_o will_v know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a christian_n and_o paint_a hypocrite_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n it_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o evil_a man_n among_o they_o all_o hence_o be_v these_o style_n the_o lamb_n wise_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part._n again_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n it_o give_v such_o name_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n among_o they_o all_o it_o call_v they_o stifnecked_n a_o rebelious_a house_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n now_o as_o it_o be_v ill_o argue_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n where_o such_o style_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n be_v corrupter_n stifnecked_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o one_o seek_v god_n for_o there_o he_o give_v they_o those_o style_n from_o the_o evil_a part_n among_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o ill_o argue_v from_o these_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o lamb_n wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o and_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o more_o full_o from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_n 6_o 18._o they_o get_v many_o glorious_a style_n they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a they_o be_v call_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor_n 11_o 2._o now_o there_o be_v many_o schismatic_n among_o they_o some_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n some_o vilify_n paul_n doctrine_n many_o who_o be_v contentious_a drunkard_n fornicator_n so_o that_o these_o style_n can_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o be_v among_o they_o even_o as_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o corn_n will_v call_v it_o a_o heap_n of_o corn_n not_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o corn_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o corn_n be_v the_o best_a part_n and_o so_o the_o church_n visible_a wherein_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n be_v denominate_v from_o the_o better_a part_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o sometime_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o call_v stiffnecked_n etc._n etc._n obj._n two_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o act_n 2._o 47._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v they_o god_n add_v no_o other_o to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v save_v therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o for_o answer_v if_o any_o thing_n follow_v from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v believer_n real_o for_o no_o other_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o chief_a care_n of_o add_v those_o to_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o add_v no_o other_o for_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v he_o add_v more_o five_o 41_o whole_a three_o thousand_o be_v add_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o obj._n iii_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o matth_n 22._o 12._o in_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o king_n banquet_n where_o he_o bid_v his_o servant_n go_v and_o invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n and_o find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n say_v he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o admit_v he_o to_o this_o privilege_n we_o answer_v this_o be_v quite_o contrair_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o command_n v_o 9_o go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v command_v to_o invite_v all_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o none_o for_o want_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n for_o that_o be_v inward_a be_v only_o discernible_a by_o god_n indeed_o this_o parable_n will_v show_v this_o much_o that_o minister_n may_v admit_v people_n to_o communion_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v come_v with_o a_o after_o search_v and_o find_v many_o there_o who_o he_o will_v cast_v that_o minister_n have_v admit_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v through_o a_o minister_n trial_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n the_o place_n say_v that_o christ_n find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n but_o it_o say_v not_o that_o minister_n shall_v let_v none_o come_v but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v five_o 14._o there_o it_o be_v say_v for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v ob._n iv_o their_o four_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n speak_v there_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v nevertheless_o i_o have_v
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v 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 the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_o
endeavour_n be_v that_o controversy_n be_v clear_o state_v and_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o solidity_n do_v he_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o confute_v the_o contrary_a error_n and_o all_o this_o without_o bitterness_n or_o wrath_n but_o with_o such_o calmness_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v so_o that_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o the_o english_a army_n though_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n do_v resort_v to_o hear_v he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o effect_n his_o teach_v of_o these_o truth_n have_v on_o they_o but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n these_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o commendation_n of_o that_o congregation_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n when_o i_o to_o their_o and_o my_o grief_n be_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o to_o a_o more_o difficult_a post_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o that_o as_o that_o congregation_n of_o kilwinning_n have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v blessed_v with_o eminent_a learned_a and_o pious_a man_n mr_n glasford_n mr_n bailie_n mr_n fergusson_n and_o mr_n rogirs_n so_o they_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o their_o labour_n be_v keep_v not_o only_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o unite_v among_o themselves_o when_o other_o have_v be_v woeful_o divide_v and_o they_o have_v always_o show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o their_o fruit_n may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o if_o some_o expression_n concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o independent_o or_o congregational_a man_n seem_v severe_a it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o speak_v against_o person_n but_o against_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o error_n follow_v that_o division_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o debate_n be_v hot_a about_o it_o and_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v take_v place_n in_o scotland_n but_o consider_v the_o zeal_n these_o of_o new-england_n have_v discover_v against_o error_n and_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v in_o association_n and_o synod_n when_o they_o think_v there_o be_v need_n and_o the_o love_n that_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o common_a trial_n and_o the_o late_a essay_n which_o have_v be_v make_v for_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o presbyterian_o and_o they_o in_o england_n i_o suppose_v if_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v live_v until_o this_o time_n he_o will_v have_v conclude_v the_o difference_n may_v be_v so_o lessen_v that_o it_o need_v not_o hinder_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v nor_o their_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o particular_a design_n of_o publish_v these_o discourse_n now_o when_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v hide_v for_o forty_o year_n but_o that_o the_o author_n son_n have_v long_o delay_v and_o decline_v to_o publish_v they_o though_o frequent_o and_o serious_o advise_v to_o do_v it_o by_o many_o he_o be_v advertise_v that_o some_o will_v publish_v the_o imperfect_a note_n receive_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v which_o be_v incorrect_a may_v not_o only_o prejudge_v the_o author_n name_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o edification_n if_o these_o as_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o useful_a what_o yet_o remain_v unprint_v of_o these_o discourse_n may_v see_v the_o light_n in_o due_a time_n there_o be_v here_o subjoin_v four_o sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n which_o the_o publisher_n and_o other_o hope_n may_v be_v find_v of_o good_a use_n and_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communicate_v more_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o judicious_a sermon_n which_o be_v long_v for_o by_o they_o who_o know_v he_o or_o his_o other_o work_n it_o have_v sure_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o have_v spare_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a author_n till_o now_o and_o that_o he_o have_v publish_v more_o of_o his_o work_n in_o his_o own_o time_n but_o see_v our_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n have_v dispose_v otherwise_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v but_o if_o by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n god_n get_v glory_n and_o the_o church_n be_v edify_v the_o publisher_n will_v rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n peruse_v his_o work_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o write_v i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o profit_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n will_v lead_v thou_o and_o all_o his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v they_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o church_n with_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o send_v out_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n with_o a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o mr._n fergusson_n and_o other_o eminent_o holy_a man_n who_o then_o live_v shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a reader_n thy_o soul_n cordial_a wellwisher_n george_n meldrum_n edinburgh_n june_n 1692._o the_o content_n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o be_v some_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o the_o text_n introductorie_n to_o the_o main_a purpose_n pag._n 1_o ad_fw-la 26._o doctr._n i._o error_n be_v to_o be_v eschew_v pag._n 3._o doctr._n ii_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v stu●●ed_v as_o holiness_n of_o life_n pag._n 5._o doctr._n iii_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n for_o a_o minister_n carriage_n in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n while_o he_o be_v refute_v their_o error_n pag._n 12._o doctr._n iu._n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n where_o be_v some_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n suffer_v error_n to_o spread_v pag._n 16._o doctr._n v._o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n pag._n 19_o doctr._n vi_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o where_o be_v 5_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n pag._n 23._o doctr._n vii_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o where_o be_v 3_o reason_n for_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o reverence_v much_o what_o warning_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v give_v by_o minister_n pag._n 28._o doct._n viii_o it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n where_o be_v 5_o direction_n for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o walk_v by_o in_o order_n to_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a pag._n 31._o doctr._n ix_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v betwixt_o popish_a tyranny_n and_o sectarian_n confusion_n pag._n 34._o doctr._n x._o the_o right_a trial_n to_o be_v take_v of_o doctrine_n preach_v or_o any_o otherwise_o vent_v be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o where_o be_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 38._o doct._n xi_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 44_o sect_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n try_v and_o foundnot_v to_o be_v of_o god_n wherein_o as_o in_o all_o the_o error_n follow_v first_o the_o question_n be_v state_v 2._o argument_n be_v bring_v for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o opposite_n exception_n 3._o the_o opposite_n objection_n be_v answer_v and_o refute_v from_o scripture_n
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n 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argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o 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sail_n so_o the_o root_n of_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n be_v a_o unmortified_a root_n of_o pride_n within_o they_o they_o have_v a_o fair_a pretext_n for_o it_o a_o pretext_n of_o liberty_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o may_v they_o not_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o you_o a_o fair_a pretext_n indeed_o but_o the_o root_n be_v pride_n they_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v rule_v over_o and_o so_o they_o will_v rule_v themselves_o thus_o when_o jeroboam_n make_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o have_v a_o fair_a pretext_n for_o this_o 1_o king_n 12_o 28_o it_o be_v too_o much_o say_v he_o for_o you_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v the_o pretext_n but_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o lust_n within_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o secure_a to_o himself_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o his_o own_o and_o this_o ambition_n breed_v 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be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o if_o you_o adhere_v and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o truth_n then_o shall_v you_o attain_v to_o walk_v as_o my_o disciple_n and_o it_o import_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o if_o you_o drink_v in_o error_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o so_o as_o profanity_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o error_n so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o daughter_n of_o error_n this_o serve_v to_o clear_v the_o point_n that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v as_o much_o watch_n and_o guard_n against_o error_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v against_o other_o gross_a sin_n or_o profanity_n of_o life_n for_o use_v this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o reproof_n first_o to_o those_o who_o will_v have_v toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o coercive_a mean_n to_o curb_v error_n and_o that_o because_o say_v they_o it_o may_v curb_v piety_n which_o follow_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o suppress_n of_o fornication_n will_v curb_v piety_n the_o one_o be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o other_o and_o god_n people_n may_v fall_v in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v as_o well_o curb_v as_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o may_v say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o capital_a sin_n in_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o king_n will_v proclaim_v liberty_n to_o drink_v to_o swear_v to_o whore_n and_o to_o steal_v for_o both_o be_v alike_o evil_a and_o where_o the_o one_o be_v common_o the_o other_o be_v also_o and_o therefore_o to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o one_o be_v to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o other_o we_o think_v there_o be_v no_o heart_n zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n but_o shall_v abhor_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o use_v 2._o second_o the_o doctrine_n reprove_v those_o who_o think_v opinion_n be_v free_a many_o reason_n thus_o if_o you_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o be_v 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lust_n of_o pride_n to_o be_v eminent_a of_o covetousness_n to_o get_v your_o arm_n full_a of_o the_o world_n run_v as_o it_o will_v a_o lust_n of_o laziness_n in_o duty_n that_o will_v make_v you_o drink_v in_o that_o error_n that_o cast_v at_o all_o duty_n as_o needless_a so_o for_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereof_o heresy_n be_v one_o galat._n 5._o verse_n 21._o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v bring_v as_o one_o doct._n iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o and_o therein_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o style_n beloved_n a_o warm_a and_o kind_o compellation_n the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o raise_v be_v from_o compare_v the_o style_n with_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o he_o be_v to_o warn_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o error_n and_o yet_o he_o give_v they_o a_o love_a style_n beloved_n believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o give_v we_o this_o doctrine_n that_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n so_o we_o find_v paul_n labour_v to_o bear_v in_o himself_o on_o people_n affection_n especial_o in_o galat._n 4._o ver_n 10._o and_o 11._o you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o lest_o i_o have_v bestow_v on_o you_o labour_n in_o vain_a there_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o error_n and_o in_o the_o 12_o verse_n he_o bear_v in_o on_o their_o affection_n brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v as_o i_o be_o for_o i_o be_o as_o you_o be_v you_o have_v not_o injure_v i_o at_o all_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o corinth_n 12._o v._n 16._o through_o the_o whole_a epistle_n he_o have_v be_v speak_v against_o their_o error_n and_o all_o along_o he_o bear_v in_o on_o their_o affection_n especial_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o though_o the_o more_o abundant_o i_o love_v you_o the_o less_o i_o be_v love_v etc._n etc._n abundance_n of_o place_n show_v his_o practice_n to_o have_v be_v this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o when_o people_n begin_v to_o differ_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v at_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o chief_o those_o who_o will_v curb_v they_o for_o there_o be_v still_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n with_o error_n it_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v contradict_v or_o the_o least_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o its_o own_o prejudice_n if_o not_o all_o the_o more_o wary_o it_o will_v foam_v and_o rage_n and_o if_o it_o can_v bear_v down_o the_o contrary_a truth_n yet_o it_o will_v
on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v 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of_o bait_n and_o pretence_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o several_a error_n according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n so_o subtle_a be_v satan_n that_o he_o put_v a_o bait_n on_o for_o every_o appetit_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v pious_o strict_a and_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o be_v both_o towards_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o he_o have_v a_o bait_n to_o catch_v those_o to_o wit_n a_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n which_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n be_v cover_v with_o for_o this_o error_n allow_v church_n fellowship_n with_o none_o but_o these_o that_o have_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o way_n think_v they_o to_o shame_v natural_a men._n again_o there_o be_v some_o who_o humour_n be_v for_o looseness_n he_o put_v on_o a_o bait_n to_o gratify_v this_o humour_n also_o let_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o like_v say_v the_o antinomian_a and_o so_o according_a to_o people_n several_a humour_n there_o be_v a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o l●ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
least_o not_o such_o a_o ample_a grant_n as_o it_o be_v matth_n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n &c_n &c_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o exeem_v they_o indeed_o from_o err_v themselves_o but_o the_o promise_n be_v there_o more_o large_o give_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o and_o second_o minister_n as_o call_v watch_n man_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n god_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o there_o be_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n lay_v on_o private_a man_n by_o way_n of_o office_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v indeed_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o contrair_a to_o that_o of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n but_o beside_o this_o tie_n of_o charity_n lie_v on_o send_v minister_n there_o be_v a_o tie_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o that_o place_n act_n 20._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 he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o special_a charge_n and_o so_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o people_n soul_n then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o reason_n it_o be_v satan_n method_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n on_o people_n by_o cast_v in_o prejudices_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o send_v minister_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v sometime_o from_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v watch_v against_o lest_o satan_n subtlety_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o disrespect_n their_o minister_n for_o if_o that_o be_v once_o gain_v he_o have_v prevail_v very_o much_o doct_n viii_o now_o further_o he_o say_v believe_v no●_n every_o spirit_n but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o all_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o god_n way_n so_o matth_n 16._o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n practice_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o say_v they_o that_o i_o be_o say_v they_o some_o say_v tha●_n thou_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n some_o elias_n other_o jeremiah_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a say_n about_o thou_o but_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n reas_n so_o people_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o it_o and_o that_o because_o first_o that_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o devil_n plot_n his_o design_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v people_n atheist_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v for_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o when_o the_o use_n which_o thou_o make_v of_o different_a opinion_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v believe_v none_o thou_o fulfille_v the_o devil_n design_n second_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o thy_o destruction_n the_o lord_n providence_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n be_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v more_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o thou_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n thou_o mock_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o own_o ruin_n the_o use_v then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o reprove_v those_o of_o this_o stamp_n to_o wit_n profane_v atheistical_a man_n that_o make_v no_o difference_n about_o religion_n but_o this_o let_v churchman_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a until_o then_o the_o back_n of_o our_o hand_n to_o altogether_o that_o be_v a_o woeful_a way_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n propose_v here_o viz._n what_o else_o shall_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n do_v about_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o all_o when_o they_o see_v every_o party_n have_v their_o own_o reason_n strong_a than_o these_o poor_a people_n can_v answer_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o direction_n ground_v on_o scripture_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a shore_n amid_o these_o rock_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o for_o difference_n that_o concern_v not_o people_n practice_n i_o will_v not_o have_v people_n trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o late_a unhappy_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o away_o so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o about_o they_o whatever_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n fall_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o practice_n be_v remove_v all_o contention_n about_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o second_o as_o to_o the_o difference_n wherein_o peoples_n practice_n be_v concern_v take_v these_o rule_n first_o for_o these_o that_o be_v uncontravert_v truth_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n this_o rule_n christ_n prescrive_v john_n 7._o 17._o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v something_o that_o thy_o conscience_n be_v clear_a of_o to_o be_v duty_n and_o although_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n may_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o make_v thou_o keep_v off_o from_o these_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v difference_n yet_o how_o be_v thou_o excuse_v for_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v duty_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n second_o we_o will_v know_v whatever_o be_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a way_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o way_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v humble_o after_o it_o at_o least_o if_o thou_o be_v judge_v thyself_o and_o as_o a_o damn_a bankrupt_a or_o d●vour_n by_o nature_n be_v close_v with_o christ_n and_o draw_v grace_n from_o he_o to_o make_v thou_o holy_a thou_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o as_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n debate_v as_o will_v take_v thou_o home_o to_o heaven_n a_o three_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v beware_v of_o call_v in_o question_n any_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o once_o have_v be_v seal_v into_o your_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o people_n have_v get_v thus_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n shall_v not_o ready_o be_v call_v in_o question_n a_o four_o direction_n be_v this_o that_o in_o seek_v out_o truth_n under_o difference_n we_o shall_v beware_v of_o loftyness_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o private_a person_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n speak_v in_o his_o court_n this_o be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v minister_n saying_n the_o people_n rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o this_o much_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v there_o shall_v be_v that_o humility_n in_o people_n that_o wh●n_a doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o point_n of_o receive_a truth_n within_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v offer_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n court_n to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o lie_v down_o any_o new_a 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trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v l●st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isa●a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
to_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n perfect_a in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o reproof_n use_v this_o reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n they_o cast_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o will_v have_v their_o tradition_n and_o their_o po●es_n decree_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o already_o in_o the_o precede_a doctrine_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o reprove_v the_o sectary_n some_o whereof_o reprove_v the_o word_n they_o will_v have_v a_o high_a trial_n and_o rule_n to_o examine_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o inbear_n of_o god_n spirit_n say_v they_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o lie_n but_o say_v we_o how_o know_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n except_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o word_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n yea_o and_o the_o last_o rule_n but_o here_o be_v a_o doubt_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n may_v some_o say_v for_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n to_o try_v doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n itself_o be_v obscure_a and_o every_o one_o pretend_v the_o word_n all_o party_n will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o true_a there_o be_v very_o few_o sectary_n who_o will_v not_o pretend_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o you_o may_v cast_v by_o the_o word_n but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o place_n obscure_a and_o although_o man_n of_o opinion_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o wrest_v the_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o word_n clear_a if_o it_o be_v right_o study_v as_o will_v make_v a_o man_n know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a hence_o that_o epithet_n give_v to_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lora_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o direct_v thy_o path_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o sea_n wherein_o elephant_n i._n e._n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n may_v swim_v and_o ready_o lose_v their_o fect_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o part_n be_v if_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o shallow_a calm_a run_a stream_n wherein_o lamb_n that_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v wade_v and_o find_v out_o god_n mind_n in_o it_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o take_v god_n way_n for_o search_v of_o it_o but_o say_v you_o what_o be_v that_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o people_n may_v hope_v so_o as_o not_o to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o search_n out_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v give_v several_a direction_n first_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o mistake_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v a_o diligent_a reader_n of_o it_o act_n 17._o 11._o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o daily_a task_n and_o second_o read_v of_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v prayer_n go_v along_v with_o it_o prov_n 2._o 3._o yea_o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n ver_fw-la 4._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o etc._n etc._n this_o cry_n and_o seek_v be_v certain_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o mean_n when_o people_n join_v prayer_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n they_o will_v more_o ready_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n than_o a_o man_n that_o take_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n three_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o meditation_n psal_n 1._o 2._o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o four_o with_o self-denial_n prov._n 3._o 5._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o word_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n on_o we_o of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n to_o seek_v light_n from_o it_o there_o be_v several_a other_o direction_n how_o people_n may_v be_v lead_v to_o get_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o some_o first_o obscure_a place_n be_v compare_v with_o these_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a will_v be_v clear_a also_o there_o be_v some_o place_n obscure_a but_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v in_o contrive_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v other_o place_n to_o make_v they_o clear_a so_o there_o be_v a_o obscure_a place_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o sound_a as_o if_o people_n need_v not_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v another_o place_n that_o clear_o show_v how_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ._n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o second_o in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a conception_n will_v father_n several_a sense_n the_o meaning_n that_o agree_v most_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v take_v this_o be_v that_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n so_o there_o be_v a_o place_n controvert_v he_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o say_v the_o antinomian_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v what_o we_o will_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o seek_v pardon_n or_o mourn_v for_o t●em_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o so_o we_o have_v none_o now_o this_o gloss_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o that_o believer_n have_v sin_n in_o they_o a_o body_n of_o death_n 1_o john_n 1_o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o it_o hold_v out_o believer_n at_o their_o best_a condition_n as_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o psalm_n 25._o 11._o so_o that_o this_o antinomian_a sense_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrar_n to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o lay_n of_o our_o iniquity_n on_o he_o must_v be_v the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o not_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n itself_o which_o be_v bind_v upon_o christ_n so_o another_o place_n the_o promoter_n of_o toleration_n plead_v from_o be_v that_o in_o phil._n 3_o 15._o that_o counsel_n that_o paul_n give_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o there_o be_v toleration_n whatever_o be_v people_n difference_n let_v they_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o light_n we_o say_v again_o that_o what_o paul_n say_v of_o mutual_a forbearance_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o error_n but_o it_o must_v only_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o that_o be_v error_n of_o infirmity_n as_o rome_n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o opposite_a meaning_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrair_a to_o the_o current_n of_o many_o other_o scripture_n which_o command_v heretic_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n so_o this_o be_v another_o way_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o much_o now_o for_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o know_v god_n mind_n in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o other_o mark_n which_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o doctrine_n but_o the_o time_n be_v now_o end_v i_o shall_v only_o name_v they_o first_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n will_v have_v holiness_n follow_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
worship_v a_o false_a god_n that_o therefore_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n though_o in_o a_o false_a way_n this_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o exception_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v extend_v but_o to_o idolater_n and_o those_o that_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o other_o to_o serve_v false_a god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o it_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o magistrate_n now_o to_o punish_v heretic_n worship_v a_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a way_n and_o that_o because_o of_o this_o rule_n necessary_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o expound_v of_o scripture_n that_o when_o the_o command_n of_o god_n do_v strict_a against_o any_o one_o sin_n most_o usual_a in_o the_o time_n by_o rule_n of_o proportion_n it_o strike_v against_o all_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o in_o the_o second_o command_n there_o be_v nothing_o express_o forbid_v but_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o grave_a image_n and_o that_o because_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o image_n be_v the_o sin_n most_o in_o use_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o under_o grave_v be_v forbid_v all_o way_n of_o worship_v of_o god_n invent_v by_o man_n and_o so_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o godly_a king_n do_v strict_a but_o against_o idolatry_n yet_o by_o rule_n of_o proportion_n all_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n shall_v be_v suppress_v to_o which_o add_v that_o when_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o any_o sin_n by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o death_n common_a equity_n will_v infer_v that_o lesser_a degree_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o lesser_a punishment_n at_o least_o second_o to_o what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v only_o punish_v idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v false_a they_o do_v punish_v other_o error_n also_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v think_v light_n of_o now_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n first_o they_o punish_v will_v worship_v in_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o we_o see_v by_o compare_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o 2_o king_n 23_o 8_o 9_o speak_v of_o josiah_n and_o he_o bring_v all_o the_o priest_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n and_o defile_v the_o high_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n have_v burn_v incense_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n against_o the_o high_a place_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n the_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o be_v the_o 2_o chrov_fw-mi 33._o 17._o which_o tell_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o high_a place_n nevertheless_o the_o people_n do_v sacrifice_v still_o in_o the_o high_a place_n yet_o unto_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n only_o so_o that_o this_o worship_v on_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o that_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n whereby_o a_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v but_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o whereby_o they_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o yet_o josiah_n suppress_v even_o this_o kind_n of_o false_a worship_n second_o we_o find_v that_o magistrate_n do_v employ_v their_o power_n for_o suppress_v of_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o and_o punish_v those_o that_o marry_v strange_a wife_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o idolater_n and_o apostat_n from_o the_o true_a god_n a_o noble_a example_n whereof_o be_v in_o nehemiah_n 13._o from_o verse_n 15_o to_o 21._o there_o be_v a_o large_a history_n what_o pain_n he_o take_v to_o reform_v the_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n therefore_o in_o the_o 21._o v._n then_o i_o testify_v against_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o lodge_v you_o about_o the_o wall_n if_o you_o do_v so_o again_o i_o will_v lay_v hand_n on_o you_o he_o threaten_v to_o employ_v the_o civil_a power_n for_o suppress_v of_o that_o error_n and_o this_o be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o second_o we_o find_v that_o the_o magistrate_n employ_v their_o power_n general_o for_o suppress_v any_o error_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o where_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron_n 34._o 31_o 32._o and_o the_o king_n stand_v in_o his_o place_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v present_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o against_o those_o who_o be_v seducer_n but_o also_o against_o those_o that_o be_v seduce_v so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o exodus_fw-la 32_o v_o 20._o in_o that_o idolatry_n of_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n when_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n in_o his_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o not_o only_o punish_v aaron_n but_o also_o the_o people_n and_o more_o than_o this_o he_o arm_n the_o levit_n as_o the_o avenger_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o proclaim_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v avenge_v the_o lord_n upon_o his_o very_a brother_n thus_o we_o have_v make_v out_o in_o the_o first_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n and_o have_v vindicate_v it_o by_o scripture_n from_o their_o exception_n bring_v against_o it_o the_o second_o argument_n shall_v yet_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o godly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n and_o other_o to_o punish_v blasphemer_n false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n heretic_n sabbath_n breaker_n and_o seducer_n from_o whence_o we_o form_n this_o argument_n that_o whatever_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n this_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o but_o magistrate_n be_v command_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a the_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o prove_v be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o magistrate_n and_o for_o this_o look_n over_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n exod._n 22._o 20._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v unto_o any_o god_n save_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o he_o shall_v be_v utter_o destroy_v there_o be_v a_o command_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o levit_fw-la 24_o 15._o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v whosoever_o curse_v his_o god_n shall_v bear_v his_o sin_n v_o 16._o and_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o shall_v sure_o be_v put_v to_o death_n so_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deut_n 1._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n etc._n etc._n through_o the_o whole_a chapter_n there_o be_v command_v give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v false_a worship_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v another_o and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o four_o command_n where_o a_o charge_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n for_o keep_v of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o to_o see_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o by_o other_o also_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o manner_n of_o work_n thou_o nor_o they_o son_n nor_o they_o daughter_n this_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o thing_n first_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n nehemiah_n the_o magistrate_n of_o god_n people_n do_v make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v sabbath_n breaker_n in_o that_o place_n we_o cite_v in_o nehemiah_n 13._o 21._o second_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o the_o gate_n speak_v of_o their_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n be_v a_o term_n which_o aggrege_v not_o to_o a_o single_a family_n but_o a_o whole_a city_n even_o to_o the_o circuit_n of_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n gates_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n gene●_n 22._o 17_o and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n it_o follow_v as_o in_o that_o respect_n therefore_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o magistrate_n no_o master_n of_o a_o family_n have_v such_o large_a power_n and_o three_o the_o power_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v
excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a person_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o say_v they_o this_o command_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o as_o also_o the_o command_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o reproof_n in_o v_o 2._o and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v more_o reprove_v than_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n belong_v to_o other_o than_o these_o in_o answer_v this_o argument_n we_o shall_v first_o retort_v it_o on_o themselves_o for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n for_o if_o the_o command_n be_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n than_o they_o be_v not_o except_v and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o reproof_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o doubtless_o woman_n and_o child_n mourn_v no_o more_o than_o the_o man_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v also_o now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o against_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o two_o main_a pillar_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n with_o the_o reproof_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o point_n that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n know_v that_o god_n use_v to_o give_v command_v indefinite_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v to_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a calling_n interest_n or_o relation_n the_o command_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v make_v this_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 31._o where_o paul_n speak_v general_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n you_o may_v all_o prophecy_n one_o by_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o and_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n mind_n that_o all_o to_o who_o he_o writ_n shall_v do_v this_o but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ability_n and_o a_o call_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a 12_o chap._n 29._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v to_o esteem_v high_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o work_n sake_n for_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o but_o only_o by_o some_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n officer_n and_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n the_o relax_a of_o the_o incestous_a man_n from_o excommunication_n and_o say_v he_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o now_o he_o do_v not_o say_v inflict_v of_o all_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o word_n bear_v but_o inflict_v of_o many_o yea_o as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o word_n many_o signify_v the_o chief_a one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v matth_n 12._o 41_o a_o great_a than_o ionas_n so_o paul_n explain_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o but_o the_o chief_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o ruler_n by_o who_o the_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o now_o for_o answer_v their_o objection_n iv._o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n we_o shall_v come_v and_o apply_v the_o whole_a purpose_n to_o a_o threefold_a use._n and_o the_o first_o be_v see_v this_o error_n as_o we_o have_v now_o make_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o will_v have_v you_o suspect_v fair_a pretence_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o there_o be_v no_o error_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n than_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o judge_v other_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o that_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n have_v and_o so_o we_o need_v to_o stumble_v the_o less_o at_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o say_v they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n numb-16_a 3._o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o private_a christian_n that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o second_o content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n and_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n whereof_o many_o come_v short_a doubtless_o many_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n see_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o officer_n thereof_o minister_n and_o elder_n nay_o but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n although_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o believer_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v even_o their_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o private_a christian_n that_o when_o your_o private_a admonition_n do_v not_o the_o business_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v this_o matth_n 16._o where_o christ_n institute_n this_o order_n v_o 16._o 1._o to_o tell_v thy_o brother_n private_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v two_o or_o three_o more_o witness_n with_o thou_o then_o if_o that_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o every_o church_n member_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v even_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o when_o slack_a and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o and_o we_o will_v charge_v you_o to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o usual_o you_o do_v a_o second_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n we_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o practice_n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v a_o doctrine_n on_o trust_n from_o minister_n though_o apostle_n nay_o not_o from_o angel_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o private_a christian_n come_v short_a of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o many_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o what_o minister_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o loose_a ground_n for_o you_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o second_o as_o you_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n so_o you_o will_v content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n you_o will_v look_v on_o church_n officer_n and_o reverence_n they_o you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v what_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o in_o ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o be_v as_o fit_a as_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o who_o reproach_v they_o reproach_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n appoint_v by_o god_n the_o three_o use_n be_v direct_v to_o church_n officer_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v instruct_v with_o this_o power_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n you_o shall_v so_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o your_o place_n as_o not_o to_o tempt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o despise_v your_o office_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n hear_v of_o a_o elder_a to_o be_v a_o tipler_n or_o a_o swearer_n it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o despise_v both_o that_o elder_a and_o his_o office_n many_o sure_o in_o this_o be_v stumble_v block_n to_o people_n as_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v weight_n
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o el●ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o me●_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o ●aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o 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