govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28._o 20._o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2._o 47._o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6._o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2._o 41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 6._o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5._o 13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o mathias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1._o 15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o 41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 1._o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1._o 4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o a_o catholic_n church_n from_o act_n 1._o etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v suppose_v of_o
they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilâ—e_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2._o 41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1._o 4._o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la object_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n object_n 2._o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n object_n 3._o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n noâ—_n have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o
baptize_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n for_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n can_v choose_v a_o minister_n to_o baptize_v they_o answ_n we_o see_v here_o still_o how_o unaware_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o position_n itself_o break_v forth_o for_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v full_o yield_v and_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o place_n allude_v to_o act_n 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o the_o position_n be_v yield_v also_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n admit_v believer_n into_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v former_o deny_v and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o choose_v elder_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v full_o yield_v reply_n a_o company_n of_o convert_v unbaptise_v aught_o to_o desire_v baptism_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o elect_v one_o among_o themselves_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o scripture_n that_o any_o society_n of_o unbaptised_a do_v first_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v you_o can_v produce_v one_o example_n or_o other_o proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o one_o man_n teach_v the_o gospel_n ministerial_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o of_o a_o society_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n but_o they_o be_v baptize_v person_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n out_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v they_o be_v first_o baptize_v into_o church_n fellowship_n before_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n remain_v enjoy_v from_o they_o other_o ordinance_n as_o act._n 2._o and_o so_o have_v no_o officer_n choose_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n immediate_o for_o they_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o they_o must_v choose_v officer_n if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o no_o need_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v usual_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_n arise_v out_o of_o popery_n in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v such_o church_n can_v partake_v of_o no_o ordinance_n without_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o yet_o this_o vary_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n pattern_n neither_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o believer_n differ_v when_o paul_n find_v about_o twelve_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n act._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v into_o a_o constitute_v church_n as_o be_v probable_a be_v call_v on_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o way_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o baptise_v they_o again_o with_o water_n but_o only_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o 5._o with_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o no_o vary_a from_o the_o rule_n in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o like_a be_v our_o case_n now_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o here_o you_o urge_v than_o those_o former_a assertion_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n page_n 23._o and_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o he_o lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o want_v of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n if_o these_o be_v so_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n may_v be_v a_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n though_o they_o want_v baptism_n 3._o though_o no_o such_o example_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n choose_v a_o pastor_n among_o themselves_o can_v be_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thereof_o apostle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o baptize_v they_o yet_o why_o in_o absence_n of_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n may_v they_o not_o choose_v some_o other_o baptize_v christian_n who_o come_v into_o some_o far_a remote_a country_n of_o infidel_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o show_v a_o example_n of_o presbyter_n hold_v a_o synod_n or_o ordain_v of_o elder_n without_o apostle_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o suppose_v you_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o such_o thing_n 4_o if_o a_o example_n of_o one_o unbaptise_v that_o preach_v &_o baptize_v ministerial_o will_v satisfy_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n may_v answer_v your_o demand_n for_o whether_o he_o baptize_v himself_o or_o be_v baptize_v by_o some_o other_o at_o first_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n do_v baptize_v but_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o example_n scripture_n ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o case_n be_v they_o rule_v example_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o and_o we_o reason_n thus_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n profess_v christ_n have_v liberty_n from_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n but_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n in_o a_o combine_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v choose_v their_o officer_n reply_n the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v also_o right_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o faithful_a alone_o but_o their_o guide_v and_o officer_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v two_o or_o three_o believer_n link_v in_o a_o society_n be_v such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n do_v belong_v but_o that_o right_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n answ_n the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o proposition_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o former_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v guide_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o therein_o but_o not_o to_o limit_v they_o who_o to_o choose_v but_o when_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o guide_n as_o by_o death_n and_o other_o way_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o shall_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o choose_v if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v to_o who_o the_o right_a fall_n they_o may_v take_v what_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o other_o they_o want_v but_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o limitation_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o number_n of_o two_o or_o three_o we_o contend_v not_o but_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n gather_v be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n be_v in_o such_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o when_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o our_o minister_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o church_n no_o say_v dr._n field_n for_o the_o people_n elect_v they_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o separate_v from_o wicked_a minister_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n who_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la plebs_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n also_o from_o ocham_n who_o say_v si_fw-mi papa_n &_o maxim_n celebres_fw-la episcopi_fw-la incidunt_fw-la in_o haeresin_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la devoluta_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n either_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o choose_v other_o or_o consent_v to_o their_o impiety_n field_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o place_n be_v little_a to_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o scruple_v by_o we_o and_o what_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o therefore_o here_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o reply_n proposi_fw-la 4._o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n fellowship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a right_o understand_v for_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o can_v join_v themselves_o together_o in_o church_n estate_n answ_n
particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v terâ—ullian_n mar._n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16_o 40._o &_o 17._o 5._o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practiâ—â—_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2._o 41._o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o
that_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n general_o reply_n four_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n be_v back_v on_o divine_a precept_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v they_o baptize_v such_o without_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o before_o reply_n five_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n answ_n although_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o our_o answer_n omit_v this_o proof_n whole_o and_o also_o rom._n 9_o 4_o yet_o in_o our_o true_a cypy_n we_o allege_v act_v 2_o 41_o 42._o 47._o wherein_o you_o will_v find_v not_o only_o this_o passage_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o sealeâ—_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o â—â—ewes_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4._o 11._o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v err_v now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n he_o so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o
a_o catholic_n church_n representative_a in_o act._n 15._o if_o it_o be_v such_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o catholic_a officer_n only_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o assembly_n also_o but_o in_o neither_o respect_n ergo._fw-la 1_o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o as_o be_v say_v any_o one_o apostle_n may_v make_v a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o for_o though_o they_o will_v meet_v oft_o to_o consult_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o for_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o any_o one_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n here_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o suppose_v here_o they_o act_v rather_o as_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n than_o out_o of_o their_o apostolical_a power_n 2_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o then_o that_o assembly_n must_v consist_v of_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o decree_n shall_v have_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v appear_v for_o first_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o messenger_n but_o those_o from_o antioch_n and_o how_o to_o evince_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v be_v hard_o second_o if_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v before_o this_o assembly_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o paul_n have_v be_v in_o arabia_n before_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 1._o 17._o and_o when_o he_o and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v out_o from_o antioch_n act_v 13._o they_o go_v to_o several_a island_n and_o country_n as_o cyprus_n paphos_n salamis_n etc._n etc._n beside_o what_o other_o place_n scatter_v christian_n and_o apostle_n have_v preach_v in_o now_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o messenger_n send_v from_o all_o these_o place_n second_o the_o decree_n be_v express_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n where_o it_o seem_v this_o question_n have_v trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n act_n 15._o 23_o 24._o which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n have_v any_o messenger_n there_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v their_o messenger_n object_n but_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v have_v have_v their_o messenger_n there_o if_o they_o will_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o decree_n as_o of_o a_o general_a council_n answ_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o church_n have_v lawful_a summons_n to_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o that_o assembly_n before_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v any_o blame_n on_o they_o for_o neglect_v the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v all_o tie_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o a_o general_a council_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a much_o less_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o silent_a arg._n 2._o every_o political_a body_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o a_o society_n but_o christ_n have_v not_o institute_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v combine_v into_o a_o society_n ergo._fw-la propos_fw-fr prove_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o free_a society_n civil_a or_o sacred_a that_o be_v under_o policy_n but_o that_o it_o arise_v from_o combination_n how_o come_v israel_n to_o be_v one_o national_n church_n but_o by_o a_o national_a covenant_n and_o that_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n or_o how_o come_v any_o national_a provincial_a classical_a church_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o to_o be_v such_o but_o by_o some_o such_o combination_n why_o be_v this_o church_n of_o this_o classis_fw-la not_o of_o another_o but_o by_o combination_n second_o in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o whole_a have_v power_n to_o order_v every_o part_n but_o this_o power_n among_o person_n that_o be_v free_a be_v only_o by_o combination_n assump_n prove_v first_o because_o christ_n never_o institute_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o every_o age_n so_o to_o do_v second_o christ_n ordain_v combination_n for_o communion_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o this_o communion_n also_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o one_o ergo._fw-la three_o corrupt_a church_n be_v visible_a church_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o any_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o combination_n of_o all_o church_n asian_n african_a european_a american_n corrupt_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o prudent_a man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v the_o heavy_a consequent_n thereof_o argum._n 3._o every_o political_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v she_o own_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n have_v not_o such_o power_n ergo._fw-la proposit_n prove_v this_o all_o scripture_n example_n show_v that_o every_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o believer_n have_v her_o pastor_n act._n 14._o tit._n 1._o second_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n if_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n because_o all_o privilege_n be_v primary_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n that_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a assump_n prove_v first_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v choose_v pastor_n over_o it_o than_o they_o may_v make_v apostle_n because_o catholic_n pastor_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n second_o the_o reason_n against_o a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v strong_a here_o as_o that_o their_o office_n be_v not_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o their_o power_n able_a to_o reach_v all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v choose_v her_o pastor_n in_o the_o part_n or_o particular_a society_n which_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o catholic_n pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n choose_v pastor_n over_o themselves_o who_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o be_v part_n partium_fw-la and_o so_o part_n totius_fw-la than_o they_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o officer_n but_o in_o its_o part_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o officer_n in_o they_o do_v make_v one_o political_a body_n or_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v catholic_n pastor_n argum._n 4._o christ_n jesus_n institute_v no_o such_o political_a body_n as_o destroy_v church_n policy_n but_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n political_a destroy_v policy_n ergo._fw-la assump_n prove_v because_o it_o swallow_v up_o the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o all_o church_n congregationall_a but_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n by_o take_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n from_o they_o for_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n from_o which_o there_o can_v be_v just_o no_o appeal_n for_o matth._n 18._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o whatsoever_o it_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o high_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n and_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o high_a court_n and_o judge_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o appeal_n but_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o as_o the_o high_a church_n hence_o no_o inferior_a church_n can_v bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n see_v appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o a_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n proceed_v right_o as_o in_o a_o inferior_a sanhedrin_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n yet_o may_v we_o appeal_v from_o he_o answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o civil_a court_n do_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o every_o civil_a court_n have_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n second_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o bind_n in_o civil_a court_n and_o appeal_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v from_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v because_o there_o be_v suppose_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v prosecute_v and_o there_o determine_v as_o
saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v their_o baptise_v he_o record_v withal_o their_o add_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o the_o same_o day_n as_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o convert_n public_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_o do_v to_o receive_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o into_o the_o catholic_n before_o baptism_n but_o first_o to_o baptize_v they_o and_o then_o the_o same_o day_n to_o add_v or_o join_v they_o to_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o unprobable_a and_o that_o this_o add_v be_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o the_o next_o place_n you_o may_v note_v be_v act_n 5._o 14._o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n omit_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o believer_n yet_o speak_v of_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o one_o employ_v the_o other_o and_o that_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o opposition_n between_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n 3_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o samaria_n although_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v declare_v in_o so_o few_o word_n in_o one_o verse_n act._n 8_o 12._o yet_o the_o text_n put_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n of_o philip_n doctrine_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o plain_o enough_o show_v that_o they_o teach_v the_o observe_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v now_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v that_o so_o they_o practise_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o like_a practice_n in_o other_o example_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v that_o contradict_v the_o same_o as_o act_v 10._o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n where_o so_o many_o be_v meet_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n peter_n baptize_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o and_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o those_o believer_n act_n 4._o 4._o &_o 9_o 35._o &_o vers_fw-la 42._o whether_o any_o of_o these_o confess_v their_o faith_n or_o be_v baptize_v for_o nothing_o be_v say_v thereof_o so_o likewise_o act_v 11._o where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believe_a turn_v to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 21._o of_o the_o add_v other_o to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 24._o but_o nothing_o of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v a_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o express_v their_o baptism_n without_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o join_v without_o baptism_n and_o sometime_o he_o express_v both_o act_v 2._o 41._o and_o therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o like_a of_o the_o case_n of_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n consider_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o express_o of_o a_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 4._o at_o which_o time_n we_o have_v no_o more_o conversion_n express_v but_o of_o those_o two_o family_n at_o least_o they_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a fruit_n of_o paul_n ministry_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o lydia_n house_n see_v paul_n go_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o her_o house_n he_o be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o brethren_n and_o comfort_v they_o so_o depart_v verse_n 40._o beside_o why_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o into_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o all_o church_n as_o some_o say_v they_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o church_n he_o have_v there_o constitute_v the_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v great_a matter_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n though_o no_o rule_n for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o be_v it_o strange_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n in_o a_o family_n see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o three_o several_a family_n rom._n 16._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o phil._n 2._o which_o though_o many_o understand_v to_o be_v call_v church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o those_o family_n yet_o iâ—_n we_o consider_v first_o how_o many_o eminent_a saint_n the_o apostle_n salute_v who_o no_o doubt_n â—ad_v godly_a family_n not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v their_o household_n much_o less_o give_v they_o such_o a_o title_n but_o only_o to_o these_o three_o name_v second_o how_o distinct_a his_o salutation_n be_v first_o the_o governor_n and_o then_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o send_v his_o salutation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o but_o also_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o all_o which_o do_v strong_o argue_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a family_n and_o therefore_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o constitute_v church_n in_o those_o family_n though_o other_o christian_n also_o may_v join_v with_o they_o thus_o have_v clear_v our_o meaning_n and_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o extraordinary_a case_n if_o any_o of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n when_o baptize_v as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n which_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a immediate_a call_n of_o philip_n so_o to_o do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n thereof_o the_o lord_n intend_v thereby_o rather_o by_o he_o to_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o ethiopia_n then_o to_o retain_v he_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o join_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o immediate_a call_n of_o ananias_n so_o to_o do_v now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o further_o be_v reply_v reply_n the_o seal_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a but_o also_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o in_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n than_o also_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o answ_n 1_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n baptize_v private_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o second_o if_o because_o the_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a church_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n three_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v that_o seal_n belong_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la to_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o first_o as_o to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o and_o thus_o never_o out_o of_o it_o as_o be_v token_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n both_o in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o actual_a fruition_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o which_o the_o question_n be_v state_v
of_o grace_n which_o be_v ever_o require_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n be_v no_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o more_o rigid_o incline_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o second_o with_o what_o profession_n charity_n according_a to_o rule_v be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o breadth_n in_o charity_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o testimonium_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o a_o man_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a profession_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n latent_fw-la it_o be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n so_o in_o the_o weak_a profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la there_o may_v be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n hence_o man_n leave_v all_o secret_n to_o god_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o first_o either_o with_o that_o which_o be_v only_o verbal_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a by_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o second_o with_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v real_a which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o convince_v by_o a_o rule_n that_o so_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v fearful_a as_o of_o open_v the_o door_n too_o wide_o so_o of_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o any_o who_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o but_o for_o what_o yet_o we_o see_v or_o read_v from_o the_o argument_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o author_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a learned_a we_o think_v that_o church_n charity_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o first_o but_o with_o the_o latter_a for_o let_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o short_a or_o so_o weak_a let_v it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o immediate_a relation_n or_o by_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o appear_v to_o a_o regulate_v charity_n so_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o be_v real_a it_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v then_o till_o god_n make_v discovery_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o intend_v not_o to_o heap_v up_o argument_n nor_o answer_v scruple_n but_o these_o four_o thing_n seem_v to_o evince_v as_o much_o 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 3000._o convert_a act_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o one_o day_n immediate_o receive_v so_o many_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o large_a profession_n of_o every_o one_o so_o also_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o pattern_n it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v evident_o join_v with_o humiliation_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n mourning_n and_o cry_v out_o before_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n which_o be_v real_a testimony_n of_o some_o real_a change_n from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n receive_v they_o 2_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o from_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o turn_v away_o if_o bare_a profession_n be_v sufficient_a why_o shall_v timothy_n turn_v from_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o profession_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o private_a but_o church_n communion_n also_o suppose_v they_o such_o as_o not_o o_o neigh_v have_v a_o form_n but_o may_v be_v by_o a_o rule_n convince_v thereof_o 3_o lie_v and_o apparent_a untruth_n can_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n 9_o for_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n for_o charity_n to_o rest_v on_o that_o so_o he_o be_v but_o verbal_a profession_n which_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v real_a but_o false_a be_v palpable_a lie_v and_o indeed_o more_o fit_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v the_o church_n hence_o sanctius_n in_o zach_n 14._o 14_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o qui_fw-la eum_fw-la fidem_fw-la retineant_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la abjâ—cerunt_fw-la 4_o if_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n than_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n cast_v cut_v in_o one_o hour_n shall_v be_v immediate_o receive_v in_o again_o if_o he_o will_v but_o renew_v his_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n nay_o they_o the_o indian_n in_o maryland_n who_o will_v put_v on_o and_o put_v off_o this_o profession_n as_o their_o ghostly_a father_n the_o popish_a priest_n will_v bestow_v or_o withhold_v garment_n and_o shirt_n upon_o they_o shall_v in_o charity_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o charity_n may_v know_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o profession_n we_o answer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v application_n thereof_o only_o this_o we_o do_v add_v in_o general_a for_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n 1_o such_o a_o faith_n profess_v with_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o innocent_a godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o say_v this_o conversation_n make_v faith_n appear_v real_a james_n 2._o 18._o rev._n 22._o 14._o we_o conceive_v more_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n appear_v a_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o church_n then_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v only_o bone_fw-la civis_fw-la and_o bare_a civility_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o latter_a but_o not_o for_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v needful_a as_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o not_o only_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v join_v with_o evident_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o experience_n always_o of_o such_o a_o holy_a life_n antecedent_o see_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v act._n 2._o 37_o 38._o for_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v experience_a christian_n into_o his_o family_n and_o house_n but_o also_o the_o weak_a and_o poor_a who_o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o experience_n of_o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n some_o think_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v act._n 2._o 39_o so_o soon_o because_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v but_o if_o they_o have_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o here_o according_a to_o that_o for_o they_o receive_v divers_a hypocrite_n in_o as_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o other_o of_o their_o act_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v exemplary_a why_o shall_v this_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o extraordinary_a 3_o when_o there_o be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o other_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n although_o their_o humiliation_n faith_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v for_o we_o see_v the_o church_n receive_v paul_n when_o barnabas_n have_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v just_a to_o condemn_v another_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o faithful_a witness_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unchristian_a to_o receive_v a_o other_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n much_o more_o ready_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a christian_n especial_o then_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a open_o and_o public_o ro_o speak_v so_o full_o for_o themselves_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o question_v whether_o this_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n answer_v 1._o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o receive_v other_o to_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n do_v act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o encourage_v by_o barnabas_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v rom._n 14._o 1._o which_o although_o it_o be_v of_o fellow-member_n into_o their_o affection_n yet_o the_o proportion_n hold_v strong_a for_o receive_v comer_n into_o the_o church_n joh._n ep._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o
apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n acts._n 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_n work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o â—lood_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10._o 9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o 1._o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a *_o 15._o chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o it_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la improbare_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la â—iduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumatur_fw-la reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3._o 6._o act_n 8._o 37._o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o
they_o do_v christ_n design_n but_o who_o the_o church_n free_o choose_v and_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o must_v choose_v ministerial_o and_o who_o christ_n so_o design_n the_o case_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o other_o ordinance_n dispense_v examination_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v be_v design_v or_o describe_v by_o christ_n a_o notorious_a or_o obstinate_a sinner_n the_o church_n pass_v this_o sentence_n only_o ministerial_o and_o yet_o put_v forth_o a_o great_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o apply_v the_o sentence_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n and_o so_o here_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o depute_v this_o officer_n neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o when_o as_o the_o act_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a call_n of_o the_o officer_n must_v needs_o come_v from_o a_o power_n formal_o in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o when_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n censure_v a_o offender_n etc._n etc._n reply_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o grant_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o elder_n go_v before_o or_o along_o with_o they_o act_v 1_o peter_n declare_v what_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v take_v etc._n etc._n act_v 6._o deacon_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o election_n the_o people_n do_v first_o choose_v when_o most_o common_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v the_o people_n and_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o election_n and_o they_o consent_v act._n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n by_o consent_n choose_v etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o restriction_n of_o the_o people_n power_n to_o a_o after_o consent_n at_o least_o ordinary_o will_v not_o hold_v if_o the_o evident_a light_n of_o act_n 6._o can_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o other_o place_n be_v more_o obscure_a why_o shall_v not_o that_o place_n with_o its_o light_n clear_v the_o rest_n but_o that_o in_o act._n 1._o be_v as_o evident_a peter_n prove_v the_o need_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n to_o be_v make_v show_v it_o must_v be_v one_o that_o have_v so_o long_o converse_v with_o christ_n to_o witness_v such_o thing_n and_o further_o he_o do_v not_o lead_v they_o there_o may_v be_v twenty_o such_o but_o they_o choose_v two_o as_o a_o preparative_n act_n to_o apostleship_n verse_n 23._o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o such_o as_o they_o speak_v unto_o viz._n the_o disciple_n verse_n 15._o who_o he_o call_v man_n and_o brethren_n verse_n 16._o so_o act._n 14._o 23._o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o election_n not_o of_o a_o after_o consent_n last_o by_o this_o doctrine_n how_o shall_v the_o church_n come_v by_o officer_n when_o she_o have_v none_o to_o go_v before_o she_o in_o choose_v for_o she_o must_v she_o loose_v her_o right_n or_o take_v who_o other_o will_v choose_v for_o she_o and_o impose_v upon_o she_o reply_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n one_o church_n may_v elect_v a_o pastor_n for_o another_o etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o if_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n one_o church_n shall_v propound_v and_o advise_v another_o to_o choose_v such_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o take_v or_o refuse_v this_o be_v lawful_a in_o case_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a usurpation_n and_o we_o must_v leave_v scripture_n rule_v and_o pattern_n to_o justify_v it_o 2_o we_o grant_v in_o a_o safe_a sense_n there_o may_v be_v communis_fw-la electio_fw-la whereby_o a_o fit_a man_n be_v propound_v by_o church_n or_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o another_o people_n and_o thus_o the_o philadelphian_o may_v elect_v a_o fit_a pastor_n for_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n as_o ignatius_n exhot_n with_o sundry_a like_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o we_o deny_v not_o may_v lawful_o be_v now_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o that_o electio_fw-la singularis_fw-la whereby_o a_o people_n choose_v one_o to_o be_v their_o minister_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a oft_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a and_o ambrose_n think_v that_o he_o be_v worthy_o think_v to_o be_v elect_v divino_fw-la judicio_fw-la who_o all_o the_o people_n desire_n ambros_n lib._n 10._o ep._n 82._o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o as_o the_o time_n grow_v worse_a the_o election_n be_v oft_o disturb_v sometime_o by_o the_o clergy_n choose_v without_o the_o people_n of_o which_o athanasius_n complain_v sometime_o by_o the_o people_n carry_v it_o tumultuous_o sometime_o the_o emperor_n interpose_v but_o this_o and_o like_a corruption_n can_v forfeit_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o people_n liberty_n yet_o ingenuous_o say_v that_o although_o the_o people_n be_v bellua_fw-la multorum_fw-la capitum_fw-la and_o most_o apt_a to_o be_v tumultuous_a yet_o this_o be_v not_o innated_a to_o a_o believe_a people_n qui_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la nunc_fw-la quam_fw-la olim_fw-la gravis_fw-la esset_fw-la in_o electionibus_fw-la ac_fw-la publicae_fw-la utilitatis_fw-la studiosissima_fw-la spalta_n de_fw-fr rep._n eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o reply_n if_o here_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o your_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o answer_v first_o a_o thing_n be_v essential_a two_o way_n either_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a so_o as_o the_o thing_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n without_o it_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v maim_v without_o it_o again_o the_o people_n be_v either_o few_o in_o number_n and_o simple_a unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n sound_a in_o faith_n and_o able_a to_o discern_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o necessary_a or_o essential_a in_o the_o second_o his_o call_z in_o that_o respect_n be_v maim_v answ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o here_o we_o dispute_v of_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o church-officer_n now_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o any_o outward_a call_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o they_o that_o elect_v if_o all_o the_o country_n of_o england_n shall_v elect_v or_o call_v a_o lord_n major_a for_o london_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o and_o wise_a it_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n and_o why_o because_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v not_o in_o they_o but_o if_o the_o citizen_n in_o who_o the_o right_a lie_n do_v elect_v though_o weak_o he_o have_v the_o true_a essence_n of_o the_o call_n if_o other_o elect_v a_o major_a the_o city_n will_v receive_v he_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o so_o give_v their_o consent_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o call_v though_o not_o a_o orderly_a and_o lawful_a election_n and_o so_o maim_v so_o it_o be_v here_o second_o if_o in_o our_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o scripture_n way_n of_o election_n the_o proper_a right_n and_o power_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v stand_v in_o their_o election_n or_o at_o least_o in_o their_o after_o consent_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministry_n in_o which_o case_n we_o grant_v though_o the_o call_n be_v maim_v yet_o it_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o a_o true_a call_n but_o if_o the_o people_n will_v not_o receive_v such_o as_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o he_o have_v no_o call_n at_o all_o but_o usurp_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v church_n the_o more_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v in_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o such_o unworthy_a minister_n as_o be_v oft_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o elect_a minister_n be_v in_o any_o other_o person_n let_v it_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o we_o be_v not_o much_o move_v in_o such_o case_n with_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o aftertime_n and_o this_o also_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o call_v such_o man_n have_v that_o be_v ordain_v by_o prelate_n at_o large_a without_o any_o election_n at_o all_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o catholic_a church_n than_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o office_n but_o
if_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o must_v by_o some_o mean_n know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v comfortable_o receive_v into_o their_o affection_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v first_o private_o to_o examine_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o admission_n be_v to_o show_v the_o church_n the_o rule_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o admit_v they_o act._n 10._o 37._o can_v any_o forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n be_v best_a see_v by_o that_o public_a profession_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o if_o no_o just_a exception_n be_v make_v as_o one_o shall_v be_v without_o conviction_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n hereunto_o for_o if_o public_a profession_n be_v needful_a at_o least_o before_o the_o church_n though_o not_o the_o world_n always_o as_o didoclavius_n observe_v to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n by_o baptism_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o person_n former_o baptize_v and_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o the_o church_n but_o they_o shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n again_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o 16_o 18._o viz._n profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o joy_n to_o see_v god_n glorify_v and_o christ_n name_n profess_v and_o his_o virtue_n hold_v forth_o and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o love_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v do_v before_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o persecutor_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o what_o be_v now_o say_v we_o think_v sufficient_a to_o undermine_v what_o be_v oppose_v herein_o by_o other_o and_o may_v easy_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o clear_o up_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o our_o rigidum_fw-la examen_fw-la for_o which_o we_o be_v by_o some_o condemn_v but_o for_o further_a clear_v we_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o particular_n now_o to_o your_o reason_n more_o particular_o against_o this_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v and_o renew_v covenant_n then_o answ_n we_o answer_v first_o when_o as_o you_o say_v they_o profess_v the_o covenant_n promise_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightnes_n this_o imply_v a_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n second_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o before_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v humble_v much_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o sigh_n come_v up_o to_o god_n exod._n 2._o 23_o 24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a against_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o that_o land_n by_o many_o miracle_n they_o have_v god_n visible_a presence_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v instruct_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o they_o in_o abraham_n they_o be_v mighty_o deliver_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v moses_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n exod._n 14._o 31._o psalm_n 106._o 12._o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v again_o concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o three_o day_n legal_o which_o be_v for_o spiritual_a end_n and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n exod._n 19_o 10._o and_o thus_o be_v prepare_v as_o fit_a matter_n for_o covenant_n they_o then_o enter_v thereinto_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v thus_o external_o and_o ecclesiastical_o holy_a though_o many_o be_v internal_o stiffnecked_a blind_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o preparation_n in_o some_o work_n of_o grace_n if_o appear_v though_o not_o indeed_o real_a as_o may_v make_v way_n for_o church_n covenant_n among_o a_o people_n now_o as_o we_o see_v be_v then_o reply_n when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o repel_v any_o upon_o that_o pretence_n that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o answ_n though_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o thing_n very_o brief_o else_o the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v as_o john_n speak_v yet_o he_o that_o advise_o consider_v the_o case_n may_v see_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o john_n to_o his_o baptism_n first_o john_n be_v send_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n to_o cast_v down_o every_o high_a hill_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_n 1._o 4._o three_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v ever_o put_v for_o true_a repentance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o it_o prov._n 28._o 13._o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o require_v confession_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o point_v unto_o joh._n 1._o 29._o and_o require_v with_o repentance_n act._n 19_o 4._o four_o do_v not_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n with_o dreadful_a thunder_a of_o god_n judgement_n for_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o conversion_n of_o heart_n and_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n mat._n 3._o 7._o and_o this_o luke_n say_v he_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n luke_n 3._o 7._o and_o whether_o any_o be_v receive_v that_o embrace_v not_o that_o doctrine_n and_o show_v the_o same_o in_o their_o confession_n viz._n that_o their_o heart_n be_v humble_v and_o that_o the_o renounce_v their_o high_a thought_n of_o their_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o profess_a amendment_n &_o fruit_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o prove_v and_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o pharesee_v &_o lawyer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n and_o publican_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o what_o counsel_n but_o that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o john_n luke_n 7._o 29_o 30_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o let_v any_o who_o thought_n be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n say_v whether_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o a_o discern_a charity_n ought_v to_o take_v for_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n replâ—_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n â—9_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o â—mendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a inquiry_n what_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o after_o age_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o still_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o position_n break_v out_o at_o every_o turn_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o disputation_n do_v not_o hinder_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o as_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o act._n 2._o 38._o and_o 8._o 37._o and_o 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o allege_v in_o the_o margin_n show_v than_o still_o it_o appear_v they_o admit_v man_n into_o plant_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o the_o â—efore_o the_o