more_o evident_a than_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v viz._n that_o diotrephes_n be_v the_o primate_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n at_o large_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o their_o calumniate_a tongue_n who_o ordinary_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o keep_v from_o the_o world_n their_o argument_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o delude_v the_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o ignorance_n his_o word_n therefore_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n be_v these_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n say_v he_o whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o saint_n john_n say_v verse_n the_o 9_o i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o see_v no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n so_o confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v his_o particular_a congregation_n now_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v plain_o that_o the_o doctor_n can_v expound_v those_o brethren_n and_o their_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n delcare_v except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 8_o oughts_z to_o be_v receive_v and_o ver_fw-la 10_o who_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v how_o then_o do_v the_o doctor_n say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o who_o joint_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o brethren_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o brethren_n a_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o the_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n conjoint_o consent_v unto_o it_o let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v that_o d_o otrephe_n oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o that_o will_v have_v receive_v those_o who_o saint_n john_n say_v vers_fw-la the_o 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o verse_n 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o no_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow_n saint_n diotrephes_n love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o he_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o the_o doctor_n can_v have_v urge_v this_o scripture_n against_o the_o domineer_a prelate_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o diotrephes_n do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o do_v affront_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v for_o have_v diotrephes_n do_v so_o why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o then_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v tather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n before_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n then_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o hiâ—_n evil_a that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o st_n john_n will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n of_o grave_n solid_a learned_a religious_a and_o wise_a divine_n and_o minister_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n and_o common-council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v or_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n that_o he_o prate_v against_o we_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o know_v any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n neither_o classical_a nor_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a those_o appeal_v he_o mention_v page_n 10_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytry_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o that_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n i_o only_o ask_v the_o doctor_n how_o he_o can_v prove_v those_o appeal_n by_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v whether_o that_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n especial_o if_o they_o may_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n might_n archipus_fw-la coloss_n 4._o 17._o and_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytry_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytry_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o say_v more_o touch_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o answer_n unto_o the_o three_o question_n and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o the_o objection_n with_o his_o answer_n mention_v page_n 19_o to_o the_o 29._o unto_o its_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v desire_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n proof_n of_o his_o first_o proposition_n which_o he_o labour_v first_o by_o produce_v such_o scripture_n as_o he_o conceive_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v his_o argument_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n in_o way_n of_o reply_n speak_v to_o my_o argument_n concern_v diotrephes_n and_o of_o his_o intention_n what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o his_o word_n at_o large_a omit_v only_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_a text_n which_o he_o school-boy-like_a scrible_v to_o little_a other_o purpose_n than_o to_o show_v his_o own_o vanity_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o ignorant_a people_n that_o he_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o kind_n of_o learning_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o of_o his_o fraternity_n general_o despise_v and_o contemn_v i_o have_v therefore_o omit_v they_o especial_o have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n from_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 19_o rather_o to_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
therefore_o he_o do_v not_o again_o and_o again_o contradict_v himself_o and_o confirm_v my_o argument_n and_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a i_o shall_v also_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o these_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v say_v he_o i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o saint_n johns_n time_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n otherwise_o shall_v st._n john_n have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n to_o have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o have_v punish_v and_o censure_v he_o but_o say_v mr_n knollys_n if_o diotrephes_n have_v affront_v the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_a saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n and_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v against_o he_o that_o he_o praâ—eâ—_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o thus_o mr_n knollys_n trifling_o cavil_v as_o if_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n have_v be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o if_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o in_o send_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o also_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o presbyter_n in_o they_o when_o we_o learn_v from_o all_o those_o epistle_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o seven_o church_n as_o of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n through_o the_o world_n lay_v only_o on_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n which_o mr_n knollys_n also_o assent_v unto_o say_v page_n 11._o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o his_o write_v to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n principal_o who_o be_v the_o officer_n in_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n who_o will_v in_o convenient_a time_n have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n though_o saint_n john_n have_v never_o come_v thither_o but_o he_o signify_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n make_v they_o retard_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o be_v a_o fellow-presbyter_n with_o they_o as_o peter_n be_v with_o those_o presbyter_n he_o writ_n unto_o 1_o epistle_n pet._n chap._n 5._o may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n all_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v that_o saint_n john_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o whible_a question_n be_v vain_a and_o mere_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o stupid_a or_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o but_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o time_n in_o every_o corporation_n or_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o know_v not_o if_o any_o alderman_n of_o any_o corporation_n or_o any_o commissioner_n of_o any_o committee_n shall_v affect_v a_o particular_a domination_n to_o himself_o over_o his_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n or_o over_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n whenas_o they_o be_v by_o their_o charter_n and_o commission_n to_o govern_v their_o several_a corporation_n hundred_o rape_n riding_n or_o wapentak_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a counsel_n and_o aggreement_n of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o no_o order_n make_v without_o their_o combine_a authority_n or_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o of_o force_n i_o say_v who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o if_o any_o of_o those_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n contrary_a unto_o their_o charter_n or_o commission_n shall_v not_o only_o assume_v unto_o himself_o a_o particular_a power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o give_v law_n unto_o other_o and_o in_o bring_v in_o or_o put_v out_o either_o in_o the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n who_o they_o please_v and_o shall_v also_o use_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n that_o any_o either_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corporation_n &_o committee_n with_o the_o commissioner_n in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o offend_v against_o their_o government_n and_o deserve_v thereby_o severe_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o who_o do_v not_o likewise_o know_v that_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v understand_v of_o this_o their_o disorderly_a carriage_n and_o shall_v inform_v the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n of_o it_o by_o letter_n and_o say_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n by_o these_o his_o expression_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o corporation_n and_o committee_n a_o stand_a court_n in_o which_o there_o be_v power_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o punish_n and_o censure_v of_o any_o such_o offender_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v so_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o withal_o will_v say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o commissioner_n information_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v or_o hinder_v the_o proceed_n of_o that_o court_n or_o minorise_v its_o power_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v on_o to_o censure_v such_o as_o shall_v offend_v against_o their_o authority_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o though_o that_o commissioner_n that_o inform_v against_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v present_a and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o it_o have_v a_o court_n and_o power_n within_o itself_o of_o proceed_v against_o diotrephes_n and_o will_v have_v use_v it_o against_o he_o whether_o s._n john_n have_v come_v or_o no_o although_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o he_o till_o saint_n john_n come_v yea_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o church_n though_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a peremptory_o assert_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o such_o court_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o that_o i_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o appeal_n but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o m._n knollys_n to_o confute_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o all_o other_o of_o his_o answer_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n we_o shall_v see_v for_o what_o christian_a ever_o with_o deliberation_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o can_v believe_v that_o st._n john_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o presbytry_n in_o every_o church_n when_o m._n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n know_v the_o government_n that_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o all_o church_n as_o well_o as_o mr_n knollys_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o government_n god_n have_v appoint_v &_o establish_v in_o every_o church_n which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v which_o be_v a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o company_n of_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n arm_v with_o power_n &_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o within_o their_o several_a presbytry_n to_o order_n rule_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n under_o
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v 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 from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
now_o live_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o shall_v be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a as_o to_o gainsay_v it_o and_o yet_o learned_a master_n knollys_n in_o his_o moderate_a answer_n as_o he_o call_v it_o pag._n 8._o and_o 9_o repli_v and_o answer_v to_o it_o by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n for_o very_o slender_a reason_n as_o his_o custom_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v give_v you_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n say_v he_o in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n neither_o do_v that_o scripture_n produce_v act_n 4._o 4._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o and_o albeit_o the_o dr._n make_v they_o up_o eight_o thousand_o by_o say_v those_o five_o thousand_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o the_o former_a believer_n pag._n 57_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctor_n addition_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n &_o how_o then_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n second_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n iâ—_n the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v wade_v up_o five_o thousand_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n own_o expression_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o this_o argument_n with_o his_o confuse_a reason_n or_o rather_o trifling_n what_o man_n but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o have_v but_o cursory_o read_v over_o my_o argument_n will_v not_o have_v observe_v the_o truth_n so_o plain_a and_o evident_o lay_v down_o in_o they_o and_o confirm_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v well_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o will_v have_v judge_v it_o either_o great_a blockishness_n in_o any_o and_o apparent_a ignorance_n to_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o great_a temerity_n and_o contentiousnesse_n of_o spirit_n to_o have_v gainsay_v such_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o verity_n and_o yet_o mr._n knollys_n out_o of_o the_o sublimity_n of_o his_o learning_n be_v a_o confident_a disputant_n not_o only_o confute_v i_o but_o repel_v the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o and_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v usual_o with_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n and_o all_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o contention_n to_o maintain_v their_o several_a faction_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v admire_v that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o abandon_v and_o abhor_v of_o all_o people_n true_o fear_v god_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v their_o whole_a study_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o delude_v and_o seduce_v poor_a silly_a creature_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o deliberate_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o man_n say_v he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n whereas_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o cite_v there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o three_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n himself_o do_v acknowledge_v pag._n 8._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o to_o who_o be_v add_v viz._n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v before_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n ministry_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o confess_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o woman_n among_o they_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n mention_v there_o be_v five_o thousand_o his_o word_n be_v these_o for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o now_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o eight_o thousand_o what_o so_o ever_o m._n knollys_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v for_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v it_o single_a and_o by_o itself_o ought_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o have_v both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o learned_a master_n knollys_n his_o own_o witness_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v and_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o these_o be_v distinct_a action_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o produce_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n from_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v take_v such_o notice_n of_o as_o such_o wonder_n and_o have_v be_v so_o distinct_o set_v down_o with_o all_o the_o several_a circumstance_n both_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v there_o have_v be_v such_o run_n and_o go_v question_v and_o consult_v about_o that_o business_n by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n as_o there_o be_v if_o some_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n have_v not_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o for_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o wonder_v at_o ordinary_a occurrence_n now_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v this_o new_a miracle_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n as_o a_o unexpected_a thing_n and_o sudden_o happen_v &_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n &_o astonishment_n yea_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o enemy_n from_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n &_o from_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n &_o john_n &_o assert_v withal_o that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v &_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5._o thousand_o v._o 4._o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o as_o this_o be_v a_o new_a act_n &_o distinct_a from_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n and_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o itself_o several_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o more_o admiration_n than_o the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o another_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n to_o convert_v five_o thousand_o than_o three_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v thus_o record_v with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o it_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o distinct_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n from_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o accurate_a in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n in_o the_o whole_a business_n for_o in_o express_a word_n and_o term_n it_o be_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o smother_v this_o miracle_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v the_o scripture_n believe_v and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n or_o fallacy_n in_o the_o story_n and_o narration_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o account_v of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o last_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v specify_v particularise_v and_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o scripture_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o set_v down_o the_o number_n and_o call_v they_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o safe_a always_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o
for_o we_o see_v what_o a_o tumult_n a_o few_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n by_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o paul_n make_v in_o the_o temple_n now_o if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v meet_v together_o and_o some_o of_o paul_n enemy_n have_v be_v there_o also_o and_o suggest_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n what_o a_o confusion_n may_v all_o man_n conceive_v will_v there_o then_o have_v be_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n can_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o master_n knollis_n his_o prattle_n be_v not_o only_o against_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o all_o orthodox_n interpreter_n but_o indeed_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o by_o multitude_n in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n understand_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o chief_a of_o believer_n and_o man_n of_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v a_o business_n and_o not_o a_o confuse_a company_n as_o this_o man_n say_v so_o that_o what_o i_o have_v reply_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o sufficient_o satisfi_v all_o well_o ground_v christian_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o first_o position_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yet_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v the_o confusedness_n and_o senselessenesse_n of_o this_o master_n knollys_n his_o follow_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o fit_v out_o of_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o frame_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n his_o word_n be_v these_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v his_o english_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o his_o abbertor_n to_o trifle_v about_o word_n but_o thus_o i_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o word_n where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n which_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v evident_a yea_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n that_o no_o judicious_a christian_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v tell_v if_o five_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v say_v and_o they_o likewise_o know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n they_o be_v teach_v much_o more_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o many_o such_o great_a number_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n all_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n suggest_v to_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o that_o the_o major_a of_o my_o syllogism_n be_v undeniable_a and_o for_o the_o minor_a beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o assert_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o we_o have_v master_n knollys_n his_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o but_o always_o be_v take_v for_o some_o great_a number_n that_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v there_o be_v many_o myriad_n that_o be_v many_o such_o great_a number_n therefore_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n though_o it_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o again_o and_o again_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_v treatise_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v pag._n 62._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 21._o 22._o chapter_n 6._o ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o 1._o that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o ministe_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n for_o answer_n in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o bold_o affirm_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v i_o viz_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o 8._o chap._n v._o 1._o and_o before_o the_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a as_o in_o act_n the_o 1._o verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v saint_n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o joseph_n call_v barsabas_n and_o mathias_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n these_o ensue_a truth_n do_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o they_o that_o be_v assemble_v here_o with_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v ancient_a disciple_n for_o say_v the_o text_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v company_v with_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v diligent_a scholar_n all_o that_o time_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o all_o christian_a principle_n as_o be_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o very_a word_n for_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v all_o thing_n christ_n both_o speak_v and_o do_v till_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o resurrection_n all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v necessary_o follow_v second_o this_o truth_n also_o do_v ensue_v out_o of_o the_o forego_v word_n that_o either_o all_o those_o man_n be_v minister_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o in_o express_a term_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o they_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n until_o christ_n ascension_n now_o among_o those_o that_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n beside_o john_n scholar_n christ_n have_v seventy_o disciple_n all_o minister_n which_o he_o send_v out_o two_o by_o two_o into_o all_o city_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o work_v wonder_n who_o come_v back_o again_o to_o he_o rejoice_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o and_o they_o still_o wait_v upon_o christ_n ministry_n we_o read_v also_o of_o many_o of_o johns_n disciple_n that_o come_v unto_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v minister_n likewise_o and_o such_o as_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o all_o these_o be_v with_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o this_o time_n &_o continue_v with_o they_o till_o the_o persecution_n for_o we_o read_v of_o no_o departure_n of_o they_o or_o separation_n till_o then_o and_o all_o these_o be_v man_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n make_v a_o noise_n to_o little_a purpose_n contradict_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o i_o ever_o yet_o read_v or_o talk_v with_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o form_n and_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o labour_n to_o reduce_v all_o to_o that_o pattern_n and_o ground_n all_o their_o proceed_n upon_o the_o platform_n of_o that_o church_n and_o do_v all_o as_o they_o affirm_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o hold_v synod_n to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o his_o word_n sufficient_o declare_v for_o which_o his_o grollery_n i_o believe_v all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n than_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n but_o many_o pastor_n and_o many_o teacher_n in_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o other_o church_n officer_n and_o then_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v more_o in_o number_n many_o time_n than_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o particular_a church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n indeed_o to_o all_o church_n than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o of_o they_o severally_z they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o all_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n do_v abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n to_o use_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o act_v the_o second_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o and_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n feed_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o very_a same_o example_n and_o pattern_n may_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v well_o form_v church_n &_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n among_o they_o for_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n have_v that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o nevertheless_o be_v well_o form_v church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o church_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o add_v to_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o force_v to_o walk_v either_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n that_o they_o may_v either_o know_v the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o be_v know_v of_o they_o noâ—_n be_v ever_o force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o by_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n before_o their_o admittance_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o that_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a daughter-churche_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n without_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o any_o that_o be_v add_v into_o she_o but_o of_o this_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o teach_v only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o first_o admission_n of_o member_n who_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n oppose_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o do_v saint_n paul_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 26_o 27._o of_o who_o they_o be_v afraid_a not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n never_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o schism_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o some_o fayling_n but_o always_o constant_o frequent_v their_o public_a meet_v place_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o teacher_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o in_o so_o do_v who_o when_o he_o be_v question_v concern_v his_o doctrine_n say_v i_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o in_o corner_n and_o by_o place_n and_o he_o enjoin_v the_o people_n also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o matth._n 23_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n his_o seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o you_o after_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v those_o three_o thousand_o convert_n unto_o we_o as_o not_o only_o skilful_a in_o the_o theory_n of_o church-fellowship_n but_o also_o exceed_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o it_o whether_o therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o in_o that_o j._n s._n say_v it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v when_o the_o scripture_n report_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v give_v their_o verdict_n against_o i._n s._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n fellowship_n that_o be_v omit_v by_o they_o and_o although_o i_o love_v not_o such_o as_o will_v groundless_o be_v suspicious_a as_o i._o s._n be_v here_o and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o independnnt_n will_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v i_o continue_v in_o this_o belief_n for_o what_o i_o already_o know_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n they_o make_v notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o noy_n about_o therefore_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o censure_v their_o christian_n brethren_n that_o live_v harmelesse_o by_o they_o but_o to_o suspect_v all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n yea_o and_o to_o suspect_v even_o those_o three_o thousand_o also_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o adjudge_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o be_v all_o ignorant_a what_o church_n government_n and_o church_n fellowship_n be_v i_o leave_v it_o likewise_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prudent_a &_o advise_v reader_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a dependent_n thus_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregationall_a predicant_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v church_n fellowship_n when_o not_o withstand_v it_o be_v record_v of_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o practise_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n act_v the_o 20._o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o build_n up_o of_o believer_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i._o s._n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v still_o full_a of_o suspicion_n and_o yet_o never_o satisfy_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confute_v their_o erroneous_a novelty_n for_o although_o i_o have_v sufficient_o confirm_v my_o first_o proposition_n and_o prove_v by_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v good_a christian_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o i._n s._n page_n 11._o say_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a and_o mr_n knollys_n in_o his_o 11._o page_n affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v though_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o evident_o prove_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v christ_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o faithful_a minister_n can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o jew_n but_o they_o ever_o resist_v his_o spirit_n act_v 7._o neither_o can_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o satisfy_v all_o gainsayer_n but_o they_o will_v still_o be_v doubt_v among_o the_o which_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v with_o many_o of_o their_o fraternity_n may_v well_o be_v number_v but_o for_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o from_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o will_v learn_v to_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o straggler_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o decline_v &_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o fellowship_n and_o for_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o will_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n i_o desire_v ever_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o not_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v ever_o scepticall_a and_o ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o attain_v or_o come_v to_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o other_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o for_o all_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o study_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v a_o company_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o all_o such_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o notwithstanding_o i_o say_v i_o have_v very_o little_a hope_n ever_o to_o satisfy_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o go_v about_o a_o impossible_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v sâ—e_v my_o fair_a deal_v with_o i._o s._n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n i_o will_v therefore_o add_v a_o few_o reason_n more_o or_o at_o least_o call_v some_o of_o the_o former_a brief_o to_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o satisfy_v he_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v satisfy_v and_o content_v other_o and_o to_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v produce_v i_o will_v also_o add_v some_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n or_o conviction_n at_o least_o all_o such_o as_o have_v read_v i._o s._n his_o learned_a work_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o cut_v of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n passion_n and_o ascension_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o saint_n absolute_o deny_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_n all_o this_o i_o say_v those_o that_o have_v read_v his_o scruple_n very_o well_o know_v they_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o saint_n peter_n though_o he_o uncharitable_o say_v that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v so_o that_o here_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n we_o have_v a_o very_a ample_a congregation_n consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a man_n when_o master_n knollys_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o they_o that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o people_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o far_o contest_v between_o we_o about_o this_o business_n see_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o contentiousnesse_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n who_o grant_v the_o thing_n and_o yet_o wrangle_v about_o word_n and_o that_o wretched_o and_o poor_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v in_o my_o argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o do_v prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n second_o that_o that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n these_o two_o thing_n master_n knollys_n affirm_v will_v not_o ensue_v from_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_v my_o argument_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o both_o these_o cavil_v of_o master_n hanserdo_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o a_o foreiner_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n so_o he_o be_v but_o a_o suck_a politician_n not_o know_v either_o his_o primer_n in_o that_o art_n or_o his_o catechism_n in_o theology_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a error_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o his_o fraternity_n who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n they_o be_v excellent_a statesman_n and_o grandee_n in_o government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n will_v more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o intelligible_a creature_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o have_v either_o read_v or_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o legislative_a power_n lie_v so_o that_o they_o can_v either_o make_v or_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o statute_n or_o repeal_n or_o abrogate_v any_o old_a one_o and_o ratify_v both_o with_o sanction_n and_o who_o have_v also_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o punish_v all_o prevaricator_n against_o their_o law_n all_o man_n i_o say_v know_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o and_o only_o in_o those_o man_n hand_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o essential_a part_n or_o property_n of_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o judaea_n and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n v._o 25._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n whither_o they_o have_v carry_v the_o alm_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o princiall_a and_o chief_a presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n it_o may_v not_o be_v credit_v that_o they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o prime_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n do_v sit_v still_o and_o leave_v the_o rule_n order_v and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o other_o of_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n but_o they_o also_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o government_n at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o at_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v when_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o either_o and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o joint_a consent_n and_o when_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o all_o it_o necessary_o follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o garrulity_n that_o my_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o scripture_n will_v ever_o stand_v good_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o send_n of_o the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o and_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n govern_v and_o rule_v it_o by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n who_o say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a presbyter_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n much_o less_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o people_n in_o they_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o that_o scripture_n that_o the_o relief_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o as_o he_o himself_o set_v it_o down_o in_o the_o 12._o page_z of_o his_o book_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
reckon_v before_o his_o host_n but_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o their_o denial_n then_o i_o be_o may_v speak_v according_a to_o his_o information_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a as_o in_o the_o former_a of_o his_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o can_v name_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o tell_v i_o discourse_v with_o they_o that_o by_o read_v of_o my_o book_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o to_o my_o knowledge_n all_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o abundant_o evince_v there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v own_o word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o man_n as_o have_v any_o understanding_n and_o without_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o forego_n discourse_n course_n whither_o i_o send_v they_o entreat_v they_o likewise_o with_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v it_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v believe_v concern_v that_o business_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v former_o deny_v they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o concession_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o i_o be_o most_o assure_a they_o will_v also_o for_o time_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n how_o they_o believe_v mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n without_o other_o sufficient_a and_o approve_a witness_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v he_o in_o the_o 13._o page_n answer_v thus_o first_o say_v he_o they_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n a_o example_n of_o unite_n or_o aggregation_n except_o it_o be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n aggregated_a which_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n may_v well_o doubt_v of_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v yet_o be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o good_a for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n i_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n that_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v but_o what_o i_o have_v wrâ—t_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n both_o to_o himself_o hanserdo_v knollys_n and_o my_o learned_a brother_n burton_n will_v never_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n aggregated_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v send_v all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o shun_v error_n and_o to_o decline_v all_o trivall_n and_o fond_a seducer_n to_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_n to_o his_o first_o reply_n second_o say_v he_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o church_n do_v aggregate_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o example_n be_v bind_o presidentiall_a etc._n etc._n here_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o novice_n and_o worthless_a man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o all_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o any_o sound_a reason_n or_o with_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n for_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o independent_o against_o he_o in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o its_o government_n to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o have_v be_v all_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o illdependents_n whether_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o profess_v that_o then_o the_o cause_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o day_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n assent_v unto_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n so_o that_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o mind_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o persuade_v other_o they_o be_v now_o profound_a i._n s._n deny_v that_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o assembly_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a these_o be_v his_o word_n by_o the_o which_o he_o beat_v up_o all_o the_o independent_o quarter_n to_o use_v his_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v that_o cause_n he_o as_o a_o champion_n come_v out_o to_o maintain_v neither_o have_v he_o only_o beat_v up_o the_o independent_o quarter_n but_o indeed_o all_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n for_o that_o government_n they_o establish_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v leave_v for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o not_o only_o the_o independent_o but_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v do_v accord_n yea_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v command_v it_o isaih_o 2._o saying_n out_o of_o zion_n shall_v come_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n therefore_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o this_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v and_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n phil._n 3._o now_o when_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v all_o church_n after_o one_o way_n and_o aggregated_a many_o church_n or_o congregation_n all_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o each_o of_o they_o several_o as_o in_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n that_o church_n principal_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v leave_v for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n of_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a from_o all_o which_o when_o j._n s._n most_o rash_o and_o wicked_o dissent_v i_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n who_o i_o hope_v will_v whip_v he_o out_o of_o their_o assembly_n with_o his_o foolish_a flagello_fw-la flagelli_fw-la for_o thus_o sottish_o beat_v up_o of_o all_o their_o quarter_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o independent_o principle_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n his_o grollery_n to_o the_o former_a proposition_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n concern_v hanserdo_a i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o as_o they_o be_v very_o confuse_v in_o their_o reply_n jumble_v thing_n together_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a leap_v backward_o and_o forward_o pick_v and_o choose_v snatch_v and_o carp_n yea_o and_o trifle_v about_o word_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a defendant_n be_v so_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o saintlike_a with_o the_o people_n who_o they_o desire_v to_o delude_v and_o therefore_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o most_o material_a argument_n never_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v all_o as_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n to_o and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o be_v they_o most_o prodigious_o abuse_v the_o well_o mind_a people_n and_o by_o these_o their_o unchristian_a unbrother_o and_o wicked_a deal_n they_o every_o day_n broach_v their_o error_n with_o more_o facility_n and_o abuse_v all_o their_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_a follower_n to_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o poor_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o which_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v be_v man_n
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v arm_v all_o man_n with_o some_o caution_n in_o read_v their_o pamphlet_n which_o they_o write_v against_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o never_o deal_v candid_o neither_o with_o they_o nor_o with_o their_o own_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o either_o whole_o dissuade_v they_o from_o read_v our_o book_n or_o else_o by_o their_o emissary_n and_o rail_a libel_n they_o most_o shameful_o vilify_v and_o belie_v they_o so_o that_o they_o come_v prejudicate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o send_v their_o own_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a scribble_n among_o those_o of_o their_o fraternity_n who_o they_o miserable_o cozen_v and_o abuse_v with_o their_o fraudulent_a juggle_n and_o that_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a i_o say_v to_o speak_v before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n and_o several_a query_n arise_v from_o it_o concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o their_o answer_n unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o rather_o trifle_v then_o dispute_n as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o my_o reply_n unto_o they_o first_o set_v down_o the_o question_n full_o with_o all_o my_o query_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o all_o the_o material_n of_o their_o fond_a cavil_n and_o evasion_n with_o their_o silly_a responsal_n to_o they_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o then_o reply_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n deduce_v from_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v add_v many_o more_o precedent_n and_o they_o undeniable_a one_o of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v of_o member_n and_o that_o into_o church_n form_v after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n according_a to_o their_o own_o description_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o all_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v of_o their_o member_n and_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n evident_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o minister_n use_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a presbyterian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n i_o say_v by_o thegrace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v clear_o elucidate_v this_o truth_n that_o god_n use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n in_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o ought_v to_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o what_o order_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o `_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principal_a of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well_o affect_v former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o member-ship_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o the_o woman_n have_v all_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o man_n and_o whether_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o woman_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a for_o
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o second_o of_o james_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n ever_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o there_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o their_o tradition_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o all_o synagogue_n whersoever_o they_o journy_v yea_o christ_n himself_o command_v all_o his_o follower_n the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o ever_o send_v all_o those_o leper_n he_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n he_o never_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o godly_a minister_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o blame_v it_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o go_v against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v high_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o have_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n we_o may_v believe_v it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o under_o the_o prelate_n reign_n and_o power_n those_o godly_a and_o powerful_a minister_n such_o as_o my_o reverend_a tutor_n master_n richard_n rogers_n mr_n john_n rogers_n of_o dedham_n and_o mr_n dod_n and_o other_o when_o they_o sometime_o go_v to_o visit_v their_o friend_n through_o city_n and_o country_n by_o their_o preach_n they_o gain_v many_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o many_o town_n and_o village_n where_o after_o they_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o ministry_n convert_v they_o they_o leave_v they_o still_o abide_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n enjoin_v they_o diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o minister_n there_o dissuade_v they_o from_o separation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o never_o leave_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o their_o own_o minister_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o so_o they_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o then_o return_v home_o again_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a dwell_v place_n and_o they_o have_v christ_n command_n to_o do_v this_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_o
true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n right_o call_v upon_o and_o all_o those_o essential_a mark_n make_v that_o church_n a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n if_o the_o scripture_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o as_o a_o special_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o which_o his_o tenant_n i_o believe_v he_o will_v find_v some_o moderate_a check_n or_o other_o from_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n who_o hold_v that_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o second_o grollery_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o three_o grollery_n be_v that_o he_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o contrary_a unto_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o god_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o &_o matt._n 18._o and_o matth._n 28._o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n family_n can_v only_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o please_v without_o the_o people_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n without_o the_o people_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_v yea_o and_o receive_v paul_n into_o their_o fellowship_n contrary_a unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o people_n mind_n act_v 9_o and_o we_o know_v that_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o power_n do_v excommunicate_a and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n and_o other_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o we_o learn_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n as_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o not_o cast_v out_o those_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v among_o they_o by_o all_o which_o testimony_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n only_o aught_o by_o themselves_o to_o manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a office_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o even_o out_o of_o 2._o cor._n 2._o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o many_o not_o al._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a great_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n to_o conclude_v because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n therefore_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o these_o be_v the_o unsound_a conclusion_n that_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n gather_v too_o too_o often_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o ingratiate_a of_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n who_o they_o pretend_v much_o to_o honour_n in_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o challenge_v this_o to_o themselves_o joly_a it_o be_v only_o to_o enslave_v the_o people_n and_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o that_o worse_a than_o the_o prelate_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v do_v my_o brother_n burton_n bring_v in_o this_o cavil_n in_o opposition_n to_o my_o argument_n which_o not_o withstand_v stand_v firm_a to_o prove_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o people_n execute_v his_o commission_n and_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n example_n all_o other_o minister_n may_v take_v this_o example_n and_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o cavil_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o grollery_n of_o the_o same_o concern_v the_o baptist_n and_o his_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2._o 23_o 24_o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o the_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n i_o expect_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v meet_v with_o general_n burton_n or_o cavalier_n hanserdo_n saint_n george_n his_o chaplain_n know_v what_o dare_a man_n they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v fight_v i_o here_o especial_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o have_v beat_v i_o from_o this_o ground_n a_o place_n so_o advantageous_a that_o they_o that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o expect_v their_o encounter_n here_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v give_v i_o battle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o pitch_a field_n for_o it_o because_o they_o
plague_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o just_a provoke_v of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o anger_v now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o we_o have_v sad_a experience_n already_o what_o the_o tolerate_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o dagon_n of_o gingerbread_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o let_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v sâ—t_v up_o among_o christian_n and_o no_o other_o tolerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v speedy_o bring_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o as_o we_o may_v well_o perceive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o but_o a_o few_o year_n what_o good_a effect_n they_o will_v produce_v for_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n no_o more_o in_o our_o time_n than_o it_o be_v among_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n of_o christ_n nor_o lover_n of_o religion_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v for_o neither_o abraham_n jsaac_n nor_o jacob_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v it_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n ever_o endureit_a but_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n they_o give_v especial_a charge_n to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n and_o forewarn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ever_o describe_v they_o by_o their_o crafty_a deal_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o in_o all_o seem_a holiness_n and_o feign_a simplicity_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n wish_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o so_o far_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n from_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n they_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o that_o continual_o as_o false_a apostle_n and_o deceiver_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o gal._n 1._o and_o bid_v the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o sure_o if_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n â—id_v command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n they_o never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o christian_n to_o set_v up_o babylon_n among_o they_o and_o to_o tolerate_v the_o confusion_n and_o mingle_v together_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o against_o all_o solid_a reason_n and_o sound_a judgement_n nay_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n he_o blame_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o that_o of_o thyatira_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_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 and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o there_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o bâ—alam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_n block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o jdol_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witnesseâ—c_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v â—_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o god_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v give_v a_o tolerátion_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v and_o those_o that_o labour_n for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a which_o be_v a_o evil_a the_o lord_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o favour_v more_o of_o licentiousness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o any_o man_n then_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o many_o of_o they_o can_v report_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o holland_n where_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o that_o country_n of_o the_o native_a dutch_a people_n that_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o desirous_a that_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o be_v not_o there_o permit_v as_o they_o now_o wish_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v suffer_v here_o among_o we_o for_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o prophanesse_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v there_o the_o like_a occasion_n of_o civil_a combustion_n as_o we_o have_v through_o god_n displeasure_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o ingratitude_n towards_o he_o here_o in_o england_n i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v find_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o those_o religion_n among_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a thing_n to_o they_o if_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o whole_a country_n the_o lord_n divert_v his_o judgement_n from_o they_o and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o misery_n that_o we_o now_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o tolerate_v of_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n and_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o suffer_v but_o of_o these_o three_o have_v so_o displease_v god_n the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o will_v give_v he_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o more_o hot_a indignation_n but_o now_o to_o answer_v to_o their_o objection_n in_o order_n the_o heathen_n say_v the_o independent_o suffer_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o exercise_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o for_o answer_v let_v they_o take_v notice_n that_o no_o thank_n be_v due_a to_o the_o heathen_n for_o it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o genesis_n the_o 12._o chap._n and_o the_o 20._o chap._n and_o chap._n 26._o but_o only_a the_o glory_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n who_o restrain_v they_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a against_o they_o for_o he_o appear_v to_o some_o of_o they_o in_o vision_n and_o command_v they_o not_o
think_v this_o man_n a_o ninny_n that_o shall_v thus_o speak_v and_o a_o man_n unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n in_o any_o state_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n if_o he_o hear_v of_o any_o insurrection_n he_o will_v forthwith_o use_v the_o weapon_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o first_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o then_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o use_v the_o sword_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o this_o man_n will_v be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o not_o he_o that_o with_o gamaliel_n shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v on_o to_o do_v mischief_n neither_o do_v he_o answer_v as_o a_o christian_a for_o what_o christian_n that_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o new_a monstrous_a religion_n new_o print_v and_o new_o come_v forth_o as_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v sell_v about_o town_n and_o country_n for_o penny_n a_o piece_n and_o shall_v understand_v that_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n be_v again_o revive_v as_o that_o of_o the_o arian_n pelagian_o or_o nestorian_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o man_n they_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o lest_o you_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o so_o let_v the_o seducer_n go_v on_o without_o question_v they_o or_o suppress_v their_o heresy_n will_v not_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o say_v sure_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v thus_o answer_v do_v not_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a for_o a_o good_a christian_n like_o the_o good_a berean_o will_v say_v come_v let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v these_o new_a doctrine_n new_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v of_o god_n let_v we_o forthwith_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v suppress_v they_o and_o not_o say_v without_o examine_v of_o they_o as_o wise_a gamaliel_n let_v they_o alone_o that_o be_v not_o god_n method_n for_o god_n send_v his_o people_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isaiah_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o all_o opinion_n not_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v or_o suffer_v so_o that_o for_o any_o man_n to_o gather_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n from_o gamaliels_n speech_n be_v but_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o meeâ—_n groll_fw-fr and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o urge_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matthew_n 22._o where_n answer_v the_o sadducee_n he_o say_v you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n verse_n 29_o from_o whence_o the_o independent_a brethren_n conclude_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o only_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o tolerate_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o magnify_v our_o independent_a brethren_n for_o their_o great_a learning_n some_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v scholar_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v it_o for_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v with_o all_o man_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o if_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o illation_n from_o they_o as_o these_o be_v proceed_v not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n never_o any_o do_v for_o what_o learned_a man_n that_o know_v what_o christ_n office_n be_v in_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o become_v a_o mediator_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o redemption_n will_v argue_v as_o these_o man_n do_v especial_o when_o christ_n have_v so_o often_o in_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v then_o to_o save_v those_o the_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v that_o employment_n till_o his_o next_o come_n when_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v these_o man_n will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o for_o so_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o baggatelly_n beside_o christ_n come_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n for_o we_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o people_n and_o take_v no_o way_n the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n upon_o he_o but_o in_o scourge_v out_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o i_o remember_v and_o say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o quench_v the_o smoke_a slax_n only_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n malachy_n the_o four_o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o punish_v all_o seducer_n and_o who_o shall_v have_v perform_v that_o work_n of_o justice_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v do_v not_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v out_o of_o this_o place_n argue_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o christ_n tolerate_v adultery_n and_o injustice_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v unto_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o woman_n to_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n and_o when_o her_o accuser_n be_v go_v say_v unto_o the_o woman_n woman_n where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n go_v thy_o way_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o adulterer_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o complain_v of_o unjustice_n do_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o brother_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o his_o brother_n that_o he_o will_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o to_o who_o our_o saviour_n answer_v man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v toleration_n of_o all_o injustice_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_v and_o of_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n a_o argument_n which_o they_o much_o depend_v on_o ergo_fw-la all_o wicked_a man_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o no_o justice_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o till_o doomsday_n and_o they_o be_v to_o live_v without_o molestation_n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o because_o christ_n say_v let_v the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n who_o will_v not_o admire_v to_o hear_v any_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o either_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v conclude_v among_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o symbolica_fw-la theologia_n non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentutiva_fw-la and_o that_o the_o parable_n infer_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n office_n or_o rash_o to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o place_n of_o ruler_n and_o governor_n but_o true_o all_o such_o consequence_n may_v as_o well_o be_v gather_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o above_o specify_v scripture_n as_o they_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o the_o sadducee_n and_o from_o the_o parable_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o argumentation_n as_o these_o be_v but_o poor_a prop_n to_o uphold_v their_o tenent_n for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v direct_v what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o the_o punish_n of_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n and_o
put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n have_v full_o learn_v this_o lesson_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o authority_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o as_o who_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o give_v account_n etc._n etc._n hebr._n 13._o 17._o and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o do_v inculcate_v incessant_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o government_n ecclesiastical_a the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n do_v believe_v it_o be_v that_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o by_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o learned_a work_n of_o that_o ever_o to_o be_v honour_v master_n cartwright_n in_o his_o disputation_n against_o bishop_n whitgift_n who_o for_o his_o zeal_n to_o that_o government_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o puritan_n they_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a be_v radical_o original_o and_o inherent_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o the_o king_n prince_n noble_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o church_n who_o all_o have_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o rule_v and_o command_v they_o never_o dare_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o king_n nobles_z and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o several_a power_n say_v that_o king_n and_o noble_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n both_o of_o king_n nobles_z parliament_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v be_v inherent_o in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o may_v give_v it_o and_o deposit_v it_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o please_v and_o where_o they_o lust_v and_o call_v any_o of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n to_o a_o account_n and_o appoint_v they_o their_o time_n and_o season_n when_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o displace_v they_o at_o pleasure_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a all_o these_o lesson_n of_o blasphemy_n the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n be_v ignorant_a of_o which_o learned_a nescience_n of_o they_o be_v commendable_a they_o have_v be_v better_o teach_v from_o all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a apostle_n who_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o example_n have_v instruct_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o that_o be_v governor_n over_o they_o as_o we_o may_v read_v through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v what_o reverence_n even_o father_n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a show_v unto_o all_o king_n under_o who_o government_n he_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o peregrination_n and_o where_o we_o read_v also_o what_o reverence_n joseph_n yield_v unto_o pharaoh_n and_o how_o jacob_n his_o father_n demean_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o patriarch_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o authority_n and_o how_o jeremiah_n behave_v himself_o to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o time_n and_o how_o the_o three_o child_n and_o daniel_n carry_v themselves_o to_o the_o very_a king_n of_o babylon_n though_o heathen_a prince_n never_o speak_v unto_o they_o nor_o come_v before_o they_o but_o with_o all_o reverence_n deprecate_v all_o evil_a from_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n &_o pray_v for_o their_o welfare_n yea_o christ_n example_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o our_o imitation_n who_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n whensoever_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o authority_n with_o what_o sweetness_n of_o language_n they_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o and_o what_o reverend_a expression_n they_o use_v to_o all_o in_o authority_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o they_o yea_o if_o they_o have_v fail_v but_o in_o the_o least_o expression_n how_o soon_o they_o will_v recall_v themselves_o for_o when_o ananias_n command_v they_o that_o stand_v by_o paul_n to_o smite_v he_o on_o the_o mouth_n act._n 23._o and_o he_o in_o passion_n behold_v his_o injustice_n say_v god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o paint_a wall_n when_o it_o be_v reply_v unto_o he_o revile_a thou_o god_n high_a priest_n paul_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o justification_n of_o his_o word_n but_o meek_o answer_v i_o wist_v not_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o exod._n 22._o 27._o thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o and_o soon_o recollect_v himself_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n that_o he_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v there_o record_v for_o all_o man_n imitation_n in_o after_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o square_v their_o life_n and_o obedience_n by_o they_o be_v not_o by_o that_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o he_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a and_o if_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v evil_a than_o they_o may_v not_o resist_v their_o authority_n and_o unihilate_v their_o power_n which_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o evil_a and_o rebellion_n yea_o all_o man_n be_v forbid_v so_o much_o as_o in_o their_o bedchamber_n to_o curse_v or_o think_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n how_o much_o more_o be_v those_o then_o blame_v worthy_a that_o not_o only_o think_v evil_a but_o speak_v evil_a yea_o write_v and_o publish_v evil_a against_o king_n nobles_z and_o judge_n of_o all_o sort_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o divest_v they_o all_o of_o their_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o assume_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o themselves_o &_o that_o from_o god_n himâ—elfe_n call_v themselves_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o they_o all_o give_v they_o law_n to_o rule_v by_o and_o deny_v they_o their_o due_a reverence_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o late_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n have_v do_v both_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o sure_o such_o man_n damnation_n sleep_v not_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v and_o how_o high_o soever_o they_o carry_v themselves_o and_o by_o who_o soever_o in_o these_o their_o evil_a do_n they_o be_v support_v back_v and_o second_v for_o saint_n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n that_o know_v very_o well_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v such_o man_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n say_v this_o of_o all_o the_o wicked_a verse_n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deliver_v the_o godly_a out_o of_o temptation_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o unjust_a unto_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o chief_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v dominion_n and_o government_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a self-willed_n that_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o the_o very_a angel_n say_v he_o though_o they_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n will_v not_o do_v against_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o authority_n though_o it_o be_v usurp_v but_o those_o as_o natural_a brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o unrighteousness_n here_o be_v a_o fearful_a doom_n pronounce_v against_o all_o such_o people_n as_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o saint_n jude_n likewise_o in_o his_o epistle_n second_o saint_n peter_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n call_v such_o man_n as_o despise_v authority_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n filthy_a dreamer_n and_o compare_v they_o to_o brute_n beast_n and_o unto_o cain_n and_o unto_o balaam_n and_o unto_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n pronounce_v woe_n unto_o they_o all_o and_o proclaim_v they_o spot_n and_o deformity_n in_o all_o company_n and_o society_n call_v they_o moreover_o cloud_n without_o water_n creature_n empty_a of_o all_o goodness_n tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v yea_o without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a here_o in_o this_o world_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o eternal_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o as_o if_o he_o can_v never_o have_v speak_v enough_o of_o such_o man_n as_o
for_o first_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n separate_v from_o all_o our_o assembly_n count_v themselves_o the_o only_a catholic_n and_o all_o our_o congregation_n heretical_a and_o all_o we_o heretic_n even_o so_o do_v the_o sectary_n deal_v with_o we_o they_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n as_o profane_a society_n esteem_v themselves_o the_o only_a saint_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n the_o only_a church_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n magnify_v themselves_o and_o their_o master_n for_o the_o only_a seraphical_a doctor_n and_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n boast_v of_o their_o eminent_a learning_n and_o slight_a and_o contemn_v all_o the_o protestant_a writer_n as_o nothing_o so_o do_v the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n high_o magnify_v themselves_o and_o esteem_v of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n make_v they_o the_o silly_a creature_n of_o the_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o all_o their_o vindication_n and_o forty_o pamphle_n be_v daily_o appear_v yea_o they_o write_v against_o they_o with_o more_o than_o a_o episcopal_a pride_n so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o their_o deal_n they_o be_v lâ—ke_v the_o jesuit_n and_o papist_n again_o as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o priest_n among_o the_o papist_n make_v all_o the_o protestant_a minister_n with_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n odious_a and_o hateful_a to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n incense_v the_o people_n against_o all_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n false_o persuade_v they_o that_o child_n kill_v exod._n 1._o ver_fw-la 16._o 22._o that_o he_o may_v weaken_v the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n labour_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o for_o if_o among_o the_o presbyterian_o any_o masculine_a spirit_n come_v forth_o with_o christian_a manly_a courage_n to_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n have_v piety_n wisdom_n learning_n ability_n gift_n and_o part_n wherewith_o they_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v their_o error_n these_o they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v suppress_v and_o to_o kill_v in_o their_o good_a name_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o they_o have_v their_o agent_n beside_o their_o scurrilous_a &_o revile_v pamphlet_n to_o ride_v from_o city_n to_o country_n and_o to_o go_v from_o house_n to_o and_o to_o cast_v all_o the_o male_n that_o know_o and_o conscientious_o appear_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n unto_o they_o into_o the_o deep_a river_n of_o calumny_n lay_v on_o their_o back_n such_o load_n of_o false_a defamation_n as_o may_v for_o ever_o drown_v they_o in_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o torrent_n of_o this_o troublesome_a world_n and_o by_o this_o their_o egyptian_a policy_n they_o suppose_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o weaken_v the_o presbyterian_o make_v they_o by_o their_o reproach_n unfit_a for_o any_o employment_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a man_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o bring_v in_o their_o own_o party_n and_o so_o think_v to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o but_o those_o their_o diabolical_a practice_n with_o all_o their_o agent_n god_n will_v in_o his_o due_a time_n full_o discover_v and_o certain_o destroy_v and_o down_v they_o all_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o indignation_n they_o be_v all_o contrary_a unto_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o royal_a command_n and_o therefore_o although_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o their_o gray_a head_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n and_o tru_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o whole_a proceed_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n of_o our_o time_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o practice_n both_o of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o egyptian_n and_o the_o pharisee_n of_o old_a those_o cruel_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o dear_a servant_n for_o the_o pharisee_n will_v ever_o oppose_v christ_n and_o interrupt_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n and_o their_o weapon_n they_o deal_v with_o be_v all_o carnal_a as_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o that_o weapon_n my_o brother_n burton_n come_v out_o against_o i_o with_o viz_o his_o photions_n hatchet_n which_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v something_o of_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o my_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o seven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n he_o have_v these_o word_n you_o bring_v say_v he_o the_o scripture_n for_o you_o come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o god_n make_v no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o you_o spend_v about_o eleven_o sheet_n wherein_o you_o have_v weave_v sundry_a long_o threaden_a argument_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o dependent_a presbytery_n as_o hold_v parallel_n with_o the_o line_n of_o scripture_n now_o you_o mâ—nst_v pardon_v i_o say_v he_o if_o i_o shall_v assay_v according_a to_o a_o old_a proverb_n with_o one_o stroke_n of_o photions_n hatchet_n to_o cut_v in_o two_o the_o long_a thread_n of_o your_o alcibiadian_a fluent_a and_o luxuriant_a rhetorication_n thus_o he_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n seem_v to_o desire_v that_o he_o and_o i_o may_v try_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v by_o the_o dint_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o say_v as_o david_n do_v in_o another_o sense_n 1_o sam._n 21._o 9_o there_o be_v none_o like_o that_o but_o he_o immediate_o forsake_v that_o weapon_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o photions_n hatchet_n and_o that_o be_v his_o pole-ax_n true_o i_o exceed_o pity_v he_o who_o strive_v to_o maintain_v a_o way_n that_o bring_v he_o into_o such_o a_o straight_o that_o he_o can_v cut_v in_o two_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o he_o without_o a_o hatchet_n whereas_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sharp_a enough_o to_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o one_o stroke_n any_o erroneous_a argument_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discoverer_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o but_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n gal._n 6._o 17._o though_o it_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v never_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o that_o weapon_n my_o argument_n the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o i_o have_v ground_v all_o my_o assertion_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a unmoveable_a and_o impregnable_a foundation_n therefore_o lay_v aside_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o vapour_n with_o a_o unknown_a hatchet_n a_o desperate_a carnal_a weapon_n and_o to_o please_v himself_o he_o assay_v to_o chap_v hack_v and_o mangle_v my_o argument_n which_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o cut_v in_o two_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o stroke_n surely_n none_o but_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o a_o unwarrantable_a way_n have_v need_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o weapon_n now_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o their_o way_n be_v warrantable_a be_v ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o they_o so_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o use_v any_o other_o but_o that_o heavenly_a weapon_n the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o hew_a and_o pull_v down_o of_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o for_o the_o divide_n and_o cut_v in_o two_o all_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o god_n and_o through_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o by_o his_o assist_a grace_n i_o shall_v never_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o that_o sword_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o try_v it_o out_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o to_o oppose_v any_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o and_o always_o to_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v to_o maintain_v it_o and_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v former_o suffer_v for_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o
whether_o those_o scripture_n i_o cite_v with_o the_o argument_n deduce_v from_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o persuade_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o learning_n will_v say_v they_o do_v but_o for_o answer_v master_n knollys_n himself_o grant_v that_o very_a many_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o none_o be_v baptize_v then_o but_o believer_n as_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o say_v he_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o say_v he_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v of_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o if_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o any_o argument_n with_o a_o senseless_a reason_n or_o two_o and_o a_o it_o may_v be_v be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o a_o truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n will_v be_v a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n and_o to_o say_v bellarmine_n thou_o lie_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o papist_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o high_a concernment_n there_o be_v more_o require_v then_o bare_a denial_n and_o vain_a evasion_n and_o maybe_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o tell_v master_n knollis_n that_o he_o trifle_n in_o divinity_n and_o deal_v not_o like_o a_o serious_a nor_o learned_a christian_a nor_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o question_n between_o i_o and_o the_o independent_o how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n through_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o be_v resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v be_v never_o controvert_v between_o we_o for_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o to_o the_o ministry_n &_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n return_v home_o again_o to_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o there_o remain_v and_o abode_n as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o johns_n preach_v and_o baptism_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v repair_v to_o their_o several_a house_n &_o habitation_n in_o that_o city_n and_o remain_v there_o wait_v upon_o the_o public_a ordinance_n this_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o understanding_n believe_v and_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o speak_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v numberless_a and_o therefore_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n yea_o they_o be_v innumerable_a &_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o look_v back_o to_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v out_o of_o which_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n and_o consider_v the_o ensue_a scripture_n and_o reason_n from_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o mere_a quibler_n and_o a_o man_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o either_o disputation_n or_o any_o serious_a employment_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n that_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n to_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o john_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v to_o avoid_v mistake_n do_v specify_v the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o which_o they_o come_v with_o the_o number_n indefinite_o set_v down_o that_o come_v from_o every_o place_n say_v there_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judaea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n the_o 3._o here_o it_o be_v abundant_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a company_n that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n as_o by_o the_o word_n jerusalem_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_a be_v metaphorical_o set_v down_o and_o take_v in_o that_o place_n as_o i_o say_v before_o synechdochical_o for_o a_o mighty_a part_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o come_v out_o of_o that_o city_n and_o saint_n mark_v confirm_v this_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la the_o 5._o who_o say_v there_o go_v out_o unto_o he_o all_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v of_o he_o in_o the_o river_n jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v further_a ratify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 7._o 29._o 30._o who_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v so_o that_o now_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o three_o witness_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o if_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o many_o more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n which_o fond_a conceit_n of_o mr_n knollys_n be_v yet_o more_o evident_o refute_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o nicodemus_n and_o of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o of_o many_o other_o ruler_n and_o of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o child_n that_o cry_v hosanna_n and_o that_o receive_v christ_n into_o the_o city_n with_o all_o their_o acclamation_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o most_o of_o which_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n and_o his_o cavil_n be_v apparent_o manifest_a and_o this_o truth_n sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o church_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o good_a christian_n i_o be_o confident_a will_n ever_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v credit_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o unto_o mr_n knollys_n and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n but_o that_o mr_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a creature_n as_o who_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v also_o all_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o spirit_n say_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o confute_v all_o the_o evangelist_n whether_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober-minded_n christian_n that_o love_v sincerity_n truth_n and_o plain_a deal_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n and_o what_o a_o vain_a caviller_n he_o be_v that_o thus_o abuse_v precious_a time_n to_o abuse_v himself_o and_o miserable_o to_o delude_v ignorant_a people_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o my_o minor_n i_o will_v produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n more_o out_o of_o the_o eleven_o of_o mark_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o two_o great_a company_n and_o party_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o
or_o swear_v fealty_n to_o any_o king_n who_o be_v own_v by_o the_o people_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o be_v their_o lawful_a king_n as_o appoint_v and_o set_v over_o they_o of_o god_n and_o be_v open_o proclaim_v through_o the_o who_o realm_n to_o be_v their_o king_n though_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o a_o other_o country_n and_o but_o now_o come_v to_o take_v the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v i_o demand_v whether_o such_o subject_n as_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o swear_v fealty_n unto_o he_o before_o he_o come_v and_o sit_v visible_o upon_o his_o throne_n be_v not_o by_o this_o their_o oath_n become_v that_o king_n subject_n as_o true_o and_o as_o real_o as_o if_o the_o king_n be_v bodily_a present_n i_o demand_v further_o when_o he_o be_v in_o person_n come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o visible_o among_o they_o salute_v and_o entertain_v and_o own_v by_o the_o people_n for_o their_o king_n whether_o or_o no_o those_o subject_n that_o then_o take_v their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o promise_v by_o that_o their_o oath_n their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o be_v not_o as_o real_o and_o true_o his_o subject_n as_o those_o that_o after_o he_o be_v inaugurate_v and_o go_v into_o one_o of_o his_o other_o kingdom_n take_v then_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o swear_v subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o all_o his_o just_a command_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a skill_v in_o politic_n or_o any_o good_a learning_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o either_o of_o the_o former_a subject_n be_v as_o true_o and_o real_o subject_n unto_o he_o though_o they_o never_o see_v he_o as_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o never_o do_v their_o king_n as_o those_o that_o take_v the_o oath_n when_o he_o be_v go_v in_o triumph_n into_o a_o other_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o great_a officer_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n those_o steward_n secretary_n privy_a counsellor_n &_o ambassador_n of_o his_o royalty_n who_o all_o baptize_v those_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o into_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o messiah_n as_o well_o before_o his_o death_n as_o after_o and_o all_o they_o own_v he_o as_o well_o then_o for_o their_o king_n as_o after_o cry_v hosanna_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n and_o strew_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o king_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a luke_n 19_o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a reason_n yea_o contradictory_n unto_o itself_o that_o i._o s._n bring_v consider_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v some_o variety_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o fond_a error_n of_o i._o s._n be_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o papist_n who_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o baptism_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o after_o his_o death_n when_o indeed_o for_o substance_n there_o be_v none_o no_o more_o than_o be_v between_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o receive_v either_o of_o those_o sacrament_n or_o both_o of_o they_o before_o his_o passion_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o those_o that_o receive_v they_o after_o for_o he_o be_v own_v by_o they_o at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n to_o be_v the_o anoint_a christ_n &_o they_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o any_o king_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n into_o christ_n to_o die_v which_o i._o s._n do_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o now_o baptize_v by_o the_o independent_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o faith_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a babble_n and_o a_o contradiction_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o answer_n to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o other_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n his_o second_o be_v as_o senseless_a which_o be_v this_o to_o say_v say_v he_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v flat_a contrary_n to_o the_o assertion_n of_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 21._o 25._o act._n 18._o 25._o i_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n say_v he_o but_o there_o come_v one_o after_o i_o who_o shall_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n he_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o falsify_v my_o word_n for_o i_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v it_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o christ_n baptize_v not_o at_o all_o john_n 4._o vers_fw-la 2._o i_o say_v indeed_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 3._o of_o luke_n ver_fw-la 2._o &_o john_n the_o 1._o v._o 33._o where_o john_n himself_o speak_v say_v he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n yea_o one_o of_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o himself_o matth._n 21._o vers_fw-la 25._o sufficient_o declare_v that_o john_n have_v his_o commission_n from_o god_n himself_o who_o prophet_n he_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o water_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n baptize_v but_o with_o water_n and_o have_v no_o other_o commission_n but_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n have_v and_o john_n baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19_o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o the_o very_a apostle_n baptism_n before_o christ_n death_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n yea_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o preach_a both_o of_o john_n and_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n both_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act_v 20._o vers_fw-la 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v testify_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o when_o the_o baptism_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o apostle_n both_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o be_v all_o one_o for_o substance_n and_o all_o into_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o see_v act_v the_o 8._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v into_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o teach_v i_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n if_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o can_v make_v good_a christian_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o gainsay_v and_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o j._n s._n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o deny_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v christian_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pen_v by_o his_o spirit_n assert_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o that_o text_n that_o he_o cit_v
out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n where_o john_n say_v i_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n but_o there_o come_v one_o after_o i_o who_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n this_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n nor_o nothing_o against_o my_o opinion_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v never_o my_o belief_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n and_o johns_n baptism_n be_v all_o one_o see_v saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o in_o the_o word_n allege_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o i_o demand_v of_o i._o s._n whether_o the_o apostle_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o johns_n baptism_n before_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o fire_n which_o we_o read_v of_o act._n the_o 2._o as_o they_o be_v after_o the_o cleave_a tongue_n appear_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 3._o if_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v deny_v it_o than_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o sixteenth_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n and_o the_o sixth_o of_o saint_n john_n where_o we_o find_v that_o honourable_a confession_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n where_o they_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n into_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v before_o that_o yea_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v that_o thing_n only_o that_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o believer_n than_o none_o that_o be_v not_o so_o baptize_v be_v good_a christian_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o promiscuous_a and_o give_v to_o all_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 30._o have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o by_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n be_v no_o christian_n neither_o be_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n work_n only_o who_o first_o breathe_v the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n first_o pour_v down_o those_o gift_n upon_o they_o act_v the_o 2._o and_o after_o that_o at_o many_o other_o time_n through_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n upon_o the_o believer_n christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o manifest_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o shed_v down_o those_o miraculous_a grace_n upon_o many_o but_o give_v they_o not_o to_o all_o and_o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o have_v but_o one_o precedent_n that_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o water_n and_o that_o be_v those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v baptize_v with_o water_n before_o and_o therefore_o those_o gift_n make_v they_o not_o christian_n but_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v believer_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o visible_a gift_n be_v not_o essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o they_o be_v always_o believer_n before_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o if_o those_o gift_n have_v be_v essential_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n than_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v save_v which_o they_o be_v not_o beside_o then_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n indeed_o for_o all_o man_n general_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o and_o all_o the_o christian_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o all_o that_o now_o live_v shall_v be_v no_o good_a christian_n for_o they_o be_v not_o and_o now_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o with_o fire_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n this_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o these_o his_o argumentaâ—ions_n and_o how_o vain_a and_o impious_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o cavil_v this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o second_o answer_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o three_o which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o two_o former_a his_o word_n be_v these_o 3._o therefore_o now_o say_v i_o s._n by_o johns_n baptism_n they_o be_v not_o all_o make_v christian_n no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o john_n be_v turn_v christian_n by_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n by_o their_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 3._o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v to_o prepare_v man_n for_o christ_n and_o do_v bear_v a_o more_o immediate_a relation_n to_o such_o a_o work_n than_o any_o ordinance_n before_o but_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_a christian_n it_o do_v not_o absolve_v and_o perfect_v the_o new_a church_n i_o mean_v not_o so_o far_o as_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o do_v afterward_o thus_o i._n s._n blaspheme_v rather_o than_o dispute_v for_o that_o he_o say_v be_v impious_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o lie_n and_o a_o confute_v of_o christ_n himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n and_o a_o oppose_a of_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o every_o understand_a man_n will_v easy_o gather_v for_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n divine_v yea_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o talk_v with_o or_o read_v of_o before_o i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n death_n be_v christian_n and_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o i_o s._n out_o of_o his_o learning_n deny_v not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o affirm_v also_o that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v no_o christian_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o beat_v up_o the_o quarter_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o quarter_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o very_a pillar_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o a_o horrid_a blasphemy_n in_o i._n s._n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n the_o 7._o v._o 29._o 30._o and_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o &_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o &_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o being_n not_o baptize_v of_o he_o here_o we_o have_v christ_n testimony_n who_o assert_v that_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n only_o except_v all_o that_o hear_v john_n of_o which_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o do_v justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v believer_n for_o the_o council_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v now_o this_o sweet_a council_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n offer_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n do_v the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v to_o their_o own_o perdition_n for_o they_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n nor_o repent_v nor_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n they_o despise_v the_o council_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o hear_v john_n say_v christ_n justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o
god_n be_v just_a faithful_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a and_o therefore_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o any_o be_v if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n word_n whether_o therefore_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o testimony_n or_o i._n s._n his_o language_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o advise_v reader_n christ_n declare_v they_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n for_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o council_n but_o embrace_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o free_a mercy_n i._o s._n say_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a be_v not_o give_v to_o believer_n till_o they_o be_v call_v so_o at_o antioch_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n make_v they_o as_o well_o christian_n before_o his_o suffering_n as_o after_o for_o otherwise_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n moses_n abraham_n david_n and_o all_o those_o martyr_n speak_v of_o hebrew_n the_o eleven_o and_o all_o those_o baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v christian_n which_o be_v wickedness_n to_o think_v when_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o they_o not_o only_o live_v by_o faith_n but_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o all_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o all_o believe_a in_o christ_n and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o have_v not_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v not_o so_o call_v which_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o we_o contend_v not_o about_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o true_a christian_n they_o be_v all_o build_v upon_o that_o corner_n stone_n and_o upon_o the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n and_o differ_v nothing_o for_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n or_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n from_o any_o that_o do_v succeed_v they_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o i._o s._n affirm_v that_o by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n the_o believer_n than_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o israelit_v baptize_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v no_o christian_n overthrow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o give_v christ_n the_o lie_n and_o confute_v paul_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o 10._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o cor._n ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o affirm_v that_o our_o father_n be_v under_o the_o cloud_n and_o all_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v all_o baptise_a by_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o do_v all_o drink_n the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n for_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n by_o the_o which_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o the_o corinthian_n for_o he_o compare_v they_o together_o sheweth_z that_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o privilege_n and_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n act_v the_o 15._o vers_fw-la 9_o and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n &_o as_o he_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o israelit_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n so_o he_o declare_v likewise_o if_o the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v they_o shall_v likewise_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o punishment_n for_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o as_o inevery_a nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n &_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o act_v 10._o ver_fw-la 35_o so_o whatsoever_o christian_n of_o what_o nation_n so_o ever_o whether_o jewer_n or_o gentile_n shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v they_o shall_v be_v equal_o punish_v so_o that_o by_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o paul_n in_o this_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o cor._n and_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o from_o the_o above_o cite_a scripture_n all_o our_o father_n under_o the_o cloud_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o all_o those_o martyr_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o baptise_a after_o christ_n death_n or_o now_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n or_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o i_o here_o say_v be_v most_o true_a if_o any_o belief_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_n blaspheme_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o four_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a know_v say_v he_o that_o john_n be_v but_o the_o messenger_n before_o christ_n mal._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o his_o baptism_n be_v but_o as_o the_o stream_a of_o light_n in_o the_o heaven_n before_o the_o day_n and_o he_o do_v only_o bring_v and_o restore_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o legal_a perfection_n by_o water_n the_o element_n of_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n jesus_n he_o come_v and_o baptise_n with_o fire_n consummat_n all_o thing_n with_o this_o transform_a powerful_a element_n even_o his_o spirit_n thus_o i._o s._n speak_v to_o examine_v all_o the_o error_n in_o these_o word_n will_v take_v up_o much_o time_n and_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o study_v brevity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n where_o he_o say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a know_v that_o john_n be_v but_o the_o messenger_n before_o christ_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n in_o he_o to_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o prove_v that_o john_n be_v a_o messenger_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n assertsit_v and_o when_o christ_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v that_o elias_n that_o be_v foretell_v shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o but_o this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o i._o s._n that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o all_o good_a learning_n and_o as_o ignorant_a in_o all_o divinity_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n as_o those_o judicious_a he_o speak_v of_o be_v singular_o excellent_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sound_a theology_n who_o work_n and_o godly_a solid_a writing_n if_o ever_o he_o have_v read_v with_o understanding_n he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o prodigious_o blasphemous_a as_o he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o chief_o in_o these_o his_o answer_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o great_a impiety_n to_o be_v discover_v as_o in_o this_o to_o accuse_v johns_n baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o say_v they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o streamingsoflight_n in_o the_o heaven_n before_o the_o day_n when_o notwithstanding_o christ_n himself_o have_v often_o give_v so_o many_o honourable_a testimony_n of_o john_n and_o his_o ministry_n say_v in_o the_o 5._o of_o john_n 32._o that_o he_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o and_o that_o his_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o in_o the_o 35._o ver_fw-la in_o express_v word_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o season_n do_v rejoice_v in_o his_o light_n and_o yet_o i._o s._n bold_o and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v but_o as_o the_o streaming_n of_o light_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o consummate_a christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v i._o s._n or_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n say_v john_n be_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n i._o s._n say_v he_o be_v but_o as_o the_o stream_a of_o light_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o give_v christ_n the_o lie_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v christ_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o luke_n and_o the_o 28._o verse_n say_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v of_o woman_n then_o he_o be_v inferior_a in_o his_o ministry_n to_o none_o of_o they_o no_o not_o to_o moses_n himself_o of_o who_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 5._o say_v with_o a_o very_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v
he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o dis-throne_n he_o and_o therefore_o j._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n that_o not_o only_o unchristian_a and_o unchurch_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n but_o at_o this_o day_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o christian_n and_o church_n but_o their_o own_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o all_o their_o christian_n brethren_n and_o true_o there_o can_v be_v find_v scarce_o in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o example_n of_o temerity_n and_o unadvised_a rashness_n and_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o common_a wisdom_n as_o be_v every_o day_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v ever_o talk_v of_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o exclude_v all_o from_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v not_o so_o mould_v and_o yet_o never_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v never_o read_v of_o any_o other_o church_n mould_n or_o of_o any_o new_a testament_n form_n but_o of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o it_o and_o of_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v which_o both_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o a_o command_n withal_o and_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o it_o that_o whosoever_o do_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v admit_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o be_v these_o go_v say_v he_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n and_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o evident_o gather_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n in_o their_o several_a ministrye_n go_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n preach_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o baptise_v such_o as_o believe_v they_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o make_v they_o all_o member_n not_o only_o of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o all_o those_o several_a particular_a church_n and_o synagogue_n through_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judaea_n and_o through_o the_o world_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o as_o true_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o make_v as_o real_a member_n and_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o any_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v and_o believe_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v ignorant_a how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o nescient_fw-la of_o the_o right_a mould_n and_o form_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n and_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n so_o well_o as_o our_o independent_a minister_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o impiety_n and_o horrid_a wickedness_n to_o affirm_v for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n be_v never_o save_v for_o i._o s._n deny_v they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n or_o member_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequent_a they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v wickedness_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v than_o there_o be_v a_o way_n yet_o to_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o safe_a one_o which_o the_o independent_o be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o they_o preach_v up_o their_o way_n as_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n proclaim_v all_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perdition_n and_o yet_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o way_n and_o cast_v not_o his_o disciple_n into_o their_o mould_n and_o yet_o they_o go_v safe_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o by_o violence_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o impiety_n of_o i._o s._n and_o how_o groundless_a all_o his_o argument_n be_v and_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n before_o his_o death_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o may_v also_o from_o the_o forego_n argument_n gather_v that_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o his_o baptism_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o &_o therefore_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v both_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v fond_o and_o impious_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n and_o what_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o will_v adjudge_v that_o such_o unworthy_a wrangler_n and_o caviller_n as_o these_o be_v aught_o by_o their_o several_a church_n to_o be_v severe_o censure_v for_o this_o their_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v reply_v to_o these_o their_o exception_n against_o my_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o shall_v answer_v to_o all_o their_o other_o several_a cavil_v in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n the_o 4._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n the_o 6._o 37._o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1._o 12._o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n the_o 7._o 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o verse_n the_o 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o
impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o consider_v what_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o all_o these_o argument_n i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o reply_n with_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v my_o answer_n to_o he_o and_o then_o in_o order_n come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n have_v to_o gainsay_v master_n knollys_n deny_v all_o the_o minor_n of_o these_o argument_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v and_o give_v some_o slender_a reason_n and_o make_v some_o sleight_n evasion_n and_o think_v that_o enough_o his_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o as_o for_o the_o world_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o these_o argument_n draw_v from_o john_n 12._o 19_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o that_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o much_o less_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a word_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o the_o minor_a of_o all_o my_o argument_n yea_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v how_o the_o people_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o delusion_n but_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o dispute_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o refutation_n to_o deny_v any_o argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v and_o corroborate_v by_o sound_a reason_n then_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v man_n may_v not_o only_o confute_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o thence_o but_o indeed_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o man_n ignorance_n and_o blasphemy_n for_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o erroneous_a opinion_n &_o that_o my_o answer_n may_v be_v the_o more_o satisfactory_a i_o will_v make_v these_o two_o proposition_n evident_o appear_v first_o that_o the_o world_n here_o mention_v that_o go_v after_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o both_o which_o if_o i_o make_v good_a than_o my_o argument_n will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o christ_n death_n convert_v by_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o disciple_n than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n ministry_n and_o that_o this_o denial_n of_o mr._n knollys_n be_v groundless_a vain_a and_o impious_a for_o proof_n therefore_o of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o world_n here_o mention_v be_v believer_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o ensue_a reason_n first_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n dialect_n and_o that_o in_o many_o place_n which_o intimate_a and_o prove_v that_o to_o follow_v christ_n with_o love_n affection_n and_o approbation_n be_v to_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o matth._n the_o 16._o vers_fw-la 24._o mark_v the_o 8._o v._o 34._o luke_n the_o 9_o verse_n 29._o if_o any_o man_n say_v christ_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o and_o follow_v i_o so_o that_o by_o these_o testimony_n in_o scripture_n language_n to_o go_v aâ—ter_n christ_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o sincerity_n be_v to_o be_v christ_n scholar_n and_o disciple_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o châ—ist_v himself_o have_v so_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o john_n verse_n 26._o who_o word_n be_v these_o if_o any_o man_n will_v serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n so_o that_o to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o follow_v christ_n in_o god_n dialect_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n second_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o very_a blind_a pharisee_n those_o leader_n of_o the_o blind_a do_v well_o perceive_v it_o and_o take_v the_o multitude_n follow_v of_o he_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o their_o very_a expression_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v for_o say_v they_o verse_n 29._o perceive_v you_o not_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o out_o of_o which_o word_n of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o like_o a_o company_n of_o giddy_a head_a people_n they_o be_v go_v after_o he_o to_o gaze_v and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o upon_o some_o novelty_n but_o that_o the_o multitude_n aâ—d_a world_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v such_o indeed_o as_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a of_o admiration_n and_o a_o ecce_fw-la and_o a_o behold_v for_o no_o man_n wonder_n at_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o people_n run_v after_o a_o eminent_a man_n to_o view_v he_o and_o look_v upon_o he_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a nor_o of_o less_o admiration_n neither_o will_v such_o a_o spectacle_n have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o fear_n and_o upon_o a_o consultation_n how_o they_o may_v destroy_v he_o and_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v only_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n go_v after_o he_o only_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o so_o to_o have_v go_v home_o again_o certain_o such_o a_o opinion_n in_o the_o priest_n &_o pharisee_n as_o this_o will_v never_o have_v so_o enrage_v they_o against_o chrisâ—_n and_o have_v make_v they_o all_o lay_v their_o head_n together_o which_o way_n to_o murder_v he_o neither_o will_v it_o ever_o have_v extort_a such_o word_n out_o of_o their_o head_n as_o to_o say_v among_o themselves_o in_o private_a and_o that_o in_o a_o rage_n and_o out_o of_o indignation_n and_o in_o a_o serious_a way_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o deliberate_a consultation_n behold_v or_o perceive_v you_o not_o how_o the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o but_o when_o these_o word_n proceed_v from_o they_o in_o private_a and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o deep_a debate_n and_o counsel_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o speak_v so_o out_o of_o malice_n &_o envy_v and_o from_o very_a madness_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o they_o that_o follow_v christ_n believe_v in_o he_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o confirm_v by_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v but_o among_o other_o those_o testimony_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o john_n where_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v and_o in_o the_o 40._o verse_n many_o of_o the_o people_n say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o all_o this_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o vers_fw-la 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n say_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v now_o abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o chap._n be_v believer_n for_o here_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n make_v a_o distribution_n of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o divide_v they_o into_o two_o party_n and_o then_o they_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o the_o other_o that_o profess_v they_o be_v abraham_n child_n and_o moses_n his_o disciple_n yet_o they_o be_v christ_n profess_a enemy_n and_o such_o as_o declare_v themselves_o not_o to_o beleeeve_v in_o he_o now_o here_o what_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n judgement_n be_v concern_v this_o business_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o know_v very_o well_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o the_o people_n of_o who_o they_o speak_v and_o of_o themselves_o they_o speak_v thus_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v so_o that_o be_v thus_o compare_v together_o the_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n and_o their_o
complice_n only_o but_o all_o the_o other_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o they_o adjudge_v they_o accurse_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v follow_v christ_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o word_n do_v import_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v in_o plain_a term_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n save_v the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v none_o oppose_v he_o but_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o very_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v three_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o nicodemus_n his_o witness_n in_o private_a also_o who_o know_v very_o well_o how_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n stand_v general_o affect_v towards_o christ_n and_o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o hear_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v john_n the_o 3._o of_o who_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o here_o nicodemus_n give_v in_o testimony_n &_o devideneâ—_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a that_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n say_v we_o know_v that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o people_n know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n they_o know_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n and_o approbation_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o god_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o and_o their_o faith_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o nicodemus_n which_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o secret_a and_o a_o great_a honourer_n of_o he_o will_v give_v in_o no_o false_a verdict_n nor_o make_v no_o false_a muster_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o opinion_n and_o the_o esteem_v the_o people_n have_v of_o he_o and_o he_o assert_v that_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o same_o confession_n do_v the_o apostle_n make_v matth._n 16._o and_o john_n the_o 6._o saying_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v and_o go_v after_o christ_n out_o of_o sincerity_n and_o love_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n then_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o cordial_o and_o without_o worldly_a end_n both_o in_o the_o language_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o the_o above_o mention_v reason_n the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n &_o the_o people_n and_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o the_o other_o that_o either_o tarry_v at_o home_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o employment_n or_o oppose_v he_o be_v unbeliever_n now_o then_o when_o a_o multitulde_n from_o jerusalem_n follow_v christ_n and_o when_o a_o world_n within_o jerusalem_n go_v after_o he_o and_o when_o all_o the_o curse_a people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o only_o by_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o john_n be_v all_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o also_o out_o of_o same_o chapter_n be_v prove_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ruler_n also_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n deny_v all_o this_o be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o infidel_n for_o a_o infidel_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o manifest_a truth_n discover_v in_o they_o and_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o add_v a_o word_n more_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n except_o a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o roomâ—_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v yet_o never_o hear_v of_o nor_o never_o believe_v by_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n but_o yet_o for_o far_a illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n i_o will_v add_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o more_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v native_n there_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n worshipper_n or_o devout_a man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v believer_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o all_o these_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v their_o dwell_n there_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n all_o these_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a and_o other_o nation_n here_o in_o london_n have_v their_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o time_n by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o day_n be_v scarce_o ever_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o number_n be_v now_o increase_v because_o they_o daily_a and_o hourly_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o appear_v they_o every_o moment_n look_v for_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o believe_a jew_n out_o of_o all_o country_n repair_v in_o multitude_n to_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o such_o numberless_a number_n both_o of_o the_o native_a jew_n and_o stranger_n require_v a_o mighty_a number_n of_o teacher_n and_o a_o many_o place_n to_o hear_v and_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o and_o that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o hundred_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n the_o penman_n and_o historiographer_n of_o those_o time_n have_v record_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v probable_a from_o the_o numerosity_n of_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n there_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o priest_n &_o levit_n scribe_n pharisee_n lawyer_n which_o all_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o all_o of_o they_o diligent_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o instruct_v they_o upon_o who_o ministry_n by_o christ_n command_n all_o the_o multitude_n and_o his_o very_a follower_n be_v to_o attend_v matth._n 23._o vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n then_o to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v teach_v nor_o no_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n under_o pretence_n of_o ea_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_o learn_v as_o to_o be_v in_o that_o high_a form_n of_o divinity_n christ_n follower_n notwithstanding_o be_v all_o gospel_n christian_n and_o be_v all_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o it_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n if_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n can_v teach_v they_o the_o straight_a way_n thither_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o follow_v the_o old_a light_n still_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v all_o their_o master_n we_o hear_v then_o of_o no_o new_a light_n nor_o new_o bear_v truth_n nor_o of_o new_a church_n mould_v and_o yet_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n matth._n 11_o 12._o they_o go_v all_o well_o to_o heaven_n as_o well_o and_o as_o cheerful_o as_o any_o of_o our_o independent_o with_o
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v ever_o so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o competent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n
i_o say_v as_o he_o affirm_v and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v through_o my_o whole_a book_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o mature_a examination_n perceive_v that_o i_o have_v good_a authority_n for_o what_o i_o say_v then_o let_v he_o judge_n whether_o or_o no_o m._n knollys_n &_o all_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n traduce_v i_o be_v not_o a_o generation_n of_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o both_o mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o his_o confederate_n be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o calumniator_n &_o raylor_n and_o liar_n rather_o than_o saint_n for_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n for_o all_o that_o i_o say_v and_o i_o speak_v it_o here_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o if_o i_o have_v ever_o see_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o they_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v about_o their_o church_n i_o will_v rather_o have_v suffer_v any_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n then_o ever_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n against_o their_o way_n much_o less_o have_v write_v against_o it_o but_o find_v it_o not_o only_o a_o novel_a opinion_n but_o heretical_a &_o indeed_o the_o very_a source_n of_o all_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o look_v unto_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v down_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n through_o city_n and_o country_n and_o bring_v a_o miserable_a desolation_n and_o utter_a ruin_n upon_o the_o 3_o kingdom_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n prevent_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o no_o other_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o oppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o in_o this_o course_n i_o be_o now_o in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o will_v persevere_v in_o with_o all_o my_o endeavour_n to_o the_o last_o period_n of_o my_o day_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v here_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o although_o i_o have_v former_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o fond_a cavil_v of_o the_o independent_o concern_v their_o several_a meeting_n together_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n which_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v say_v be_v satisfactory_a enough_o to_o any_o that_o know_v what_o reason_n be_v yet_o here_o again_o for_o master_n knollys_n far_a satisfaction_n if_o he_o will_v with_o any_o thing_n be_v satisfy_v i_o answer_v as_o follow_v to_o what_o he_o childish_o babble_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o i_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n etc._n etc._n one_o will_v have_v expect_v that_o when_o master_n knollys_n begin_v with_o this_o word_n first_o which_o among_o learned_a and_o rational_a man_n in_o dispute_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n have_v ever_o reference_n to_o some_o second_o answer_n at_o lest_o if_o not_o a_o three_o and_o four_o that_o he_o have_v have_v some_o second_o and_o three_o reserve_v of_o reason_n at_o least_o to_o have_v fall_v upon_o my_o argument_n with_o this_o i_o say_v all_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v imagine_v and_o yet_o there_o follow_v neither_o a_o second_o three_o or_o four_o answer_n but_o howsoever_o he_o may_v speak_v nonsense_n by_o his_o call_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o independency_n i_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n against_o he_o for_o that_o i_o will_v examine_v only_o the_o futility_n of_o his_o denial_n which_o he_o call_v a_o reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n not_o only_o of_o himself_o but_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v a_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n as_o at_o other_o time_n as_o will_v forth_o with_o appear_v for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o i_o do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o abominable_o false_a and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o see_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o master_n knollys_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v then_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o they_o may_v still_o likewise_o all_o meet_v together_o either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n i_o say_v shall_v i_o to_o gratify_v master_n knollys_n grant_v he_o all_o this_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o new_a addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o other_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o then_o they_o can_v still_o do_v the_o same_o but_o i_o can_v grant_v all_o this_o for_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o daily_a experience_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o eight_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n yea_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v this_o to_o master_n knollys_n both_o he_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o fraternity_n will_v laugh_v at_o i_o &_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v conclude_v that_o i_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o i_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n and_o convert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v never_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o either_o baptize_v or_o break_v bread_n in_o either_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o magistrate_n have_v ever_o endure_v or_o suffer_v it_o and_o yet_o both_o these_o be_v the_o discriminate_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v distinguish_v from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o vnbeleever_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n in_o any_o private_a house_n that_o can_v contain_v such_o a_o multitude_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n accord_v to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n or_o place_n large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o the_o very_a scripture_n also_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o master_n knollys_n assent_v to_o this_o though_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o he_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o because_o he_o perhaps_o will_v believe_v himself_o rather_o then_o i_o and_o because_o also_o his_o follower_n and_o scholar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o reason_n produce_v by_o i_o let_v they_o i_o pray_v hear_v what_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_v the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_fw-la not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n from_o the_o which_o all_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o feebleness_n of_o error_n for_o while_o the_o man_n labour_v to_o enervate_v my_o argument_n he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o confirm_v my_o opinion_n for_o by_o his_o own_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n
every_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o or_o through_o all_o church_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o you_o may_v see_v it_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a pamphlet_n so_o that_o when_o it_o make_v for_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a yea_o he_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o that_o be_v house_n by_o house_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o house_n by_o house_n and_o per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domas_fw-la for_o he_o that_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n by_o man_n say_z as_o much_o as_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o play_v the_o juggler_n and_o cheat_v thus_o to_o cloud_n the_o light_n that_o he_o may_v put_v off_o his_o base_a ware_n the_o better_a and_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o trifle_n about_o word_n &_o all_o this_o to_o show_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a because_o he_o can_v write_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o text_n which_o every_o school_n boy_n can_v do_v but_o i_o pray_v see_v how_o the_o poor_a creature_n trouble_v himself_o in_o beat_v the_o air_n he_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_fw-la they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o break_v bread_n in_o all_o house_n or_o through_o all_o the_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a wickedness_n in_o he_o to_o trifle_v thus_o for_o he_o himself_o a_o little_a before_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulat_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la and_o here_o he_o will_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a when_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o original_a there_o be_v none_o for_o in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 20._o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o plural_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o master_n knollis_n interpretation_n be_v good_a that_o when_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o plural_a it_o signify_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o doubtless_o so_o it_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o singular_a will_v carry_v it_o for_o he_o translate_v it_o domatim_o house_n by_o house_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o know_v but_o the_o english_a tongue_n or_o any_o other_o language_n where_o civility_n dwell_v and_o barbarism_n be_v banish_v whether_o or_o no_o when_o the_o magistrate_n send_v messenger_n or_o officer_n to_o search_v for_o any_o delinquent_n and_o give_v they_o in_o charge_n to_o search_v through_o such_o a_o street_n house_n by_o house_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v whether_o the_o messenger_n by_o this_o their_o warrant_n be_v not_o in_o join_v to_o search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n &_o whether_o house_n by_o house_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v every_o house_n and_o all_o the_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n return_v again_o to_o the_o magistrate_n &_o relate_v unto_o he_o that_o according_a to_o his_o command_n &_o order_n they_o have_v diligent_o search_v house_n by_o house_n through_o the_o street_n do_v they_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o this_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n yea_o all_o the_o house_n all_o man_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o reason_n know_v that_o house_n by_o house_n in_o every_o street_n or_o in_o every_o city_n be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o in_o all_o house_n in_o that_o city_n now_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v act_v 2._o that_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o when_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n v._o 42._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n as_o mr._n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v manifest_o apparent_a that_o in_o every_o of_o those_o house_n and_o in_o all_o those_o house_n they_o have_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o believer_n and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o congregation_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o have_v minister_n and_o pastor_n there_o which_o be_v in_o abundance_n for_o none_o but_o the_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o have_v the_o charge_n to_o feed_v christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n so_o that_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n be_v not_o to_o feed_v their_o pastor_n now_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o administer_v they_o though_o they_o may_v receive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v congregation_n and_o assembly_n every_o day_n in_o many_o several_a house_n at_o one_o time_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o this_o master_n knollys_n do_v acknowledge_v for_o he_o confess_v they_o have_v their_o meeting_n day_n by_o day_n and_o house_n by_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o day_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o have_v their_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o confess_v that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o and_o peremptory_o deny_v but_o such_o be_v the_o force_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o will_v break_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o master_n knollys_n do_v confess_v that_o beside_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o daily_a they_o have_v their_o meeting_n also_o house_n by_o house_n domatim_o so_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v numberless_a if_o they_o be_v from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o his_o own_o confession_n can_v convince_v his_o error_n at_o least_o let_v his_o own_o word_n take_v some_o place_n with_o he_o who_o in_o the_o 23._o pag._n of_o his_o learned_a answer_n have_v these_o expression_n some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v dwell_v in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n thus_o mr_n knollys_n speak_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quote_v the_o very_a place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o his_o book_n that_o i_o produce_v as_o act._n 2._o ver_fw-la 46._o act_v the_o 5._o 42._o act_n 20._o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o in_o every_o house_n in_o his_o dialect_n be_v all_o one_o which_o it_o be_v not_o when_o i_o quote_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o very_a reason_n and_o common_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n that_o wheresoever_o the_o independent_o have_v their_o meeting_n house_n they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o and_o as_o many_o meet_v house_n as_o they_o have_v so_o many_o church_n ordinat_o they_o have_v witness_v toleration-streete_n which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a street_n i_o mean_v coleman-streete_n which_o a_o independent_a one_o day_n meet_v i_o pass_v through_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v the_o saint_n street_n
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_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 all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o can_v speedy_o be_v reckon_v but_o when_o the_o increase_n grow_v so_o great_a they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v by_o whole_a sale_n not_o in_o enumerate_v parcel_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o numberless_a company_n say_v multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v mighty_a congregation_n and_o great_a assembly_n of_o both_o sex_n in_o such_o abundance_n come_v in_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n and_o set_v down_o in_o general_a term_n that_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 also_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o thâ—â—_n regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o it_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o galatian_n 1._o for_o 8._o 9_o when_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n and_o method_n in_o their_o teach_n and_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o man_n and_o hear_v only_a the_o voice_n of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o the_o christian_a believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n under_o their_o ministery_n do_v all_o faithful_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o square_a both_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o the_o independent_o shall_v proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o oppose_v his_o royalty_n and_o preach_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o congregation_n as_o the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o account_v all_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n tell_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sermon_n that_o they_o come_v over_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n think_v that_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o will_v have_v establish_v his_o government_n and_o have_v go_v on_o in_o a_o church-way_a and_o have_v set_v up_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o they_o find_v it_o otherwiise_v that_o they_o deny_v &_o disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n and_o persecute_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v find_v more_o favour_n from_o moderate_a papist_n and_o common_a protestant_n than_o from_o they_o by_o which_o their_o deal_n say_v the_o brethren_n they_o have_v so_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o god_n people_n affection_n from_o they_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v pray_v for_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n as_o if_o all_o the_o other_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v no_o saint_n nor_o people_n of_o god_n nay_o they_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o in_o every_o pamphlet_n that_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o one_o of_o they_o not_o long_o since_o affirm_v unto_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o strumpet_n and_o a_o arrant_a whore_n and_o that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o whore_n can_v never_o be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n which_o be_v a_o expression_n not_o only_o uncivil_a and_o unbeseeming_a a_o christian_n but_o untrue_a also_o for_o grant_v she_o have_v be_v so_o she_o be_v now_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o public_a covenant_n against_o she_o and_o we_o read_v of_o judah_n and_o samaria_n howsoever_o they_o have_v defile_v themselves_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o upon_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o renew_v their_o covenant_n public_o of_o new_a obedience_n be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n so_o that_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o howsoever_o they_o will_v not_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o in_o plain_a word_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o preach_v and_o practice_v a_o separation_n from_o all_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o from_o a_o people_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o and_o declare_v that_o by_o their_o deed_n which_o they_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n nor_o in_o express_a word_n as_o he_o do_v and_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n not_o long_o since_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v unto_o their_o new_a way_n nor_o light_v their_o candle_n at_o their_o new_a light_n nor_o embrace_v their_o newborn_a truth_n tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o suppose_v these_o be_v and_o by_o their_o unkind_a usage_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o persecute_v of_o they_o they_o will_v at_o last_o drive_v from_o among_o they_o the_o pray_a people_n mean_v themselves_o as_o if_o no_o other_o pray_v but_o they_o only_o and_o then_o they_o may_v look_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o lutheran_n in_o maydenburge_n in_o germany_n who_o thrust_v out_o all_o the_o calvinist_n out_o of_o their_o town_n a_o pray_a people_n and_o immediate_o after_o the_o enemy_n come_v upon_o they_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o destroy_v they_o all_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a expression_n be_v their_o preachment_n stuff_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o of_o their_o sermon_n they_o be_v like_o tailor_n cushion_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o several_a shred_n of_o various_a colour_n all_o independent_a make_v a_o fine_a show_n but_o comely_a no_o where_n but_o in_o a_o tailor_n shop_n and_o sure_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n as_o these_o be_v may_v beseem_v their_o pulpit_n but_o no_o grave_n and_o learned_a honest_a minister_n for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o persecution_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o calumny_n neither_o deal_n they_o christian_o with_o we_o to_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o only_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n
say_v i_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o write_v against_o erroneous_a and_o peace_n disturb_v way_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v i_o your_o fellow_n sufferer_n from_o fall_v at_o odds_o with_o you_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v page_n 2._o that_o in_o reprove_v sin_n for_o which_o i_o have_v sacred_a writ_n to_o be_v my_o warrant_n levit_fw-la 19_o 17._o i_o give_v a_o reverential_a honour_n to_o the_o person_n and_o to_o manifest_v my_o respect_n unto_o yourself_o because_o a_o sufferer_n i_o bring_v not_o your_o name_n upon_o the_o theatre_n error_n i_o confute_v the_o danger_n of_o misapply_v scripture_n i_o declare_v and_o reprehend_v and_o so_o by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n i_o ever_o shall_v and_o will_v not_o connive_v with_o any_o that_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v a_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o error_n and_o faction_n but_o so_o tender_a i_o be_v of_o your_o repute_n and_o at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n from_o reproach_v you_o with_o untruth_n to_o render_v you_o despicable_a to_o man_n that_o your_o name_n i_o spare_v to_o mention_v and_o for_o my_o description_n of_o a_o grave_a man_n with_o a_o white_a basket-hilted-beard_n a_o self_n deny_v man_n will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o with_o silence_n and_o only_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o respectful_a private_a reproof_n for_o i_o beseech_v you_o lay_v aside_o your_o passion_n and_o consider_v a_o little_a be_v there_o not_o some_o other_o of_o your_o judgement_n that_o have_v as_o great_a white_a beard_n as_o yourself_o which_o be_v baskethilted_n beard_n in_o my_o dialect_n a_o harmless_a word_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o word_n that_o you_o know_v in_o love_n and_o mirth_n i_o do_v frequent_o use_v to_o my_o dear_a and_o familiar_a friend_n and_o it_o be_v not_o count_v scurrilous_a or_o offensive_a by_o any_o other_o nor_o by_o yourself_o to_o who_o i_o have_v often_o use_v this_o expression_n and_o you_o never_o reprove_v i_o nor_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o until_o now_o because_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o your_o writing_n and_o way_n which_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n before_o who_o i_o speak_v and_o who_o know_v the_o secret_a intention_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o will_v embrace_v and_o walk_v in_o be_v there_o in_o scripture_n any_o command_n precept_n or_o example_n for_o my_o so_o do_v but_o you_o can_v never_o produce_v sound_a scripture_n proof_n for_o it_o now_o scripture_n clear_o hold_v out_o that_o way_n i_o walk_v in_o practice_n and_o maintain_v brother_n you_o be_v too_o too_o precipitate_a you_o need_v not_o have_v make_v a_o particular_a application_n in_o public_a and_o then_o present_v yourself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n in_o so_o great_a a_o passion_n as_o to_o let_v man_n see_v and_o know_v you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o digest_v a_o merry_a word_n alas_o thousand_o never_o see_v your_o book_n and_o of_o they_o that_o have_v see_v and_o read_v it_o happy_o every_o one_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o your_o uncharitable_a writing_n and_o opinion_n for_o until_o you_o so_o unadvised_o rush_v out_o and_o on_o the_o public_a theatre_n proclaim_v yourself_o to_o be_v the_o man_n very_o few_o suspect_v you_o will_v have_v deal_v so_o unbrother_o with_o your_o brethren_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v from_o your_o judgement_n yet_o be_v sincere_o godly_a and_o have_v deserve_v well_o from_o you_o and_o lay_v out_o themselves_o free_o for_o the_o good_a of_o you_o and_o you_o above_o all_o other_o man_n as_o to_o pronounce_v they_o emeny_v of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o that_o you_o will_v unchristian_a all_o holy_a christian_n and_o deny_v the_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o true_a conversion_n because_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o you_o nor_o approve_v of_o those_o opinion_n you_o have_v late_o take_v up_o you_o have_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o at_o other_o time_n to_o declare_v yourself_o to_o be_v the_o man_n why_o now_o sure_o you_o conceit_n the_o subscribe_v your_o name_n again_o thereunto_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o passage_n and_o assertion_n be_v not_o erroneous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o piaculum_fw-la in_o i_o to_o question_v the_o matter_n time_n season_n and_o manner_n of_o publish_v such_o thing_n if_o so_o you_o mistake_v yourself_o exceed_o for_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o you_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n and_o error_n as_o other_o man_n be_v jam._n 5._o 17._o even_o your_o best_a friend_n be_v judge_n and_o that_o i_o may_v discover_v yourself_o unto_o yourself_o i_o will_v sum_v up_o a_o few_o of_o your_o passionate_a expression_n with_o your_o unbrother_o that_o i_o say_v not_o unchristian_a aspersion_n and_o slanderous_a accusation_n bring_v against_o i_o by_o name_n in_o your_o book_n that_o you_o entitle_v but_o how_o true_o vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la which_o before_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o be_v in_o the_o country_n when_o it_o come_v forth_o one_o have_v peruse_v it_o brief_o and_o love_o reprove_v you_o and_o write_v against_o many_o unworthy_a reproach_n and_o slander_n contain_v therein_o and_o i_o shall_v now_o again_o take_v a_o note_n of_o they_o and_o then_o clear_a those_o false_a account_n wherewith_o you_o have_v so_o deep_o charge_v i_o which_o consist_v of_o several_a particular_n viz._n you_o account_v i_o one_o that_o have_v but_o fair_a flourish_n of_o holiness_n page_n 17._o a_o adversary_n to_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o a_o open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 18._o a_o scandalous_a walker_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 20._o worse_o than_o a_o heathen_a a_o base_a and_o barbarous_a man_n pag._n 21._o one_o of_o the_o great_a incendiary_n in_o the_o land_n pag._n 25._o a_o dishonest_a man_n of_o a_o serpentine_a practice_n pag._n 28._o a_o hollow-hearted_a man_n of_o a_o shallow_a brain_n a_o man_n not_o only_o who_o heart_n be_v divide_v but_o who_o head_n be_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 29._o the_o reckon_n in_o the_o full_a sum_n by_o your_o account_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o i_o be_o a_o hypocrite_n a_o unbeliever_n a_o persecutor_n a_o profane_a wicked_a base_a and_o barbarous_a man_n a_o incendiary_n a_o knave_n a_o serpent_n a_o dissembler_n a_o ignoramus_n a_o mad_a man_n etc._n etc._n oh_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o soul_n condemn_v heart_n accuse_v head_n divide_v charge_n shall_v be_v draw_v up_o and_o publish_v by_o a_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n be_v this_o not_o rail_v nor_o bitter_a speak_n because_o cunning_o utter_v by_o a_o independent_a if_o sober_a man_n who_o be_v godly_a without_o faction_n judge_v of_o this_o your_o method_n it_o will_v appear_v and_o by_o they_o be_v true_o vote_v you_o have_v forget_v the_o promise_n you_o make_v page_n the_o second_o for_o my_o part_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o grave_a consideration_n of_o such_o and_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o your_o great_a charge_n of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o book_n in_o folio_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o sinful_a sinfulness_n that_o lie_v close_o couch_v therein_o with_o your_o furious_a smite_v at_o my_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o enforce_v i_o to_o say_v these_o be_v the_o wound_n that_o i_o receive_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zech._n 13._o 6._o yet_o because_o from_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n i_o present_o bind_v they_o up_o and_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o spare_v in_o open_v and_o discover_v of_o they_o again_o can_v i_o have_v do_v it_o without_o prejudice_v the_o life_n of_o my_o good_a name_n and_o obscure_a truth_n but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o other_o i_o be_o constrain_v not_o to_o neglect_v to_o lay_v they_o open_a search_v their_o depth_n declare_v their_o danger_n and_o what_o evil_a effect_n may_v ensue_v and_o to_o pour_v in_o the_o sovereign_a balsam_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o plaster_n of_o innocence_n which_o be_v the_o only_o approve_a remedy_n for_o such_o desperate_a wound_n now_o for_o your_o biâ—â—_n of_o accusation_n and_o defamation_n i_o here_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n protest_v against_o it_o absolute_o deny_v the_o whole_a charge_n and_o do_v affirm_v that_o neither_o you_o nor_o any_o mortal_a creature_n can_v true_o make_v any_o one_o of_o the_o least_o particular_n thereof_o good_a against_o i_o although_o you_o have_v labour_v hard_o and_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o howsoever_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o holy_a wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o wave_v that_o business_n a_o little_a