before_o he_o institute_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 1._o to_o choose_v two_o and_o take_v one_o of_o they_o immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v he_o appear_v to_o he_o immediate_o and_o call_v he_o both_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o his_o apostleship_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o call_n be_v a_o reserve_a case_n reply_n if_o minister_n dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v account_n answ_n this_o objection_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v as_o class_n synod_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v the_o lord_n jesus_n must_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o himself_o in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o his_o minister_n must_v receive_v law_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o he_o delegate_n to_o that_o work_n of_o administration_n under_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v other_o look_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o well_o as_o we_o our_o answer_n be_v brief_o &_o plain_o this_o the_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n the_o gift_n and_o power_n belong_v thereto_o be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o therefore_o he_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o yet_o his_o outward_a call_v to_o this_o office_n whereby_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o church_n and_o this_o make_v he_o no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o captain_n by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o general_n choose_v by_o the_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o his_o band._n we_o see_v in_o this_o reply_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o cast_v this_o odium_fw-la upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rank_n we_o with_o separatist_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o stick_v as_o fast_o upon_o the_o class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n reply_n if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n to_o admit_v member_n cast_v out_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o authority_n from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n answ_n if_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n as_o it_o ought_v a_o dim_a sight_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o key_n by_o the_o officer_n authoritative_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o place_n obediential_o follow_v and_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v along_o with_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o his_o law_n and_o cleave_v in_o their_o obedience_n to_o christ_n dissent_v from_o their_o guide_n when_o they_o forsake_v christ_n in_o their_o ministration_n if_o there_o need_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n hereof_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n in_o all_o civil_a administration_n wherein_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o of_o justice_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jurour_n both_o sweet_o concur_v in_o every_o case_n both_o civil_a &_o criminal_a neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o jury_n only_o to_o find_v the_o fact_n do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o some_o answer_n this_o instance_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n that_o award_v answerable_a punishment_n as_o whether_o the_o fact_n be_v simple_a theft_n or_o burglary_n murder_n or_o manslaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o damage_n cost_n in_o civil_a case_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o execution_n authoritative_o may_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n reply_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o shall_v not_o contradict_v your_o wariness_n in_o this_o case_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o such_o as_o he_o appoint_v though_o some_o corruption_n be_v admix_v in_o the_o entrance_n and_o administration_n but_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o what_o need_v there_o be_v or_o use_v of_o this_o note_n we_o see_v not_o our_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o safe_a enough_o but_o it_o seem_v your_o tenderness_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o england_n occasion_v this_o wariness_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o what_o you_o say_v that_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o we_o give_v some_o approbation_n to_o our_o stand_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n merciful_o pass_v over_o our_o many_o corruption_n but_o this_o will_v no_o way_n give_v allowance_n to_o the_o many_o gross_a corruption_n and_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o stand_n and_o administration_n nor_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o any_o in_o such_o corruption_n after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flock_n be_v not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o bond_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n answ_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o the_o assumption_n that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o distinct_a answer_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o explicate_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o church_n which_o it_o be_v like_a they_o who_o draw_v up_o the_o answer_n have_v former_o do_v have_v the_o time_n then_o be_v as_o critical_a as_o they_o be_v grow_v since_o 1_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o so_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o congregation_n under_o her_o own_o presbytery_n as_o to_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o seal_n many_o congregation_n stand_v under_o one_o common_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v former_o say_v we_o honour_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o godly_a member_n thereof_o 2_o when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n because_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o limit_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o congregation_n only_o whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v but_o of_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_n 3_o when_o we_o say_v that_o where_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n he_o may_v not_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n this_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o they_o or_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o proper_a flock_n the_o office_n be_v as_o we_o say_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n such_o a_o state_v power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n he_o have_v not_o to_o those_o of_o other_o congregation_n partake_v in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o another_o church_n yet_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o power_n or_o precaria_fw-la potestas_fw-la charitative_o to_o put_v
believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16._o 1._o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o suâ—h_v a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o samâ—_n and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o â—â—ld_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appear_v first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v
doctrine_n and_o practice_n about_o church-government_n when_o we_o give_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n to_o particular_a church_n not_o subject_v they_o to_o any_o government_n out_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o to_o take_v the_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o but_o how_o this_o shall_v hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o every_o church_n so_o reform_v themselves_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o have_v such_o officer_n over_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n require_v 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 2._o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o betrust_v the_o church_n have_v such_o officer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o we_o conceive_v christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o same_o other_o church_n watch_v over_o they_o counsel_v and_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o such_o guide_v set_v over_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o presbytery_n of_o such_o pastor_n as_o may_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n may_v as_o much_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o many_o who_o will_v use_v they_o better_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v over-voted_n there_o and_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o both_o the_o care_n of_o reform_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o church_n tend_v much_o to_o further_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n no_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o if_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n which_o we_o humble_o crave_v viz._n that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v take_v candid_o according_a to_o our_o plain_a meaning_n and_o declaration_n and_o not_o represent_v unto_o the_o world_n under_o such_o shape_n and_o form_n as_o make_v it_o seem_v rigid_a all_o one_o with_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n donatist_n arminian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v go_v for_o lover_n and_o friend_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o general_a reformation_n not_o for_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o but_o the_o contrary_a deal_n we_o meet_v with_o too_o too_o oft_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o brethren_n this_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n though_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o desire_v we_o to_o rest_v assure_v that_o although_o he_o have_v conceive_v such_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n yet_o he_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o shall_v dislodge_v such_o thought_n yet_o against_o our_o plain_a profession_n sometime_o he_o will_v needs_o fasten_v the_o opinion_n of_o separation_n upon_o we_o and_o very_o frequent_o set_v mr._n robinson_n in_o a_o parallel_n with_o our_o opinion_n as_o if_o we_o general_o go_v that_o way_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o many_o of_o our_o godly_a and_o best_a reformer_n the_o learned_a may_v plain_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o better_a ground_n to_o have_v fill_v our_o margin_n with_o quotation_n out_o of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n as_o parallel_v with_o many_o passage_n of_o this_o reply_n but_o we_o have_v purposely_o abstain_v from_o so_o do_v that_o we_o may_v not_o cast_v any_o blur_v or_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o brethren_n and_o see_v we_o be_v enforce_v to_o wipe_v off_o such_o aspersion_n we_o humble_o desire_v our_o belove_a brethren_n who_o learned_a labour_n we_o honour_v to_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o light_o touch_v this_o sore_a for_o we_o confess_v it_o bring_v blush_v into_o our_o face_n and_o sadness_n to_o our_o heart_n to_o read_v so_o often_o such_o harsh_a imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o fall_v from_o such_o pen_n they_o breed_v a_o strange_a loathe_n of_o we_o in_o the_o stomach_n of_o many_o that_o read_v book_n without_o serious_a examination_n thereof_o first_o how_o oft_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o that_o imputation_n that_o we_o make_v none_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v real_o saint_n and_o believer_n contrary_a to_o our_o frequent_a profession_n that_o visible_a saint_n that_o be_v such_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v fit_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o we_o make_v a_o vocal_a church_n oath_n or_o covenant_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o as_o we_o frequent_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n iâ—_n either_o implicit_a or_o explicit_a and_o that_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_o church_n have_v a_o implicit_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o practice_n to_o use_v any_o oath_n in_o our_o covenant_n and_o strange_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o many_o page_n against_o our_o church_n oath_n and_o swear_v to_o a_o covenant_n to_o make_v our_o course_n horrid_a and_o too_o too_o rigorous_a three_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o popular_a government_n make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o but_o moderator_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o minister_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n be_v their_o servant_n and_o administer_v in_o their_o name_n as_o mr._n ball_n and_o other_o object_n when_o we_o oft_o profess_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o doctrine_n of_o we_o no_o more_o then_o from_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o be_v their_o servant_n etc._n etc._n four_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n reject_v a_o pastor_n for_o no_o fault_n they_o take_v both_o nomen_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o he_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o twenty_o five_o question_n of_o the_o thirty_o two_o question_n send_v unto_o we_o where_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v say_v but_o reference_n be_v make_v to_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n among_o which_o the_o seven_o be_v of_o this_o very_a point_n our_o answer_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o our_o word_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v etc._n etc._n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o the_o people_n now_o if_o he_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v true_a right_a to_o administer_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o we_o take_v away_o nomen_fw-la or_o esse_fw-la or_o that_o we_o make_v church_n censure_n work_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la cleave_v errante_fw-la as_o be_v also_o impute_v to_o we_o many_o such_o mistake_v we_o find_v but_o let_v these_o suffice_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n how_o wary_a he_o have_v need_n be_v in_o receive_v such_o report_n against_o brethren_n and_o this_o charity_n we_o have_v cause_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o crave_v of_o all_o that_o they_o will_v reserve_v one_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o their_o poor_a outcast_a brethren_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o because_o we_o be_v place_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n and_o disadvantage_n that_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o objection_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n under_o a_o year_n or_o almost_o two_o year_n whereby_o satan_n have_v a_o marvelous_a advantage_n to_o work_v strange_a thoughtâ—_n and_o distasteful_a affection_n towards_o we_o and_o fasten_v they_o so_o deep_o that_o hardly_o they_o will_v be_v take_v off_o again_o but_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o too_o frequent_o that_o when_o brethren_n otherwise_o dear_a to_o each_o other_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o break_v out_o to_o open_a contention_n about_o the_o same_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n as_o unpleasing_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o may_v be_v whence_o grief_n offence_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v and_o this_o make_v we_o both_o fearful_a of_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o any_o unloving_a thought_n towards_o the_o dear_a servant_n of_o christ_n or_o return_v any_o offensive_a language_n unto_o they_o yea_o this_o cause_v we_o
be_v not_o this_o fulfil_v in_o these_o time_n which_o we_o wish_v may_v well_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v may_v chief_o hinder_v this_o close_n be_v that_o point_n of_o church_n government_n which_o concern_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o here_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o distance_n be_v too_o great_a for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o can_v see_v either_o by_o treatise_n or_o by_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n that_o congregation_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v complete_a church_n especial_o stand_v among_o other_o church_n or_o that_o any_o power_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o administer_v church_n censure_n no_o not_o so_o long_o as_o they_o administer_v right_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o all_o such_o power_n be_v take_v indeed_o from_o the_o church_n though_o in_o word_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o strengthen_v they_o and_o if_o this_o also_o come_v down_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o to_o lesser_a synod_n the_o great_a part_n have_v power_n over_o the_o less_o as_o it_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la it_o will_v strike_v sore_o at_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o here_o to_o say_v of_o the_o distance_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v tell_v we_o see_v or_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o our_o dear_a and_o honour_a brethren_n do_v free_o embrace_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o consultative_a synod_n for_o the_o brotherly_a help_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o weak_a church_n yea_o and_o in_o a_o doctrinal_a way_n to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v refuse_v wholesome_a counsel_n and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o as_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v propound_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o here_o say_v but_o on_o the_o bend_a knee_n of_o our_o soul_n entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n to_o consider_v what_o power_n any_o or_o many_o church_n can_v challenge_v over_o another_o to_o require_v they_o to_o give_v up_o their_o right_n to_o they_o to_o rule_v in_o common_a if_o a_o sister_n church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n shall_v refuse_v the_o same_o or_o what_o rule_n bind_v the_o church_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o any_o such_o civil_a division_n to_o come_v into_o such_o a_o combination_n with_o those_o church_n rather_o than_o other_o if_o that_o refuse_v church_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n we_o think_v the_o more_o voluntary_a and_o free_a such_o consociation_n be_v the_o better_a here_o we_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o propound_v this_o one_o thing_n viz._n why_o may_v not_o the_o five_o and_o six_o article_n of_o agreement_n public_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n obtain_v among_o our_o brethren_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o the_o agreement_n will_v be_v easy_a as_o be_v there_o say_v viz._n ar._n 5._o each_o particular_a church_n have_v she_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o express_a or_o tacit_n consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o a_o particular_a church_n whether_o in_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o in_o admit_v or_o excommunicate_v of_o member_n ar._n 6._o it_o be_v in_o many_o respect_v expedient_a both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o each_o church_n whether_o minister_n or_o people_n and_o for_o the_o right_a govern_n and_o well-being_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n that_o beside_o their_o particular_a assembly_n and_o eldership_n they_o meet_v by_o their_o commissioner_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o great_a assembly_n that_o matter_n that_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n within_o their_o bound_n respective_a may_v with_o common_a advice_n and_o consent_n be_v agree_v upon_o for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o lord_n may_v yet_o have_v such_o a_o mercy_n for_o england_n if_o the_o cry_a sin_n thereof_o be_v not_o still_o impenitent_o against_o this_o glorious_a shine_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n persist_v in_o which_o we_o confess_v be_v our_o great_a fear_n godly_a brethren_n we_o hope_v will_v agree_v if_o england_n sin_n hinder_v not_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o sad_a news_n that_o this_o year_n come_v unto_o our_o ear_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v hardly_o like_a to_o obtain_v so_o much_o jealousy_n there_o be_v lest_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n shall_v cross_n the_o licentionsnesse_n of_o this_o age_n yea_o that_o general_o there_o be_v no_o more_o regard_n of_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n especial_o in_o personal_a reformation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v never_o make_v that_o many_o reject_v the_o reformation_n they_o seem_v to_o desire_v at_o the_o first_o these_o with_o other_o sad_a thing_n come_v to_o our_o ear_n which_o sadden_fw-mi our_o spirit_n oh_o england_n england_n our_o belove_a england_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v will_v thou_o still_o return_v the_o lord_n jesus_n gracious_o strive_v with_o thou_o for_o to_o save_v thou_o such_o a_o unkind_a answer_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n reign_n over_o we_o have_v thou_o not_o yet_o learned_a so_o much_o wisdom_n as_o to_o kiss_v the_o son_n no_o not_o now_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n that_o voice_n of_o god_n sound_v oft_o in_o our_o ear_n when_o we_o think_v of_o england_n put_v off_o thy_o ornament_n that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o to_o do_v unto_o thou_o but_o for_o aught_o we_o hear_v the_o pride_n of_o england_n do_v never_o so_o much_o testify_v to_o their_o face_n as_o now_o when_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n be_v more_o suitable_a the_o lord_n humble_a the_o heart_n of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n or_o else_o we_o fear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o how_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v bear_v and_o endure_v that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v but_o what_o do_v we_o thus_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o and_o let_v loose_v our_o pen_n so_o far_o pardon_v we_o beseech_v you_o christian_a reader_n this_o seem_a boldness_n it_o be_v our_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o it_o that_o have_v draw_v these_o thing_n from_o we_o say_v not_o what_o call_v have_v these_o thus_o to_o admonish_v and_o censure_v we_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o will_v do_v only_o to_o ourselves_o but_o faithful_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o hope_v we_o may_v presume_v neither_o have_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o this_o whole_a weighty_a work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o call_v of_o divers_a our_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o voice_n herein_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v we_o accept_v that_o call_v out_o of_o any_o lust_n we_o have_v to_o contend_v or_o enter_v the_o list_n of_o disputation_n with_o any_o we_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o our_o dear_a and_o godly_a brethren_n too_o well_o to_o have_v any_o such_o end_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v and_o consider_v any_o return_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o we_o hope_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o must_v profess_v two_o thing_n chief_o incline_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o work_n first_o to_o clear_v up_o such_o truth_n as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o this_o reply_n second_o and_o that_o especial_o hope_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v write_v will_v tend_v rather_o to_o a_o peaceable_a heal_n of_o offence_n and_o difference_n than_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o have_v presume_v to_o preface_n thus_o far_o and_o so_o to_o present_v these_o our_o affectionate_a request_n to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o countryman_n which_o we_o hearty_o recommend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n who_o only_o can_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n set_v before_o they_o though_o we_o be_v the_o mean_a and_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o thus_o to_o speak_v to_o our_o dear_a countryman_n yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v we_o into_o the_o ministry_n we_o
ten_o man_n in_o a_o city_n 2_o that_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v their_o book_n open_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o church_n except_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n believe_v seem_v a_o strange_a reason_n as_o if_o believer_n dare_v not_o profess_v open_o except_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n to_o maintain_v they_o with_o club-law_n open_a profession_n in_o those_o time_n even_o among_o a_o few_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o grim_a look_n of_o persecution_n 3_o and_o last_o we_o grant_v ephesus_n may_v be_v a_o numerous_a church_n yet_o neither_o there_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v from_o rev._n 2._o 7._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n can_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n for_o that_o argue_v no_o more_o that_o ephesus_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o many_o church_n then_o that_o it_o be_v compound_v with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n be_v speak_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o reply_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o nor_o be_v the_o society_n break_v off_o by_o persecution_n when_o their_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o place_n be_v interrupt_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a one_o church_n or_o society_n by_o persecution_n or_o otherwise_o may_v meet_v in_o several_a company_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o place_n or_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v proper_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a both_o necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la to_o be_v able_a at_o least_o so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o society_n thus_o to_o meet_v together_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n thereof_o in_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n thereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a when_o the_o papist_n to_o maintain_v their_o private_a mass_n say_v that_o place_n be_v but_o accidental_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n as_o hardin_n object_n any_o more_o then_o to_o observe_v day_n month_n time_n condemn_v as_o beggarly_a element_n by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v unite_v together_o by_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o the_o ancient_n note_n how_o do_v learned_a chamier_n answer_v they_o he_o tell_v 13._o they_o that_o although_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o a_o place_n indefinite_o take_v be_v and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o place_n because_o it_o can_v be_v administer_v but_o conventu_fw-la fidelium_fw-la and_o this_o conventus_fw-la must_v be_v in_o some_o place_n and_o he_o add_v that_o although_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n yet_o this_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o spiritual_a not_o sacramental_a communion_n nunquam_fw-la enim_fw-la auditum_fw-la qui_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la erant_fw-la sacramentaliter_fw-la communicasse_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la alexandria_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v communion_n in_o one_o place_n together_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n as_o we_o do_v reply_n seven_o see_v then_o both_o the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a reply_v make_v we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v our_o answer_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v the_o conclusion_n chap._n vii_o consid_n 2._o reply_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o answer_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o that_o you_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n some_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o that_o passage_n but_o confirm_v for_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v before_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o proof_n mat._n 28._o 19_o being_n we_o doubt_v not_o pertinent_a in_o the_o author_n own_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o brotherly_a love_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v over_o great_a mistake_n than_o the_o answer_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v into_o for_o by_o first_o institution_n here_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o institute_v in_o that_o first_o time_n of_o all_o divine_a ordinance_n we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o use_n and_o so_o no_o institution_n of_o baptism_n before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o confutation_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v reply_n second_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v apply_v that_o text_n matth._n 28_o 19_o to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o by_o your_o exposition_n be_v a_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n answ_n as_o if_o that_o commission_n matth._n 28._o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o also_o and_o require_v they_o to_o dispense_v fit_a portion_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v on_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o be_v not_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o other_o officer_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o therefore_o this_o note_n also_o may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v reply_n three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n seal_v etc._n etc._n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v answ_n this_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v only_o in_o the_o answer_n touch_v by_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o 1_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n and_o to_o allege_v matth._n 16._o &_o 18._o for_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v set_v in_o the_o margin_n many_o ancient_a divine_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a as_o fulke_n whittaker_n baine_n parker_n and_o other_o as_o robinson_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o possess_v people_n with_o that_o conceit_n that_o we_o go_v in_o new_a way_n with_o the_o separatist_n alone_o 2_o we_o distinguish_v between_o power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v a_o power_n right_a or_o privilege_n as_o joh._n 1._o 12._o which_o be_v not_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v officer_n act_n 6._o &_o 14._o receive_a member_n etc._n etc._n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v we_o ascribe_v only_o to_o the_o officer_n under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v who_o the_o church_n must_v obey_v now_o we_o grant_v that_o where_o authority_n be_v give_v there_o power_n to_o exercise_v it_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 28._o joh._n 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o where_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n there_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o orderly_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 10._o reply_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o reserve_v to_o himself_o that_o prerogative_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v immediate_o without_o the_o church_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v first_o call_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n mat._n 10._o
forth_o a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o those_o in_o a_o other_o church_n over_o who_o he_o be_v no_o officer_n we_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v but_o then_o this_o act_n of_o power_n be_v not_o towards_o they_o as_o over_o his_o own_o flock_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a to_o we_o 1._o that_o a_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v no_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o church_n as_o not_o be_v his_o proper_a flock_n for_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o pastor_n at_o large_a without_o power_n of_o office_n and_o the_o power_n that_o a_o pastor_n have_v over_o other_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v he_o their_o officer_n who_o thereby_o become_v his_o proper_a flock_n hence_o he_o have_v no_o power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o flock_n unless_o he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n e._n g._n a_o minister_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la &_o as_o a_o pastor_n not_o bare_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o may_v preach_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o edificaon_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o ephe._n 4._o 11_o 12._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o convert_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o intend_v but_o to_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o preach_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o christ_n have_v sheep_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n proper_a flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o intend_v their_o gather_n in_o as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o flock_n again_o as_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o office_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o believer_n so_o also_o he_o may_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la shut_v it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n that_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 16._o 19_o matth._n 10._o 14._o jer._n 1._o 10._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n again_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o his_o his_o own_o congregation_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n last_o a_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n may_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n occasional_o to_o those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o poor_a of_o another_o church_n yet_o be_v no_o officer_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o captain_n of_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o over_o his_o own_o band_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o subdue_v enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o those_o that_o submit_v a_o steward_n be_v a_o officer_n over_o his_o master_n family_n not_o over_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o his_o lord_n table_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v clear_a but_o now_o whether_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o occasional_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o a_o state_v presbytery_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o in_o all_o such_o act_n the_o church_n still_o keep_v her_o power_n in_o she_o own_o hand_n while_o the_o minister_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o at_o her_o desire_n and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o necessity_n neither_o do_v this_o make_v a_o minister_n a_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o pastoral_a office_n consist_v in_o take_v charge_n of_o a_o people_n and_o have_v power_n of_o authority_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o towards_o his_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v include_v neither_o of_o these_o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o may_v set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n over_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o may_v combine_v &_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n the_o first_o be_v their_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n not_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o may_v ordinary_o feed_v teach_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o rule_v they_o the_o end_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o submit_v to_o other_o who_o may_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o look_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o join_v together_o to_o set_v one_o pastor_n over_o they_o successive_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o pluralist_n and_o the_o bramble_n the_o king_n of_o tree_n nor_o yet_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o as_o in_o the_o first_o ambitious_a time_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o power_n over_o all_o single_o but_o under_o all_o joint_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o many_o pastor_n who_o by_o their_o plurality_n of_o vote_n may_v whole_o drown_v that_o power_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o last_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v desire_v the_o benefit_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o other_o office_n occasional_o that_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v do_v it_o constant_o no_o more_o then_o because_o they_o may_v desire_v sundry_a minister_n to_o preach_v among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o live_v altogether_o without_o any_o of_o their_o own_o now_o for_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n although_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o sense_n explain_v may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o other_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n yet_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o congregation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o question_n reply_n now_o to_o remove_v those_o 2013_o objection_n of_o mr._n ball_n which_o only_o reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v reply_v the_o 8._o when_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o labour_v the_o come_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o god_n these_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o elder_n ordinary_o in_o the_o city_n though_o the_o number_n may_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o either_o the_o pastor_n must_v baptise_v they_o be_v no_o member_n or_o they_o must_v remain_v without_o baptism_n till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n and_o choose_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n which_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o will_v ease_v the_o difficulty_n viz._n the_o pastor_n may_v baptize_v they_o unto_o their_o own_o congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o number_n do_v not_o exceed_v beyond_o edification_n and_o then_o divide_v their_o number_n may_v make_v divers_a church_n of_o one_o and_o they_o call_v pastor_n over_o they_o and_o so_o we_o see_v act._n 2._o they_o add_v 3000._o and_o after_o more_o till_o they_o be_v scatter_v and_o when_o peace_n be_v restore_v act._n 9_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o edify_v but_o multiply_v verse_n 3._o and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o 9_o reply_n be_v also_o take_v away_o reply_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o seal_n in_o another_o more_o than_o the_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v answ_n we_o have_v before_o show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o which_o warrant_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n to_o confederate_a
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
practice_n be_v as_o the_o separation_n as_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o from_o you_o in_o these_o consideration_n answ_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o concurrence_n with_o the_o separation_n upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v not_o say_v nor_o can_v we_o apprehend_v that_o neither_o our_o flat_a negation_n of_o the_o position_n nor_o our_o reference_n to_o mr._n parker_n as_o concur_v with_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v here_o impute_v unto_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o the_o officer_n do_v therein_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 if_o our_o profession_n may_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o satisfy_v we_o do_v free_o and_o hearty_o profess_v to_o the_o contrary_a affirm_v that_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o transact_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n who_o minister_v in_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o community_n whereby_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n they_o dissent_v from_o they_o still_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v respectful_o towards_o they_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o mr._n parker_n and_o fenner_n give_v as_o much_o to_o the_o church_n in_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o in_o any_o of_o our_o public_a write_n but_o see_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o learned_a author_n from_o this_o particular_a question_n about_o excommunication_n to_o that_o beat_a controversy_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o general_a and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o whereby_o we_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v ourselves_o herein_o we_o shall_v brief_o glean_v up_o some_o few_o of_o our_o scatter_a apprehension_n as_o may_v most_o concern_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1_o there_o be_v divers_a key_n that_o be_v diverse_o distribute_v to_o several_a subject_n in_o respect_n of_o execution_n and_o therefore_o the_o question_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o state_v and_o what_o key_n be_v deny_v to_o the_o people_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o officer_n and_o what_o to_o some_o officer_n not_o to_o other_o shall_v have_v be_v show_v before_o argument_n be_v press_v 2_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n to_o com._n which_o belong_v office_n and_o democracy_n to_o which_o belong_v privilege_n hence_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v twofold_a 1_o official_a official_a power_n 2_o fraternal_a the_o first_o belong_v to_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o to_o the_o fraternity_n thereof_o 3_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o power_n to_o act_v with_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n ministerial_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o which_o office_n while_o the_o minister_n act_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n proper_o ecclesiastical_a because_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o hence_o in_o those_o church_n act_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o he_o but_o common_a in_o some_o case_n to_o the_o fraternity_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o office-authority_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o like_a act_n material_o do_v by_o other_o ex._n gr_n any_o brother_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v 1_o thes_n 5._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 13._o titus_n a_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o with_o all_o authority_n titus_n 2._o 15._o some_o able_a and_o gift_a though_o not_o in_o office_n may_v occasional_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n yet_o not_o with_o a_o office-authority_n but_o a_o officer_n preach_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o so_o also_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n wherein_o though_o the_o fraternity_n have_v a_o power_n whether_o in_o consent_v or_o otherwise_o yet_o they_o act_v obediential_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o guide_n declare_v the_o rule_n go_v before_o they_o in_o example_n and_o command_v they_o if_o need_v be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o officer_n act_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o room_n they_o stand_v and_o hence_o we_o think_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fraternity_n without_o officer_n shall_v cast_v out_o any_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o may_v be_v dispense_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o it_o be_v no_o official_a act_n 2_o fraternal_a power_n in_o public_a church_n act_n be_v a_o joint_a power_n of_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n in_o some_o sense_n &_o in_o some_o case_n to_o open_v &_o shut_v which_o power_n be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o several_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a joint_o for_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o combine_v and_o so_o to_o receive_v other_o into_o the_o communion_n so_o by_o like_a reason_n to_o shut_v out_o offender_n from_o their_o communion_n but_o thus_o they_o do_v fraternal_o not_o official_o and_o as_o they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o election_n of_o officer_n to_o they_o so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o fraternal_a power_n due_a order_n be_v attend_v to_o shut_v they_o out_o when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o common_a receive_v rule_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o have_v only_o brief_o set_v down_o both_o to_o wash_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o popular_a government_n from_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o all_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o minister_n or_o nothing_o leave_v they_o but_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o sit_v mere_o as_o a_o moderator_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v and_o also_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v here_o in_o the_o reply_n we_o grant_v therefore_o the_o first_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o only_o there_o be_v give_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n which_o officer_n shall_v execute_v the_o same_o reply_n 2_o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n which_o they_o do_v not_o answ_n this_o reason_n be_v answer_v before_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o tenant_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v the_o official_a power_n be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o community_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o add_v we_o shall_v consider_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o reply_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n as_o for_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o authority_n itself_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a subject_n nor_o derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o gift_n absolute_a that_o it_o may_v reside_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a parker_n pol._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o answ_n 1_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n we_o now_o dispute_v not_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o officer_n we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n
for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1_o 1._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28._o 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v see_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n â—â—_o its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o
person_n as_o his_o master_n have_v name_v thereunto_o and_o he_o instal_v they_o into_o the_o same_o the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o yet_o here_o he_o must_v have_v some_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v these_o office_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o master_n will_n he_o shall_v choose_v what_o person_n he_o see_v fit_a according_a to_o rule_n give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o than_o he_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n reply_n three_o if_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n and_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o make_v officer_n out_o of_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v into_o herself_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o true_a lord_n like_o power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n answ_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o hold_v the_o church_n have_v so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o herself_o as_o that_o she_o may_v derive_v from_o herself_o authority_n to_o the_o officer_n let_v such_o look_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n as_o for_o mr._n robinson_n though_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o sentence_n you_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o yet_o we_o doubt_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o sense_n &_o meaning_n but_o according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o position_n before_o lay_v down_o neither_o this_o absurdity_n of_o lordship_n over_o the_o officer_n nor_o any_o other_o that_o be_v instance_a in_o under_o this_o reason_n do_v at_o all_o follow_v and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o strong_o urge_v against_o the_o presbytery_n class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o church_n choose_v officer_n to_o execute_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o be_v so_o answer_v in_o the_o same_o page_n as_o will_v serve_v we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o viz._n god_n will_v have_v she_o elect_a officer_n of_o his_o designment_n that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o rule_n direct_v she_o to_o choose_v to_o do_v his_o work_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o then_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o not_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v that_o charge_n and_o function_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o people_n we_o mean_v no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o outward_a call_v instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o close_o with_o you_o herein_o and_o indeed_o this_o power_n of_o elect_a officer_n do_v not_o ever_o include_v authority_n over_o they_o who_o they_o choose_v but_o rather_o willing_a subjection_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v they_o up_o to_o rule_v as_o when_o a_o woman_n choose_v a_o husband_n she_o make_v he_o her_o husband_n in_o a_o sort_n but_o withal_o her_o head_n and_o ruler_n so_o when_o a_o people_n choose_v a_o major_n etc._n etc._n reply_n four_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v first_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o in_o defect_n of_o officer_n the_o church_n may_v not_o rule_v feed_v bind_v loose_a preach_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n or_o if_o any_o fail_v in_o office_n why_o she_o may_v not_o supply_v that_o want_n by_o her_o power_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v contain_v both_o authority_n and_o exercise_n power_n be_v give_v that_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v as_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v but_o the_o church_n can_v exercise_v these_o act_n of_o rule_n ergo._fw-la answ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o key_n formal_o but_o only_o virtual_o and_o as_o be_v say_v out_o of_o parker_n not_o as_o a_o gift_n absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o officer_n such_o power_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v formal_o she_o may_v and_o do_v exercise_v as_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v officer_n a_o power_n of_o judge_v in_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o and_o the_o like_a the_o power_n of_o preach_v proper_o so_o call_v &_o dispense_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v they_o only_o virtual_o and_o therefore_o must_v choose_v officer_n to_o who_o christ_n her_o lord_n have_v give_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o corporation_n that_o by_o patent_n from_o the_o king_n have_v many_o privilege_n the_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n incorporate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o yet_o many_o act_n can_v be_v put_v forth_o but_o by_o officer_n due_o choose_v and_o so_o here_o reply_n for_o these_o reason_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o we_o judge_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o to_o belong_v unto_o they_o answ_n by_o this_o conclusion_n it_o appear_v that_o how_o ever_o the_o author_n begin_v profess_o against_o we_o as_o separatist_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o he_o follow_v the_o cause_n against_o mr._n parker_n with_o who_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v friend_n second_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o fraternal_a power_n of_o judge_v though_o official_a authority_n be_v not_o formal_o give_v to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o officer_n reply_n if_o consent_n of_o church_n be_v ask_v in_o this_o point_n to_o omit_v other_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n speak_v full_o and_o express_o for_o we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discip_n cap._n 1._o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n pag._n 60._o helu._n confess_v cap._n 18._o belgic_a etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a godly_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n be_v ask_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n may_v be_v produce_v that_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n as_o fulke_n whitaker_n parker_n peter_n martyr_n musculus_fw-la and_o other_o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a divine_n and_o counsel_n gerson_n and_o the_o parisian_a divine_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a concern_v quotation_n of_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n the_o first_o word_n lie_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o leave_v the_o build_n ready_a to_o fall_v in_o these_o word_n the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o be_v the_o church_n so_o take_v not_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v with_o any_o solid_a reason_n notwithstanding_o all_o wrestle_a of_o man_n to_o find_v it_o out_o but_o general_o for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o the_o universal_a or_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o sometime_o consider_v with_o her_o officer_n and_o divers_a time_n as_o distinguish_v from_o they_o as_o act_n 14._o 23._o and_o 20._o 13._o 28._o jam._n 5._o 14._o revel_v 2._o 1._o 8._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o never_o contra_fw-la for_o the_o officer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o the_o scripture_n may_v judge_v indeed_o among_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o the_o prelate_n the_o clergy_n have_v long_o get_v and_o hold_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o foundation_n but_o we_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n far_o about_o humane_a testimony_n chap._n xv._n position_n 6._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n reply_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n abrupt_o to_o break_v away_o when_o and_o whither_o they_o please_v and_o forsake_v fellowship_n another_o thing_n not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v habitation_n unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n also_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n mutual_o to_o compound_v and_o agree_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o each_o other_o without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n and_o other_o to_o require_v a_o
that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v thewselve_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o
be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o remain_v every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n by_o right_a a_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v before_o except_o he_o reject_v they_o and_o so_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o but_o if_o the_o question_n speak_v of_o a_o orderly_a censure_n of_o deposition_n unjust_o than_o we_o judge_v of_o that_o case_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o any_o other_o censure_n of_o a_o member_n by_o excommunication_n &_o therefore_o we_o say_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la before_o christ_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la second_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n he_o have_v still_o right_a true_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o and_o be_v their_o minister_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o a_o member_n unjust_o censure_v have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o membership_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v from_o the_o same_o though_o in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la we_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o in_o their_o account_n he_o be_v no_o minister_n as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o they_o no_o member_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o church_n if_o it_o do_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o depose_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o esteem_v he_o still_o and_o receive_v he_o and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n he_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o they_o may_v do_v with_o a_o member_n unjust_o cast_v out_o but_o till_o that_o appear_v unto_o they_o they_o can_v so_o esteem_v and_o honour_v he_o be_v orderly_o depose_v but_o must_v at_o least_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o the_o case_n be_v clear_v four_o we_o answer_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o chief_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n if_o a_o minister_n be_v unjust_o depose_v or_o forsake_v by_o his_o particular_a church_n and_o he_o also_o withal_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v they_o so_o far_o as_o all_o office_n and_o relation_n between_o they_o cease_v then_o be_v he_o no_o long_o a_o officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o church_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v call_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o minister_n office_n in_o the_o church_n iâ—_n no_o indelible_a character_n but_o consist_v in_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n once_o ordain_v his_o relation_n cease_v his_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o remain_v why_o shall_v not_o a_o roll_a elder_a or_o deacon_n remain_v a_o elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o all_o be_v officer_n ordain_v of_o christ_n alike_o give_v to_o his_o church_n officer_n choose_v and_o ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n alike_o but_o we_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v a_o deacon_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v remain_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o not_o a_o minister_n second_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v and_o first_o this_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v union_n with_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a it_o be_v a_o unusual_a expression_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o your_o meaning_n the_o usual_a church_n in_o england_n have_v be_v either_o the_o arch-deacon_n church_n in_o the_o deanery_n or_o diocesan_n in_o the_o bishopric_n or_o provincial_n or_o national_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intend_a here_o yet_o to_o all_o this_o and_o the_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o particular_a church_n have_v be_v subject_a as_o part_n there_o but_o if_o by_o usual_a church_n you_o mean_v a_o classical_a provincial_n or_o national_n church_n we_o must_v entreat_v better_a ground_n for_o any_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o mind_n and_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o that_o we_o look_v at_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o such_o relation_n to_o the_o usual_a and_o intermediate_v church_n between_o it_o and_o the_o catholic_a the_o second_o sense_n therefore_o we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o before_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o know_v not_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o know_v what_o the_o universal_a church_n judge_v except_o we_o can_v hear_v it_o speak_v or_o see_v its_o practice_n if_o the_o only_a head_n prophet_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n be_v fit_a to_o declare_v her_o judgement_n we_o will_v be_v try_v thereby_o who_o we_o know_v have_v sâ—t_a elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n act._n 14._o 23._o to_o watch_n over_o their_o particular_a flock_n act._n 20._o 28._o but_o not_o over_o any_o other_o church_n that_o we_o can_v find_v neither_o do_v this_o destroy_v the_o unity_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o of_o particular_a church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o be_v say_v for_o church_n may_v enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o without_o such_o state_v form_n under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o another_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o reply_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o other_o church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o nor_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v together_o on_o nâ—r_v the_o minister_n one_o nor_o the_o â—â—â—cke_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o answ_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v intend_v to_o have_v the_o minister_n one_o and_o flock_v one_o we_o do_v not_o see_v if_o you_o mean_v one_o by_o one_o visible_a government_n over_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n you_o must_v at_o last_o rise_v to_o oecomenicall_a pastor_n or_o council_n that_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a which_o can_v scarce_o ever_o be_v have_v if_o you_o mean_v a_o unity_n by_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o office_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a helpefulnesse_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n without_o usurpation_n such_o a_o unity_n and_o community_n be_v not_o destroy_v and_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o follow_v can_v many_o distinct_a society_n ot_fw-mi town_n or_o corporation_n make_v up_o one_o county_n except_o the_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o one_o town_n be_v a_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o other_o also_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o deacon_n of_o all_o or_o else_o the_o unity_n be_v destroy_v reply_n if_o the_o pastor_n derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n have_v set_v he_o aside_o what_o right_o have_v he_o to_o administer_v among_o that_o people_n answ_n true_o but_o we_o say_v he_o derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n indeed_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o he_o to_o which_o the_o authority_n be_v annex_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n hence_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o without_o christ_n depose_v he_o they_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n but_o his_o right_n remain_v reply_n as_o they_o give_v right_a to_o a_o unworthy_a man_n to_o minister_v among_o they_o if_o they_o call_v he_o unjust_o so_o they_o take_v right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o they_o unjust_o depose_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la but_o as_o in_o the_o call_n his_o outward_a call_v consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o call_n and_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o call_v to_o complete_a his_o power_n of_o administration_n now_o this_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n may_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o just_a censure_n without_o his_o consent_n but_o can_v unjust_o be_v wring_v from_o he_o without_o his_o consent_n &_o therefore_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o right_n till_o either_o he_o be_v just_o depose_v or_o willing_o relinquish_v the_o same_o upon_o their_o injurious_a interruption_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n reply_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o election_n give_v he_o authority_n among_o they_o to_o feed_v their_o cast_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n they_o give_v he_o aâ—su_fw-la we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o execution_n may_v be_v unjust_o hinder_v though_o the_o right_n and_o office_n remain_v but_o we_o may_v well_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o usual_a or_o catholic_a church_n thus_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o
the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relative_n than_o he_o that_o may_v just_o for_o ever_o be_v hinder_v of_o all_o execution_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v his_o flock_n or_o can_v so_o much_o as_o just_o approve_v and_o admonish_v they_o for_o the_o same_o sure_o he_o have_v a_o poor_a office_n and_o ministry_n but_o such_o a_o minister_n that_o have_v no_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v his_o flock_n under_o his_o charge_n may_v just_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o can_v censure_v or_o reprove_v his_o catholic_n or_o usual_a church_n for_o the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o no_o minister_n and_o and_o have_v no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n chap._n xvii_o position_n 8._o that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n reply_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o ministerial_a etc._n etc._n answ_n concern_v our_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o position_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o position_n to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o here_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o our_o expression_n that_o a_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o church_n do_v it_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o may_v occasion_v stumble_v yet_o the_o the_o next_o word_n follow_v do_v full_o express_v our_o mind_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o ministerial_a act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o that_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n for_o so_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n with_o that_o authority_n he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o which_o further_o clear_v up_o our_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o none_o but_o his_o proper_a flock_n although_o some_o act_n of_o his_o office_n may_v extend_v beyond_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v still_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v once_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o study_v how_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n for_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v it_o from_o this_o reply_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o godly_a learned_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o possible_o may_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o think_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v in_o another_o congregation_n do_v it_o only_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n as_o the_o refuter_fw-la of_o doctor_n downam_n with_o other_o in_o former_a time_n of_o reformation_n believe_v also_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o if_o any_o difference_n appear_v herein_o it_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n for_o substance_n we_o maintain_v if_o by_o sundry_a line_n we_o all_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o point_n finis_fw-la with_fw-mi peâ—_n mart._n loc._n com._n de_fw-fr excom_n brin_n watch_v part_v 3._o cap._n 10._o jun._n lib._n 1._o paral_n 6._o g._n apol._n cap._n 7._o q._n 2._o ibid._n p._n 138._o peter_n martyr_n in_o 1_o king_n 12._o verse_n 31._o peâ—_n mart._n com._n lâ—c_fw-fr de_fw-fr idol_n in_o praec_fw-la l._n 1._o john_n 2_o 15_o 16._o conc._n miliv_n can._n 12._o tertull._n apol._n cap._n 30._o vid._n chemnit_fw-la ex._n de_fw-fr innoc._n sanctorum_fw-la vid._n birth_n of_o heresy_n out_o of_o elasopolitans_n comment_n pet._n mart._n loc_n come_v de_fw-fr idol_n whit._n de_fw-fr eccle._n 1_o cor._n 15._o 47â—_n vid._n brightm_n an._n in_o loc._n cypr._n lib._n 3._o epist_n 13._o cypr._n lib._n 4._o epist_n 7._o 7._o right_o of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 482._o page_n 22._o page_n 68_o tertul._n lib._n 4._o com._n mar._n mar._n calvin_n epist_n 332._o chamier_n de_fw-fr euchar_n cap._n 13._o peâ—_n mart._n the_o excom_n loâ—_n com._n com._n official_a lâ—b_n 1._o â—ap_n 6._o 7_o rev._n 2._o 2_o and_o 3._o 9_o act_n â—â—8_z â—_o 37._o 19_o â—7_n â—â—_o â—9_n cham._n de_fw-fr bap._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 15._o
unto_o more_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o mischief_n be_v sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o the_o dangerous_a spreading_n of_o such_o gangrene_n look_v to_o in_o season_n what_o will_v not_o all_o our_o vow_n covenant_n and_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v we_o together_o these_o and_o many_o such_o heart-breaking_a consideration_n we_o doubt_v not_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n daily_o which_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o enlarge_v only_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o propound_v what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o weak_a judgement_n may_v somewhat_o tend_v to_o heal_v this_o distance_n we_o confess_v we_o stand_v far_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o may_v miss_v the_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o do_v let_v our_o well-meaning_a be_v accept_v and_o our_o weakness_n pardon_v two_o thing_n as_o we_o touch_v before_o we_o conceive_v keep_v our_o dear_a brethren_n from_o close_v together_o in_o one_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a and_o general_a reformation_n first_o that_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o fear_v the_o distance_n at_o present_a be_v great_a for_o when_o it_o be_v think_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o send_v godly_a preacher_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o humble_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o gracious_a reformation_n but_o that_o pastor_n if_o they_o can_v be_v find_v shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o minister_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v if_o they_o will_v but_o join_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o most_o have_v do_v for_o we_o see_v no_o other_o require_v and_o when_o godly_a pastor_n may_v not_o have_v power_n to_o try_v their_o people_n whether_o they_o can_v examine_v themselves_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o christ_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o may_v exclude_v they_o but_o upon_o some_o scandalous_a evil_n which_o seem_v short_a of_o that_o which_o even_o the_o common-prayer-booke_n do_v allow_v consider_v in_o what_o a_o state_n multitude_n of_o parish_n be_v in_o england_n how_o full_a of_o malignant_n atheist_n profane_a wretch_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o for_o the_o godly_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o such_o church-communion_n or_o godly_a pastor_n to_o minister_v unto_o their_o parish_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v whole_o condemn_v such_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n second_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o some_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o many_o congregation_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n into_o sever_a church_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o may_v occasion_v grief_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o such_o congregation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o middle_a way_n wherein_o according_a to_o god_n these_o two_o may_v meet_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o help_v his_o people_n in_o these_o few_o thing_n 1_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o obtain_v of_o that_o ever_o renown_a parliament_n not_o only_o such_o liberty_n for_o godly_a pastor_n and_o their_o church_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o former_a description_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n but_o also_o all_o favour_n and_o furtherance_n from_o authority_n to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o such_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o scandalous_a evil_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o brethren_n will_v agree_v with_o one_o heart_n to_o petition_v the_o same_o such_o as_o have_v do_v so_o worthy_o many_o thing_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v also_o promote_v this_o needful_a point_n of_o reformation_n 2_o if_o all_o the_o godly_a minister_n will_v join_v as_o one_o man_n and_o take_v unto_o they_o the_o zeal_n of_o john_n bap._n thunder_v out_o the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pride_n vanity_n luxury_n profaneness_n and_o late_a swarm_n of_o monstrous_a error_n the_o usual_a tare_n accompany_v reformation_n and_o other_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v all_o level_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o holy_a calvin_n resolve_v to_o suffer_v their_o hand_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o rather_o then_o to_o deliver_v that_o holy_a seal_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o open_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o will_v the_o lord_n go_v out_o with_o his_o servant_n and_o cut_v down_o sin_n by_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o excom_n his_o word_n and_o severity_n of_o discipline_n if_o all_o join_v together_o whereas_o we_o fear_v sin_n and_o profaneness_n will_v outstare_v all_o godly_a pastor_n when_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o divide_v 3_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v obtain_v and_o agree_v all_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n season_n the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o live_v they_o will_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o withdraw_v from_o they_o till_o first_o by_o public_a and_o private_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o seek_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n their_o reformation_n whereby_o some_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v gain_v and_o what_o a_o bless_a work_n be_v that_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o prove_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a there_o will_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o ordinance_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o congregation_n with_o how_o much_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o shall_v such_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o to_o a_o near_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o hope_v that_o england_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o this_o if_o god_n faithful_a minister_n will_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n endeavour_v the_o same_o far_o far_o be_v it_o from_o our_o dear_a country_n after_o all_o those_o notable_a step_n unto_o reformation_n that_o it_o shall_v stick_v in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o either_o the_o great_a one_o shall_v be_v too_o big_a to_o stoop_v down_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o wholesome_a discipline_n or_o the_o multitude_n so_o carnal_a worldly_a wilful_a profane_a impenitent_a as_o not_o to_o reform_v themselves_o family_n and_o so_o their_o congregation_n humble_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v look_v at_o preferment_n honour_n credit_n riches_n authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o not_o mind_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v and_o this_o after_o all_o the_o heavy_a humble_v dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o land_n after_o all_o the_o glorious_a out-breaking_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n after_o all_o the_o protestation_n covenant_n oath_n whereby_o so_o many_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o this_o particular_a reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o further_a the_o reformation_n of_o the_o public_a we_o tremble_v to_o speak_v it_o but_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o fear_v it_o that_o woe_n wo_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o poor_a sinful_a england_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o prophetical_a speech_n of_o mr._n brinsly_n long_o since_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n when_o lament_v the_o profaneness_n of_o england_n with_o their_o connivance_n at_o popery_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o wicked_a he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v call_v for_o they_o mean_v the_o popish_a faction_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o in_o new_a conspiracy_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o crew_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o who_o we_o have_v so_o delight_v to_o take_v part_n with_o those_o to_o our_o destruction_n as_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v be_v as_o outrageous_a as_o the_o other_o against_o all_o sound_o fear_v god_n be_v it_o not_o just_a yea_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v they_o make_v it_o bellum_fw-la prodigorum_fw-la the_o day_n of_o all_o the_o spendthrift_n and_o of_o all_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v their_o finger_n in_o every_o man_n coffer_n and_o their_o hand_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o they_o who_o they_o have_v hate_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o babylonish_n 10._o design_n shall_v take_v their_o effect_n can_v we_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o
but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o visible_a number_n of_o saint_n we_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o scripture_n because_o we_o conceive_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o lie_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v answer_v the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o hope_v will_v scatter_v the_o darkness_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o divers_a other_o scripture_n which_o be_v draw_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o catholic_n church_n as_o rom._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n col._n 1._o 25._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o in_o which_o last_o scripture_n we_o never_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v give_v not_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n only_o much_o less_o to_o such_o a_o diminutive_a congregation_n consist_v of_o 40_o 60_o or_o 100_o only_a as_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o impawn_v all_o power_n in_o this_o or_o that_o congregational_a body_n but_o to_o a_o congregationall_a church_n consider_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o to_o this_o congregationall_a church_n only_o but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o do_v this_o argue_v one_o political_a body_n consist_v of_o all_o these_o for_o though_o vers_fw-la 16._o the_o whole_a body_n be_v say_v to_o be_v compact_v yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o political_a not_o spiritual_a way_n of_o compact_v we_o confess_v with_o submission_n our_o weakness_n can_v apprehend_v the_o last_o scripture_n which_o we_o find_v cite_v that_o seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n be_v 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o feed_v the_o flock_n which_o be_v among_o you_o answ_n 1_o we_o answer_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v distributive_o for_o the_o several_a flock_n in_o all_o those_o country_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o their_o particular_a elder_n not_o collective_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o one_o flock_n in_o common_a for_o the_o country_n be_v so_o many_o and_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a yea_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a parallel_n james_n 2._o 2._o where_o writing_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o assembly_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v collective_o as_o if_o they_o have_v one_o assembly_n among_o they_o all_o but_o distributive_o of_o any_o assembly_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v call_v a_o flock_n not_o flock_n yet_o this_o as_o baines_n observe_v be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v one_o flock_n real_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n which_o also_o he_o expound_v to_o be_v per_fw-la internam_fw-la we_o have_v rather_o say_v spiritualem_fw-la unionem_fw-la but_o not_o per_fw-la externam_fw-la combinationem_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o which_o spiritual_a union_n that_o be_v true_a which_o mr._n ball_n cit_v out_o of_o cyprian_a etsi_fw-la pastor_n 7._o multi_fw-la sumus_fw-la unam_fw-la tamen_fw-la gregem_fw-la pascimus_fw-la as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la mundo_fw-la hence_o also_o may_v appear_v a_o answer_n to_o divers_a argument_n the_o chief_a whereof_o we_o shall_v run_v through_o object_n 1._o if_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n answ_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a of_o all_o age_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n political_a body_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v for_o then_o every_o baptize_v person_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v a_o oaâ—e_n in_o every_o boat_n in_o elect_a officer_n admit_v member_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n which_o mr._n ball_n will_v not_o grant_v and_o indeed_o will_v bring_v in_o endless_a confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beside_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o combine_a society_n without_o their_o consent_n for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o may_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n because_o baptize_v as_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o object_n 2._o when_o any_o scandalous_a person_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o be_v can_v be_v cast_v out_o who_o be_v never_o within_o answ_n 1_o some_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o only_o consequenter_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v take_v away_o by_o say_v that_o as_o when_o the_o left_a hand_n cut_v off_o a_o finger_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o the_o left_a hand_n only_o that_o cut_v it_o off_o but_o the_o whole_a man_n deliberate_a reason_n and_o will_n consent_v for_o if_o this_o similitude_n will_v suit_v than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o consult_v and_o consent_v antecedenter_n before_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v cut_v off_o any_o member_n which_o ordinary_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v 2_o but_o further_o according_a to_o our_o former_a principle_n lay_v down_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n he_o be_v moral_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o all_o but_o not_o political_o and_o formal_o for_o to_o excommunicate_v political_o and_o formal_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n next_o under_o christ_n so_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o act_n the_o minister_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o person_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o he_o office_n charge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o one_o church_n put_v forth_o such_o a_o act_n of_o superior_a authority_n bind_v or_o charge_v all_o church_n politicè_fw-la and_o judicialitèr_v not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o for_o so_o one_o church_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n overall_a church_n and_o that_o without_o their_o actual_a approbation_n for_o quod_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la debet_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la approbari_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v excommunicate_a by_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o intrinsical_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o be_v that_o intrinsical_v power_n be_v it_o natural_a or_o voluntary_a to_o say_v it_o be_v natural_a be_v too_o absurd_a if_o voluntary_a than_o neither_o congregation_n class_n province_n nation_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o praevious_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o must_v voluntary_o concur_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o catholic_n presbytery_n as_o be_v say_v have_v no_o next_o but_o a_o a_o remote_a power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o remote_a power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o raro_fw-la contingens_fw-la or_o almost_o never_o than_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o be_v not_o from_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o power_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o part_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v first_o in_o the_o man_n then_o in_o the_o eye_n yet_o not_o derive_v from_o hand_n leg_n shoulder_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v intrinsical_v light_n in_o every_o part_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o so_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n in_o point_n that_o several_o concern_v the_o same_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o every_o particular_a congregation_n receive_v its_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o any_o presbytery_n or_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n independent_a neither_o also_o can_v congregation_n derive_v the_o power_n seat_v in_o they_o to_o presbytery_n nor_o any_o great_a body_n take_v it_o from_o they_o second_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o be_v there_o proper_o seat_v by_o christ_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o political_a church_n classical_a provincial_n national_n or_o catholic_n that_o have_v any_o such_o intrinsical_a power_n as_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n this_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v to_o our_o understanding_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o use_n of_o lesser_a and_o great_a synod_n nor_o
promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v answ_n we_o be_v still_o enforce_v to_o clear_v our_o answer_n from_o mistake_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o answer_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o position_n affirmative_o and_o in_o practice_n require_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v the_o case_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v first_o mind_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o add_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o scruple_n and_o first_o the_o answer_n say_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o brethren_n shall_v not_o forsake_v fellowship_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o removall_n approve_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o position_n affirm_v for_o first_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o taâ—ke_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busiebody_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o 9_o and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a like_o counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o
no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o whole_a be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o office_n nor_o calling_n as_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v evangelist_n apostle_n or_o prophet_n reply_n if_o the_o people_n be_v few_o and_o simple_a they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o guidance_n from_o their_o own_o elder_n and_o other_o church_n if_o many_o and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n their_o liberty_n to_o choose_v be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o great_a wrong_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a church_n show_v this_o for_o many_o age_n sometime_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v sometime_o the_o chief_a leave_v whole_o to_o they_o answ_n 1_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o purpose_n what_o light_n or_o derection_n a_o church_n need_v to_o receive_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o propound_v or_o advise_v of_o any_o to_o elect_v he_o but_o in_o the_o election_n of_o such_o as_o have_v the_o true_a right_n so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v still_o in_o the_o church_n though_o few_o and_o weak_a if_o a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o you_o produce_v not_o one_o scripture_n example_n of_o any_o officer_n propound_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o they_o much_o less_o limit_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o reply_n in_o reason_n this_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o child_n consent_n be_v require_v in_o marriage_n but_o the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v for_o himself_o the_o more_o liberty_n may_v parent_n grant_v the_o less_o able_a the_o more_o watchful_a must_v they_o be_v this_o similitude_n utter_o fail_v in_o two_o essential_a thing_n that_o concern_v the_o case_n for_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v 1._o because_o a_o child_n be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parent_n who_o right_a be_v such_o that_o a_o child_n can_v lawful_o choose_v without_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o church_n or_o other_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o officer_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n be_v yet_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o marriage_n consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a consent_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o child_n that_o marry_v and_o so_o here_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v must_v lie_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o acceptance_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v not_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o similitude_n confirm_v reply_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour_n church_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o the_o scripture_n will_v we_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o or_o admonish_v one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_n to_o every_o singular_a person_n towards_o his_o fellow_n but_o also_o to_o any_o whole_a company_n answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n be_v it_o weak_a or_o strong_a to_o take_v all_o needful_a counsel_n advise_v or_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o work_n but_o if_o church_n or_o other_o shall_v impose_v upon_o any_o church_n any_o officer_n without_o their_o choice_n this_o be_v no_o brotherly_a help_n but_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v junius_n so_o as_o that_o charitatis_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o communione_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v for_o another_o other_o way_n then_o by_o advise_v they_o to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o themselves_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o be_v his_o meaning_n neither_o do_v paul_n rom._n 12._o 12._o lay_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o usurpation_n but_o only_o of_o mutual_a brotherly_a helpfulnesse_n by_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o policy_n but_o some_o degree_n of_o tyranny_n reply_n it_o be_v a_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o either_o the_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o choose_v or_o be_v fit_a they_o he_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o choice_n but_o this_o maim_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n in_o his_o call_n answ_n if_o a_o people_n or_o church_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a which_o be_v here_o call_v unfitnesse_n yet_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o and_o they_o make_v a_o orderly_a and_o good_a choice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_v see_v the_o right_n be_v they_o and_o such_o a_o free_a choice_n will_v better_o establish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o godly_a minister_n in_o his_o call_n then_o if_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o able_a minister_n shall_v impose_v he_o without_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o be_v do_v but_o be_v they_o able_a or_o weak_a if_o the_o people_n be_v shut_v out_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v a_o great_a maim_n in_o his_o call_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v nor_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o one_o call_v by_o other_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o nullity_n as_o be_v show_v before_o what_o authority_n have_v he_o to_o minister_v to_o any_o church_n if_o they_o will_v refuse_v he_o or_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o for_o refuse_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o christ_n reply_n the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n be_v both_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n answ_n answ_n what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v dead_a reply_n the_o true_a church_n have_v continue_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v give_v away_o by_o the_o people_n or_o take_v from_o they_o answ_n true_a but_o it_o have_v be_v continue_v by_o the_o after_o consent_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n choose_v by_o other_o else_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v break_v a_o piece_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v other_o to_o themselves_o which_o still_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n be_v in_o the_o people_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disorder_n of_o ancient_a church_n in_o election_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o substance_n where_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v we_o grant_v the_o church_n at_o length_n consent_v to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o who_o the_o true_a right_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v over_o what_o follow_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o we_o may_v object_v against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o discourse_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o your_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o well_o your_o meaning_n if_o this_o be_v your_o mind_n that_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v and_o set_v over_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v unity_n with_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a and_o as_o a_o party_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v one_o cujus_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la as_o cyprian_n speak_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v unjust_o cast_v eff_a by_o one_o congregation_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o no_o minister_n we_o free_o consent_v but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v only_o by_o right_a a_o minister_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o unjust_o depose_v as_o former_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n â—ee_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o only_o and_o to_o no_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o what_o respect_n soever_o your_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o answ_n first_o if_o our_o meaning_n be_v doubtful_a see_v these_o expression_n do_v not_o well_o suit_n our_o notion_n nor_o full_o enter_v into_o our_o understanding_n we_o shall_v give_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o answer_n distinct_o and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o unjust_a leave_v or_o cast_v off_o a_o minister_n without_o all_o orderly_a proceed_n against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a depose_v he_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o church_n censure_n if_o the_o question_n