form_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o one_o or_o two_o at_o first_o for_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v never_o impose_v on_o any_o but_o all_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n have_v full_a liberty_n to_o consider_v and_o consult_v about_o the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o it_o or_o give_v reason_n for_o addition_n or_o alteration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n or_o consent_v at_o least_o and_o after_o all_o if_o he_o have_v not_o light_a and_o ground_n he_o be_v in_o no_o case_n force_v to_o it_o if_o this_o be_v so_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v call_v it_o a_o impose_v of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o the_o member_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v mistake_v likewise_o for_o any_o church_n have_v and_o take_v liberty_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v just_a cause_n if_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n or_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o their_o covenant_n make_v at_o first_o to_o alter_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o bound_v not_o themselves_o to_o continue_v in_o any_o oversight_n because_o they_o once_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o some_o church_n have_v so_o do_v but_o wâ—_n may_v here_o see_v what_o a_o task_n w._n r._n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v narrative_n of_o church-course_n in_o such_o place_n where_o himself_o never_o come_v but_o rest_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o various_a relation_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o often_o stumble_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o rush_v upon_o so_o many_o foul_a mistake_n in_o every_o chapter_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v instruct_v he_o for_o future_a time_n semel_fw-la insanivimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la answer_v to_o chap._n v._n he_o be_v at_o a_o set_v in_o art_n 1._o and_o 2._o and_o their_o marginall_n and_o fall_v a_o wonder_v at_o the_o contradiction_n in_o they_o for_o in_o art_n 1._o he_o say_v that_o man_n may_v in_o new_a england_n constitute_v a_o church_n without_o consent_n from_o the_o magistrate_n or_o neighbour_n church_n yet_o in_o art_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a court-law_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o new-england_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o neighbour_n church_n hereat_o he_o stand_v amaze_v and_o set_v his_o reader_n to_o do_v so_o too_o â—ns_n â—ns_n i_o will_v do_v he_o the_o favour_n to_o help_v he_o out_o of_o this_o straight_a and_o salve_v his_o credit_n by_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o in_o his_o article_n do_v but_o distinguish_v of_o time_n and_o you_o untie_v the_o knot_n for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o new-england_n for_o some_o few_o year_n space_n before_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v and_o then_o church_n do_v use_v to_o gather_v without_o any_o notice_n give_v to_o magistrate_n or_o other_o church_n but_o after_o the_o opinion_n grow_v on_o and_o experience_n discover_v the_o danger_n there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v that_o none_o must_v constitute_v any_o church_n but_o first_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o magistrate_n and_o church_n and_o since_o that_o this_o course_n be_v due_o observe_v so_o both_o your_o art_n w._n r._n you_o see_v be_v true_a and_o your_o report_n honest_a and_o right_a yet_o withal_o let_v i_o give_v you_v a_o few_o animadversion_n by_o way_n of_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o i_o pray_v take_v they_o well_o 1._o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wrong_v so_o many_o godly_a saint_n and_o faithful_a church_n upon_o private_a various_a information_n and_o your_o own_o mistake_n and_o so_o break_v that_o 9_o commandment_n of_o our_o ever_o bless_v god_n 2._o while_o you_o live_v undertake_v no_o more_o narrative_n of_o church-course_n in_o place_n you_o be_v no_o better_o acquaint_v withal_o lest_o at_o unawarr_n unhappy_o you_o speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n you_o know_v not_o 3._o when_o a_o matter_n lie_v before_o you_o that_o admit_v a_o double_a construction_n be_v sure_a you_o ever_o take_v it_o in_o the_o better_a and_o not_o in_o the_o worse_a sense_n in_o those_o two_o report_n you_o see_v one_o good_a sense_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o another_o bad_a and_o that_o yourself_o have_v take_v for_o when_o you_o stand_v amaze_v in_o your_o marginall_n at_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o report_n in_o the_o conclusion_n who_o must_v be_v beat_v but_o either_o your_o informer_n or_o else_o new-england_n church_n for_o practise_v such_o foul_a yea_o more_o foul_a contradiction_n as_o you_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v and_o yet_o note_n you_o see_v neither_o he_o nor_o they_o but_o yourself_o only_o be_v in_o all_o the_o blame_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o &_o 2._o article_n who_o do_v he_o produce_v for_o the_o 1._o article_n but_o the_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n p._n 43._o where_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n nor_o jot_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n be_v erect_v without_o the_o magistrate_n cogniscence_n then_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o both_o the_o article_n where_o this_o contradiction_n lie_v he_o produce_v r._n m._n to_o w._n r._n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o that_o monstrous_a birth_n of_o a_o foul_a contradiction_n now_o this_o r._n m._n be_v a_o godly_a &_o reverent_a teacher_n of_o a_o church_n there_o who_o will_v not_o write_v such_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n without_o clear_v of_o it_o some_o way_n or_o other_o ever_o have_v we_o find_v he_o sober_a and_o wary_a in_o all_o his_o expression_n 2._o this_o r._n m._n be_v his_o old_a love_a friend_n also_o who_o i_o know_v do_v dear_o respect_v he_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o w._n r._n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n to_o consider_v if_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n towards_o your_o dear_a friend_n without_o his_o consent_n to_o discover_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v write_v to_o yourself_o in_o private_a for_o those_o that_o know_v you_o both_o can_v but_o know_v who_o this_o r._n m._n to_o w._n r._n be_v 2._o to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n 3._o so_o to_o fall_v upon_o he_o in_o your_o margin_n who_o you_o know_v so_o love_v a_o friend_n and_o so_o godly_a a_o man_n as_o one_o that_o report_v to_o you_o such_o thing_n for_o truth_n as_o they_o neither_o hold_v nor_o practice_v in_o n._n e._n which_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n i_o leave_v my_o thought_n with_o you_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o art_n 3._o 4._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o report_v and_o that_o true_o except_v some_o few_o mistake_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o new-england_n as_o that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n do_v beforehand_o often_o meet_v private_o to_o be_v inward_o acquaint_v with_o each_o other_o spirit_n by_o conference_n prayer_n &_o mutual_a examination_n of_o each_o other_o till_o they_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o before_o they_o join_v they_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o neighbour-churche_n that_o such_o as_o please_v may_v be_v present_a at_o the_o place_n and_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o give_v they_o advice_n direction_n etc._n etc._n the_o day_n appoint_v be_v keep_v with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o preach_v etc._n etc._n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n each_o of_o those_o person_n now_o to_o be_v church_v make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n have_v hear_v and_o consider_v if_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a or_o any_o slander_n by_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o still_o unsatisfied_a they_o forbid_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o do_v before_o but_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o say_a person_n enter_v into_o covenant_n than_o the_o say_a messenger_n give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o return_v back_o make_v report_n to_o their_o church_n that_o send_v they_o now_o what_o can_v w._n r._n answer_n or_o any_o man_n object_n against_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o this_o relation_n some_o mistake_v only_o except_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o it_o down_o one_o will_v think_v the_o godliness_n of_o the_o person_n join_v the_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o deal_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n their_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o as_o become_v saint_n and_o to_o begin_v this_o holy_a &_o weighty_a
art_n 10._o â—sw_n â—sw_n consider_v first_o 1_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o ability_n of_o discern_v that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n above_o any_o minister_n now_o live_v who_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v with_o less_o time_n of_o study_n so_o to_o dispatch_v and_o turn_v over_o weighty_a business_n with_o more_o speed_n and_o dexterity_n than_o we_o be_v 2_o the_o extraordinary_a wonderful_a and_o visible_a stroke_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o hear_v peter_n at_o that_o time_n the_o meeting_n the_o language_n their_o understanding_n of_o it_o god_n assistance_n of_o peter_n and_o blessing_n on_o the_o word_n all_o extraordinary_a such_o a_o day_n such_o a_o sermon_n such_o effect_n as_o never_o be_v before_o nor_o like_v to_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v remarkable_a in_o their_o conversion_n so_o also_o in_o their_o expression_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o need_v little_a trial_n when_o god_n speak_v himself_o from_o heaven_n answer_v to_o chap._n vi_o he_o report_v to_o recite_v such_o thing_n only_o as_o most_o need_v answer_n and_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v art_n 1._o 2._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v with_o all_o power_n any_o that_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o illiterate_a yet_o they_o may_v make_v &_o examine_v all_o their_o officer_n &_o unmake_v &_o depose_v they_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n so_o to_o do_v and_o preach_v expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n yea_o and_o do_v it_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o their_o officer_n as_o officer_n when_o they_o have_v they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n if_o i_o do_v delight_n in_o retort_v i_o can_v say_v of_o these_o word_n as_o he_o of_o holland_n minister_n apology_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a gull_n for_o almost_o so_o many_o word_n so_o many_o mistake_n the_o narratour_n shall_v have_v do_v well_o first_o to_o have_v prove_v all_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o new-england_n man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o then_o he_o may_v more_o easy_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o hold_v and_o practice_v such_o a_o congery_n of_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n for_o else_o many_o of_o they_o there_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v learn_v godly_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v believe_v he_o that_o they_o can_v hold_v that_o 1._o illiterate_a man_n can_v examine_v pastor_n fitness_n 2._o depose_v they_o at_o pleasure_n 3._o prithee_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n 4._o and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o their_o officer_n at_o all_o 5._o and_o which_o be_v mâ—st_o strange_a that_o christ_n himself_o have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a one_o with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o receive_a practice_n among_o we_o that_o when_o any_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n there_o be_v one_o at_o least_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o able_a part_n of_o humane_a and_o divine_a learning_n that_o either_o have_v be_v a_o minister_n in_o our_o native_a country_n or_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o usual_o and_o frequent_o preach_v to_o they_o after_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o man_n illiterate_a ☜_o ☜_o and_o w._n r._n himself_o know_v this_o to_o be_v true_a for_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 32._o quest_n 42._o which_o be_v very_a page_n he_o here_o quote_v direct_o say_v this_o in_o so_o many_o word_n 2._o that_o those_o illiterate_a man_n do_v examine_v their_o minister_n ability_n and_o that_o we_o hold_v they_o ought_v be_v another_o great_a mistake_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v put_v man_n upon_o a_o work_n beyond_o their_o reach_n which_o be_v idle_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o intend_v to_o call_v into_o office_n be_v not_o well_o know_v to_o they_o they_o use_v to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o elder_n in_o other_o church_n to_o survey_v their_o ability_n and_o to_o inform_v they_o therein_o that_o thereby_o as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o they_o and_o discern_v of_o their_o gift_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o their_o suffrage_n for_o election_n when_o the_o time_n come_v 3._o for_o their_o unmaking_n and_o depose_v they_o again_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n we_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o a_o thing_n most_o injurious_a to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o heaven_n &_o to_o his_o minister_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o not_o only_a christ_n will_v summon_v church_n at_o the_o great_a day_n to_o answer_v unto_o but_o our_o church_n there_o will_v also_o expect_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o for_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v thus_o depose_v minister_n as_o he_o say_v when_o they_o see_v cause_n unless_o christ_n himself_o shall_v see_v good_a cause_n to_o allow_v their_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o word_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v this_o that_o we_o protest_v against_o such_o practice_n and_o to_o show_v how_o wary_a we_o be_v in_o this_o point_n no_o church_n dare_v trust_v she_o own_o judgement_n but_o our_o manner_n be_v as_o his_o quote_v author_n speak_v answer_v to_o 34._o q._n of_o p._n 41._o our_o practice_n be_v in_o removal_n of_o minister_n to_o have_v counsel_n and_o assistance_n from_o sister_n church_n 4._o whereas_o he_o say_v also_o that_o we_o hold_v that_o man_n illiterate_a shall_v preach_v with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o work_n and_o a_o task_n for_o the_o able_a minister_n to_o perform_v be_v as_o far_o from_o we_o as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o for_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o some_o case_n some_o able_a judicious_a experience_a christian_n may_v humble_o &_o sober_o when_o necessity_n require_v as_o in_o the_o want_n of_o minister_n &_o be_v invite_v thereunto_o dispense_v now_o and_o then_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o preach_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v word_n of_o his_o own_o put_v in_o without_o any_o ground_n 5._o but_o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v they_o may_v thus_o preach_v when_o they_o have_v officer_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o our_o practice_n and_o further_a from_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o will_v direct_o cross_v christ_n his_o institution_n of_o call_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n and_o make_v mere_a cypher_n of_o they_o who_o office_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o preach_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o assembly_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n to_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o shut_v it_o up_o by_o silence_n so_o that_o none_o may_v so_o much_o as_o speak_v without_o his_o allowance_n ☞_o ☞_o and_o this_o expression_n of_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o narration_n in_o art_n 8._o where_o he_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o act_n we_o ascribe_v to_o our_o minister_n in_o office_n be_v to_o declare_v unto_o their_o people_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o to_o moderate_v in_o church-meeting_n yet_o here_o he_o speak_v clean_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n also_o ☞_o ☞_o 6._o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a man_n with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o their_o power_n and_o all_o ordinary_a possibility_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o to_o his_o own_o institution_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o we_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o even_o to_o make_v christ_n cross_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v a_o patron_n of_o confusion_n in_o his_o own_o house_n by_o invest_v they_o with_o all_o power_n to_o oppose_v his_o own_o rule_n of_o order_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n our_o nartatour_n have_v to_o lay_v all_o these_o charge_n against_o we_o you_o will_v think_v sure_a his_o proof_n be_v strong_a or_o he_o will_v never_o have_v venture_v to_o blemish_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o god_n faithful_a i_o servant_n in_o such_o sore_a accusation_n as_o these_o true_a he_o quote_v many_o and_o that_o i_o may_v see_v his_o bottom_n i_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o print_a author_n in_o every_o page_n quote_v ☞_o ☞_o and_o i_o solemn_o profess_v it_o that_o none_o of_o these_o particular_n rehearse_v as_o he_o have_v lay_v they_o down_o much_o less_o in_o they_o all_o will_v any_o of_o they_o bear_v he_o out_o and_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o try_v whether_o
and_o write_v in_o the_o margin_n cold_a comfort_n to_o christstian_a parent_n and_o cold_a charity_n to_o their_o infant_n â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 1._o it_o be_v cold_a comfort_n indeed_o if_o that_o he_o say_v be_v true_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o such_o infant_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n there_o yet_o he_o know_v we_o account_v they_o and_o their_o parent_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o england_n witness_v our_o writing_n in_o print_n discourse_n of_o covenant_n pag._n 36._o etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o much_o forget_v himself_o to_o say_v we_o account_v they_o to_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o to_o say_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o heathen_n be_v a_o most_o uncharitable_a and_o groundless_a censure_n unworthy_a of_o his_o pen_n or_o our_o practice_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v before_o the_o lord_n forgive_v he_o such_o hard_a speech_n for_o his_o quotation_n ans_fw-fr to_o 33._o q._n 20._o 21._o and_o ans_fw-fr to_o 9_o pos_fw-la 61._o 62_o if_o they_o will_v afford_v he_o the_o least_o word_n or_o show_v for_o either_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o will_v take_v the_o blame_n for_o ever_o let_v any_o please_v to_o peruse_v they_o but_o he_o forget_v the_o law_n in_o israel_n of_o amerce_v and_o stripe_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o a_o virgin_n of_o israel_n i_o must_v mind_v he_o of_o it_o answer_v to_o chap._n viii_o this_o chapter_n be_v spend_v especial_o the_o margin_n in_o invective_n against_o the_o strictness_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n that_o restrain_v man_n that_o they_o can_v have_v elbow_n room_n and_o be_v at_o loose_a end_n when_o they_o please_v i_o will_v gather_v the_o strength_n of_o all_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n into_o some_o objection_n and_o very_o brief_o answer_v they_o object_n a_o member_n say_v he_o can_v remove_v from_o a_o church_n without_o our_o consent_n seek_v and_o obtain_v art_n 1._o â—ns_n â—ns_n it_o cross_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o covenant_n in_o the_o world_n for_o to_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v this_o engagement_n so_o solemn_a so_o sacred_a so_o deliberate_a be_v loose_v at_o pleasure_n by_o a_o man_n removal_n when_o &_o whither_o he_o please_v &_o it_o may_v be_v also_o not_o without_o apparent_a sin_n without_o acquaint_v the_o church_n withal_o &_o get_v approbation_n from_o they_o the_o church_n may_v be_v partial_a in_o their_o own_o cause_n may_v not_o some_o of_o other_o church_n object_n 2_o be_v consult_v withal_o rather_o than_o this_o pag._n 32._o marg._n shall_v a_o man_n infringe_v this_o covenant_n answ_n deprive_v the_o church_n of_o her_o proper_a right_n and_o lay_v she_o under_o blame_n of_o partiality_n upon_o a_o mere_a supposal_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v partial_a let_v this_o church_n be_v first_o consult_v withal_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o she_o and_o if_o it_o appear_v she_o be_v indeed_o partial_a then_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v in_o which_o be_v never_o yet_o deny_v any_o member_n and_o i_o hope_v never_o will_v be_v but_o what_o need_v a_o man_n consult_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v secret_a object_n 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o whole_a answ_n reason_n speak_v the_o whole_a aught_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o case_n extraordinary_a where_o the_o ground_n of_o removal_n may_v not_o safe_o be_v divulge_v to_o all_o as_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v possible_a so_o to_o happen_v let_v the_o party_n but_o intimate_v so_o much_o to_o the_o church_n and_o desire_v that_o some_o two_o ot_fw-mi three_o faithful_a man_n be_v entrust_v and_o what_o hinder_v if_o the_o church_n covenant_n bind_v so_o fast_o than_o as_o the_o disciple_n say_v of_o marriage_n object_n 4_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o touch_v this_o covenant_n pag._n 32._o 1._o a_o gracious_a sp_z irit_n count_v it_o no_o bondage_n but_o freedom_n answ_n to_o be_v constant_o under_o the_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n duty_n and_o such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o covenant_n ah_o 21.5.6_o ex._n 21.5.6_o let_v none_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o but_o all_o be_v as_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o law_n that_o may_v have_v go_v out_o free_a yet_o love_v his_o master_n well_o choose_v rather_o to_o abide_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o 2._o yet_o it_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a and_o steadfast_o bend_v to_o depart_v the_o church_n never_o hold_v he_o against_o his_o will_n though_o she_o see_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o his_o reason_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n so_o easy_o to_o be_v dissolve_v but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o his_o reason_n he_o go_v away_o tacit_o accuse_v object_n 5_o slander_v yea_o virtual_o cast_v out_o and_o curse_v sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v accuse_v slanderous_a and_o curse_a language_n ans_fw-fr 19_o deut_n 22._o â—_o 19_o not_o fit_a for_o a_o sober_a &_o grave_a man_n by_o that_o law_n in_o israel_n w._n r._n will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v amercy_v and_o stripe_v for_o this_o defamation_n what_o will_v he_o have_v they_o do_v when_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o departure_n must_v they_o needs_o act_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v when_o they_o be_v not_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v a_o brother_n haply_o run_v into_o evil_n or_o danger_n by_o such_o a_o removal_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v through_o indulgence_n to_o suspend_v their_o vote_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v neither_o accuse_v or_o slander_v he_o much_o less_o curse_v he_o or_o cast_v he_o out_o these_o be_v word_n fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o retraction_n and_o repentance_n if_o man_n be_v once_o â—â—tred_v into_o covenant_n he_o be_v so_o rivet_v into_o it_o that_o he_o can_v hardly_o object_n 6_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o it_o but_o must_v continue_v in_o it_o though_o perhaps_o against_o his_o conscience_n ibid._n answ_n to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v any_o godly_a church-member_n that_o repent_v of_o this_o churchway_n &_o desire_v upon_o that_o ground_n to_o make_v a_o retreat_n 2._o if_o any_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n as_o you_o say_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v after_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n use_v solemn_o profess_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o in_o conscience_n proceed_v on_o in_o those_o way_n i_o know_v no_o church_n that_o will_v detain_v he_o object_n 7_o how_o shall_v this_o man_n thus_o dismiss_v without_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v receive_v into_o any_o other_o church_n answer_n answer_n how_o many_o line_n do_v he_o spend_v to_o no_o purpose_n about_o untie_v this_o knot_n and_o when_o he_o can_v unloose_v it_o ☞_o ☞_o for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o our_o practice_n there_o he_o fall_v out_o extreme_o with_o we_o and_o our_o way_n as_o harsh_a and_o rigid_a i_o have_v read_v of_o harpia_n a_o lame_a woman_n in_o seneca_n who_o still_o complain_v of_o the_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n that_o make_v she_o limp_v but_o faw_fw-we not_o her_o own_o lameness_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v application_n but_o unloose_v his_o knot_n by_o tell_v he_o though_o a_o church_n can_v see_v cause_n enough_o to_o commend_v such_o a_o person_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o to_o another_o church_n for_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o as_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o it_o themselves_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n in_o the_o general_a they_o may_v and_o do_v use_v to_o commend_v he_o for_o his_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o prudence_n conceal_v any_o suppose_a error_n or_o infirmity_n in_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o testimony_n he_o be_v receive_v and_o so_o need_v not_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o heathen_a answer_v to_o chap._n ix_o the_o first_o thing_n meet_v we_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o here_o he_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n ☞_o ☞_o that_o we_o in_o new-england_n conceive_v man_n may_v be_v true_a christian_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o church_n estate_n or_o no._n but_o chap._n 7._o art_n 1._o he_o affirm_v absolute_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v account_v by_o we_o profane_a and_o wicked_a answer_n
it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n i._n e._n that_o we_o have_v no_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o if_o he_o study_v to_o cross_v himself_o he_o be_v as_o full_a in_o his_o denial_n of_o it_o vid._n cap._n 9_o art_n 4_o 5._o 2._o note_v how_o thick_a his_o say_n and_o unsaying_n fall_v in_o cap._n 9_o art_n 1._o ☜_o ☜_o he_o affirm_v we_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o church_n member_n and_o then_o present_o in_o 4_o 5._o art_n of_o the_o very_a same_o chap._n he_o express_o deny_v that_o we_o hold_v any_o such_o communion_n then_o again_o in_o the_o very_a next_o chap._n the_o 10._o art_n 1._o he_o say_v as_o full_a as_o can_v be_v that_o we_o hold_v communion_n mutual_o with_o other_o church_n and_o by_o in_o chap._n 12._o 8._o as_o full_o and_o express_o deny_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v a_o able_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v more_o remarkable_a he_o shall_v be_v thus_o extreme_o leave_v to_o confound_v himself_o while_o he_o seek_v to_o confound_v our_o poor_a innocent_a church_n let_v any_o careful_o observe_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n mention_v whether_o i_o have_v not_o deal_v candid_o with_o he_o or_o no._n art_n 2._o he_o report_v 1_o that_o one_o church_n may_v give_v power_n to_o another_o over_o any_o of_o her_o member_n for_o excommunication_n 2_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n may_v convey_v power_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o another_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n answer_n neither_o of_o both_o which_o do_v we_o hold_v or_o practice_v the_o only_a author_n cite_v that_o we_o can_v come_v at_o be_v cot._n cat._n p._n 7._o who_o word_n be_v these_o the_o supper_n be_v dispense_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o like_a body_n see_v if_o here_o be_v one_o tittle_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o yet_o from_o these_o assertion_n which_o he_o say_v we_o hold_v he_o fling_v rebuke_n upon_o we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o his_o own_o text._n p._n 37._o whereas_o indeed_o we_o may_v reprove_v he_o 1_o misreport_v 2_o abuse_v his_o author_n 3_o reprove_v we_o without_o cause_n without_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o one_o church_n and_o minister_n to_o another_o it_o be_v unlawful_a say_v he_o art_n 3._o in_o any_o case_n to_o administer_v any_o church_n ordinance_n to_o any_o church_n member_n but_o their_o own_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 1._o here_o be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o proof_n to_o be_v see_v answ_n 2._o letter_n of_o recommendation_n for_o public_a participation_n be_v not_o send_v from_o one_o minister_n to_o another_o but_o from_o a_o church_n to_o a_o church_n 3._o we_o hold_v it_o not_o unlawful_a but_o do_v often_o practice_v to_o receive_v other_o member_n to_o communion_n with_o we_o without_o letter_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v know_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n else_o such_o letter_n be_v desirable_a but_o he_o say_v we_o do_v it_o not_o in_o any_o case_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o without_o proof_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n that_o if_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a people_n shall_v sit_v near_o we_o where_o our_o power_n reach_v differ_v from_o we_o only_o in_o some_o point_n of_o church-government_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n but_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o severe_a punishment_n by_o our_o magistrate_n ans_fw-fr 1_o if_o you_o weigh_v well_o this_o accusation_n of_o we_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v very_o harsh_a and_o sore_o and_o here_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o h._n w._n who_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v tell_v unless_o some_o malignant_a or_o backfriend_n among_o we_o there_o or_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ever_o write_v in_o these_o word_n and_o sense_n i_o know_v not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v certain_o so_o write_v and_o from_o a_o godly_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n and_o i_o be_o forbid_v and_o so_o be_v all_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o one_o elder_a much_o more_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n in_o new-england_n without_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o believe_v it_o 2._o to_o this_o very_a point_n in_o hand_n the_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o 9_o p._n 82_o 83._o speak_v full_o and_o fair_o which_o w._n r._n well_o know_v for_o it_o be_v write_v to_o himself_o among_o other_o deal_v not_o candid_o to_o conceal_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o print_a book_n from_o know_a author_n of_o credit_n in_o new-england_n because_o it_o be_v fair_a and_o love_a for_o what_o other_o ground_n can_v he_o have_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o h.w._n a_o man_n we_o know_v not_o which_o be_v harsh_a and_o distasteful_a how_o can_v the_o conceal_n of_o that_o and_o relate_v of_o this_o seem_v ingenuous_a or_o friendly_a to_o we_o or_o the_o truth_n answer_v to_o chap._n xi_o he_o make_v report_n of_o a_o groundless_a course_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o the_o church_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n where_o say_v he_o the_o people_n use_v to_o meet_v together_o private_o each_o one_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o or_o her_o soul_n from_o the_o first_o conversion_n to_o that_o day_n so_o that_o their_o pastor_n may_v know_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o say_v also_o that_o as_o some_o report_n the_o end_n of_o this_o meeting_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n non-proficients_a ans_fw-fr with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o godly_a man_n call_v such_o meeting_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o such_o a_o holy_a end_n as_o to_o try_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n a_o groundless_a meeting_n and_o so_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o it_o for_o he_o make_v proof_n of_o no_o other_o end_n beside_o that_o 2._o do_v these_o godly_a people_n ever_o cast_v any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o mere_o for_o nonproficiency_n 3._o he_o have_v still_o forget_v that_o rule_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3.19_o that_o require_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n who_o yet_o proceed_v upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o relation_n to_o believe_v and_o report_v yea_o and_o print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n what_o in_o his_o opinion_n may_v detract_v from_o a_o reverend_a elder_n and_o a_o godly_a church_n also_o no_o marvel_n he_o call_v his_o book_n a_o poor_a pamphlet_n true_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o if_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v discover_v in_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o poor_a before_o we_o have_v do_v to_o any_o candid_a reader_n it_o be_v our_o humble_a suit_n to_o heaven_n that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o himself_o the_o weakness_n and_o error_n of_o his_o deal_n herein_o for_o the_o humble_v of_o his_o spirit_n answer_v to_o chap._n xii_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v serve_v to_o this_o long_a chapter_n for_o most_o of_o it_o as_o also_o of_o the_o two_o next_o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n of_o thing_n speak_v once_o or_o twice_o some_o of_o they_o thrice_o before_o and_o answer_v to_o already_o he_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o preface_n he_o want_v not_o workâ—_n but_o it_o seem_v now_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n and_o so_o he_o think_v his_o reader_n be_v also_o else_o why_o he_o shall_v so_o double_v &_o treble_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la i_o know_v not_o unless_o happy_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o mistake_n in_o his_o reader_n in_o art_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v it_o be_v often_o some_o year_n before_o she_o address_v herself_o to_o the_o call_n of_o officer_n whereas_o it_o be_v our_o usual_a and_o constant_a course_n as_o have_v be_v say_v not_o to_o gather_v any_o church_n until_o they_o have_v one_o among_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr fit_a for_o a_o minister_n who_o with_o all_o speed_n they_o call_v into_o office_n and_o account_v themselves_o a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a body_n till_o that_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o marg._n on_o that_o art_n he_o say_v he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o comfort_n that_o many_o that_o be_v count_v good_a minister_n in_o old-england_n be_v there_o lay_v aside_o because_o they_o aim_v at_o man_n of_o special_a part_n 1._o we_o desire_v proof_n for_o this_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v on_o we_o answ_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v still_o father_n it_o upon_o himself_o as_o
business_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o fast_v &_o prayer_n at_o least_o shall_v stop_v man_n mouth_n from_o speak_v ill_o of_o they_o and_o their_o way_n yet_o w._n r._n fail_v in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o in_o divers_a point_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o advertise_v he_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o that_o offensive_a phrase_n say_v those_o person_n come_v now_o to_o be_v church_n he_o well_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o word_n it_o do_v not_o become_v gravity_n and_o holiness_n to_o give_v such_o deride_v word_n nor_o ludere_fw-la cum_fw-la sanctis_fw-la god_n hear_v all_o our_o word_n and_o see_v the_o scope_n of_o our_o heart_n therein_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v innocent_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o i_o once_o name_v it_o he_o speak_v twice_o both_o in_o art_n 6._o and_o 8._o of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sâ—nt_v to_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n â—nsw_n â—nsw_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v the_o magistrate_n come_v themselves_o in_o person_n if_o they_o can_v or_o if_o not_o they_o send_v no_o deputy_n or_o messenger_n the_o church_n indeed_o send_v messenger_n common_o their_o elder_n to_o lend_v they_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n if_o they_o need_v be_v more_o experience_v in_o those_o way_n than_o common_o new_a beginner_n be_v to_o join_v their_o prayer_n with_o they_o &_o to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n but_o the_o magistrate_n send_v no_o deputy_n he_o report_v in_o art_n 8._o that_o if_o the_o messenger_n or_o any_o stander_n by_o be_v unsatisfied_a they_o make_v their_o objection_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a until_o they_o be_v satisfy_v then_o in_o his_o marginall_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n say_v he_o to_o satisfy_v all_o comer_n in_o what_o they_o please_v if_o any_o objection_n be_v against_o his_o life_n it_o must_v be_v present_o and_o open_o declare_v before_o the_o country_n this_o be_v little_a wisdom_n less_o charity_n â—ns_n â—ns_n here_o be_v many_o unwise_a and_o uncharitable_a passage_n lay_v unjust_o to_o our_o charge_n and_o all_o those_o without_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o but_o only_a h._n w._n i._o w._n &_o who_o know_v where_o to_o consult_v with_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o any_o slander_n by_o yea_o all_o comer_n may_v question_v or_o object_n 2._o and_o that_o even_o what_o they_o please_v 3._o if_o any_o fail_n be_v in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v present_o and_o open_o declare_v before_o all_o the_o country_n which_o thing_n be_v nothing_o so_o for_o 1._o none_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n but_o sober_o and_o orderly_o and_o 2._o not_o without_o leave_v desire_v and_o grant_v 3._o nor_o how_o much_o he_o will_v nor_o what_o he_o please_v but_o thing_n very_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a and_o 4._o not_o of_o any_o fail_n to_o their_o disparagement_n for_o if_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o be_v first_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o private_a see_v they_o know_v before_o both_o the_o person_n that_o be_v then_o to_o join_v and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o day_n meeting_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a never_o a_o godly_a sober_a man_n will_v write_v other_o wise_a it_o be_v little_a wisdom_n or_o charity_n i_o be_o sure_a for_o he_o to_o affirm_v thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o if_o the_o m_o ssenger_n be_v unsatisfied_a with_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v about_o to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v forbid_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n answer_n answer_n this_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o messenger_n never_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o such_o power_n to_o this_o day_n nay_o they_o profess_o express_v against_o it_o constant_o in_o such_o meeting_n as_o to_o forbid_v their_o entrance_n into_o church_n estate_n the_o most_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o desire_v leave_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o interpose_v their_o counsel_n and_o that_o only_a when_o they_o see_v very_o great_a cause_n and_o withal_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o christian_a liberty_n now_o have_v answer_v to_o the_o article_n we_o will_v speak_v something_o to_o those_o of_o the_o marginall_n on_o this_o 5._o chapter_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v already_o he_o tell_v we_o mar._n to_o art_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o here_o who_o run_v the_o same_o church-course_n with_o we_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o first_o table_n but_o 1._o he_o know_v or_o may_v know_v at_o least_o that_o this_o opinion_n be_v utter_o against_o our_o judgement_n practice_n and_o establish_v jaw_n in_o new-england_n answ_n therefore_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v we_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o any_o whit_n reflect_v upon_o our_o cause_n which_o he_o be_v too_o ready_a upon_o this_o or_o any_o occasion_n to_o disgrace_n for_o none_o be_v more_o dependent_a upon_o magistracy_n than_o those_o they_o call_v independent_n from_o who_o principle_n they_o never_o suck_v that_o dangerous_a opinion_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o well_o to_o give_v such_o by-blow_n to_o innocent_a person_n and_o way_n 3._o if_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o blot_n to_o our_o cause_n that_o some_o of_o our_o churchway_n hold_v ill_a opinion_n let_v he_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o of_o his_o way_n be_v gross_o taint_v with_o popish_a and_o arminian_n leavin_n or_o else_o blot_v out_o this_o margin_n he_o say_v margin_n to_o art_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o he_o we_o have_v little_o less_o than_o a_o compound_n presbytery_n set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o church-canon_n in_o act_n though_o not_o in_o rule_n and_o give_v his_o instance_n for_o this_o 1._o as_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o agreement_n among_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o there_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o church_n there_o be_v a_o compound_n presbytery_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n shall_v preach_v or_o vent_v any_o new_a or_o uncouth_a tenant_n until_o first_o he_o have_v communicate_v they_o with_o his_o fellow_n minister_n a_fw-la very_a good_a canon_n 3._o that_o such_o as_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n do_v use_n to_o meet_v together_o before_o hand_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o in_o private_a with_o each_o other_o spiritual_a estate_n a_fw-la canon_n 1._o do_v canon_n bound_v people_n to_o obedience_n answer_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o please_v to_o agree_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o further_o these_o canon_n be_v a_o agreement_n 2_o do_v presbytery_n consist_v of_o whole_a church_n for_o he_o say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o agreement_n of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n its_o little_a less_o than_o a_o compound_n presbytery_n if_o minister_n and_o people_n both_o do_v rule_v who_o shall_v be_v rule_v over_o by_o this_o presbytery_n 3._o he_o answer_v the_o thing_n and_o contradict_v himself_o both_o at_o once_o for_o he_o say_v art_n 2._o this_o give_a notice_n to_o magistrate_n and_o church_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v be_v by_o a_o law_n of_o the_o general_a court_n and_o can_v be_v as_o he_o say_v in_o margin_n and_o agreement_n of_o church_n therefore_o no_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n suppose_v many_o godly_a minister_n in_o london_n shall_v agree_v among_o themselves_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v preach_v down_o the_o superstition_n of_o that_o they_o call_v christmas_n and_o promise_v each_o other_o that_o till_o they_o shall_v give_v in_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v not_o preach_v for_o or_o against_o discipline_n will_v w._n r._n call_v this_o agreement_n a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o canon_n let_v he_o see_v then_o how_o extreme_o wide_a he_o be_v in_o the_o other_o if_o church_n say_v he_o send_v deputy_n or_o messenger_n to_o represent_v themselves_o and_o to_o act_v in_o their_o room_n why_o not_o in_o a_o synod_n as_o well_o marg._n to_o art_n 6._o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n if_o church_n send_v their_o messenger_n or_o choose_v man_n to_o confer_v and_o consult_v only_o in_o a_o synod_n in_o their_o name_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o conclude_v and_o determine_v of_o matter_n or_o much_o less_o bind_v their_o church_n to_o what_o they_o determine_v of_o which_o be_v our_o case_n in_o new-england_n as_o we_o have_v say_v i_o know_v nothing_o against_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o if_o synod_n do_v more_o and_o go_v further_o his_o allegation_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o so_o much_o time_n say_v he_o be_v spend_v in_o join_v seven_o or_o eight_o person_n together_o into_o one_o church_n how_o much_o time_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o join_v 3000_o together_o but_o the_o apostle_n go_v a_o short_a way_n marg._n to_o
cause_n here_o you_o see_v be_v 1_o faction_n 2_o partiality_n 3_o both_o those_o appear_v 4_o obstinacy_n 5_o continue_v in_o obstinacy_n after_o mean_n use_v according_a to_o rule_v all_o these_o before_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n pass_v but_o you_o in_o your_o relation_n leave_v out_o all_o these_o word_n of_o your_o author_n and_o put_v in_o such_o of_o your_o own_o as_o will_v not_o so_o much_o enforce_v a_o censure_n as_o these_o and_o then_o tax_v we_o at_o your_o pleasure_n and_o make_v bitter_a invective_n against_o we_o in_o your_o margin_n if_o i_o shall_v have_v retort_v and_o say_v this_o deal_n of_o you_o be_v harsh_a uncharitable_a foolish_a destructive_a etc._n etc._n it_o will_v have_v trouble_v you_o yet_o you_o be_v but_o a_o single_a person_n those_o who_o you_o reproach_n be_v whole_a church_n many_o church_n of_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o pet._n 2.23_o and_o to_o forbear_v this_o article_n be_v thus_o lay_v prostrate_a there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o his_o marginal_a extraction_n worth_a answer_n he_o blame_v we_o art_n 12._o that_o we_o deny_v unto_o the_o church_n all_o power_n to_o make_v any_o particular_a rule_n or_o law_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a conduce_v to_o the_o better_a government_n of_o herself_o and_o more_o orderly_a and_o edify_a performance_n of_o god_n worship_n accord_v to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n 1._o he_o have_v falsify_v his_o print_a author_n allege_v for_o this_o art_n ans_fw-fr answ_n to_o 32._o q._n 66._o col._n cap._n 7._o where_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o whereas_o they_o indeed_o deny_v church_n power_n to_o make_v law_n about_o church_n government_n etc._n etc._n their_o word_n &_o meaning_n be_v express_v it_o be_v only_o in_o such_o matter_n where_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v law_n already_o and_o therefore_o they_o say_v the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n but_o to_o observe_v those_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o command_v and_o do_v allege_v mat._n 28.20_o deut._n 33.3_o john_n 20.27_o none_o i_o hope_v can_v think_v this_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o we_o to_o add_v law_n to_o christ_n his_o own_o law_n and_o this_o be_v all_o they_o say_v 2._o if_o you_o mean_v by_o make_v of_o law_n infer_v of_o plain_a and_o necessary_a conclusion_n from_o their_o proper_a ground_n in_o scripture_n we_o grant_v a_o power_n in_o a_o church_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v bind_v unless_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v make_v appear_v as_o rom._n 14.5.22.23_o but_o iâ—_n by_o make_v of_o law_n you_o mean_v a_o draw_n of_o conclusion_n from_o remote_a principle_n such_o as_o the_o bishop_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n must_v be_v decent_o do_v and_o in_o order_n therefore_o a_o surplice_n a_o cross_n in_o baptism_n a_o bow_n at_o the_o altar_n etc._n etc._n we_o deny_v it_o as_o a_o inlet_n of_o all_o humane_a invention_n many_o of_o the_o marginall_n of_o this_o 6_o chap._n be_v already_o answer_v some_o few_o remain_n as_o who_o will_v not_o long_o to_o be_v church_v see_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o vast_a power_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a morsel_n no_o marvel_v people_n tooth_n so_o water_n after_o it_o etc._n etc._n p._n 23._o i_o can_v tell_v you_o who_o belong_v not_o for_o church_a it_o be_v w._n r._n himself_o who_o with_o heart_n â—sw_n â—sw_n hand_n and_o pen_n thus_o oppose_v it_o but_o why_o do_v not_o his_o tooth_n also_o water_n after_o it_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v because_o the_o people_n have_v a_o voice_n in_o church_n matter_n and_o minister_n can_v carry_v all_o 2_o why_o do_v you_o think_v w._n r._n that_o people_n tooth_n shall_v so_o much_o water_n after_o this_o way_n see_v they_o be_v under_o many_o watchful_a eye_n a_o strict_a covenant_n disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n sharp_a censure_n and_o overharsh_a too_o if_o all_o you_o say_v be_v true_a therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o so_o much_o desire_v these_o way_n think_v you_o they_o be_v so_o cross_a to_o corruption_n that_o will_v have_v elbowroom_n unless_o they_o do_v see_v and_o feel_v our_o beauty_n and_o warmth_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o real_a cause_n the_o word_n say_v h_z and_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v both_o settle_v on_o the_o ministry_n go_v preach_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n why_o do_v we_o separate_v they_o pag._n 23._o to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o be_v the_o preach_v that_o christ_n there_o give_v in_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v call_v to_o be_v apostle_n be_v proper_a only_a to_o minister_n â—swer_v â—swer_v who_o be_v to_o wait_v upon_o teach_v rom._n 12.7_o and_o this_o preach_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v ever_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n but_o there_o be_v a_o preach_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n i._o e_fw-la sometime_o to_o apply_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n exhortation_n consolation_n if_o necessity_n shall_v require_v according_a to_o their_o talon_n be_v invite_v thereunto_o and_o this_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n though_o not_o call_v into_o office_n as_o art_n 8._o 1._o 4._o where_o the_o whole_a church_n except_o the_o apostle_n be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o scatter_v without_o distinction_n of_o minister_n or_o people_n go_v to_o and_o fro_o preach_v therefore_o other_o beside_o minister_n in_o some_o case_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n if_o you_o take_v preach_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n 3._o for_o the_o two_o instance_n he_o bring_v p._n 24._o of_o people_n unabilitie_n of_o judge_v elect_a vote_v etc._n etc._n from_o holland_n and_o boston_n etc._n etc._n 1._o the_o best_a people_n on_o earth_n may_v have_v their_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o personal_a fail_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o goodness_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o rule_n â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 2._o what_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o possible_o first_o or_o last_o give_v or_o else_o may_v give_v strange_a instance_n of_o humane_a frailty_n but_o still_o you_o count_v their_o way_n good_a 3._o even_o those_o church_n you_o mention_n be_v able_a at_o other_o time_n both_o before_o and_o since_o to_o act_v as_o become_v prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n though_o possible_o at_o that_o time_n they_o may_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n 4._o these_o person_n recover_v out_o of_o their_o error_n and_o lay_v not_o in_o it_o you_o shall_v have_v mention_v this_o as_o well_o as_o that_o if_o the_o officer_n through_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n perhaps_o refuse_v to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o i._n e._n the_o people_n mind_n they_o will_v &_o they_o hold_v they_o may_v call_v four_o any_o other_o member_n to_o do_v and_o enable_v he_o with_o power_n to_o do_v all_o that_o their_o officer_n shall_v have_v do_v except_o sacrament_n a_o most_o unjust_a and_o slanderous_a report_n and_o without_o any_o word_n of_o proof_n answ_n so_o now_o we_o must_v father_n it_o upon_o he_o and_o do_v here_o require_v he_o to_o prove_v it_o for_o almost_o every_o word_n be_v a_o aggravation_n but_o i_o study_v brevity_n and_o mention_v this_o before_o art_n 9_o they_o complain_v in_o print_n that_o their_o minister_n be_v slight_v among_o they_o yea_o trample_v upon_o by_o some_o and_o mention_n for_o this_o cot._n on_o 2_o vial_n p._n 24._o of_o who_o word_n judge_v and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o word_n to_o warrant_v he_o all_o his_o invective_n against_o we_o on_o the_o 11._o article_n marg._n for_o extort_v a_o consent_n from_o such_o as_o dissent_v from_o we_o be_v exceed_v slanderous_a and_o not_o a_o word_n true_a nor_o any_o tittle_n of_o proof_n for_o none_o be_v ever_o admonish_v for_o dissent_v but_o for_o faction_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o his_o author_n speak_v as_o be_v say_v before_o let_v i_o hear_v tell_v the_o reader_n there_o be_v sundry_a unsound_a and_o uncouth_a passage_n in_o this_o chap._n as_o indeed_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n which_o for_o brevity_n i_o be_o force_v to_o pass_v by_o and_o indeed_o not_o worth_a my_o time_n i_o entreat_v thou_o to_o take_v all_o his_o say_n with_o a_o grain_n of_o salt_n know_v from_o what_o spirit_n they_o proceed_v answer_v to_o chap._n vii_o in_o this_o 1._o art_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o light_a 1._o he_o affirm_v we_o say_v all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v settle_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o in_o his_o margin_n he_o affirm_v answ_n we_o allow_v some_o to_o be_v admit_v transient_a member_n for_o a_o time_n only_o now_o to_o be_v settle_a and_o yet_o transient_a be_v
of_o error_n deliver_v before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o people_n &_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o minister_n etc._n etc._n all_o this_o be_v his_o own_o addition_n then_o for_o the_o other_o cite_v author_n answer_n to_o 32_o q._n 78_o he_o deal_v more_o gross_o with_o he_o then_o the_o former_a who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n pointblank_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o bold_o give_v he_o up_o for_o a_o author_n his_o word_n be_v these_o we_o never_o know_v any_o minister_n that_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n thus_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o propound_v question_n and_o such_o call_n upon_o they_o be_v far_o from_o we_o some_o think_v the_o people_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o ask_v a_o question_n upon_o very_o urgent_a and_o weighty_a cause_n none_o judge_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o necessary_a but_o if_o not_o meek_o and_o wise_o carry_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o such_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v seldom_o use_v in_o any_o in_o most_o church_n near_o true_a it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o opinion_n some_o be_v bold_a in_o this_o kind_n but_o these_o man_n be_v long_o since_o go_v the_o synod_n and_o sermon_n have_v reprove_v this_o disorder_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v now_o live_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o another_o in_o these_o congregation_n and_o not_o hear_v any_o man_n open_v his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n these_o the_o author_n word_n ☞_o ☞_o now_o good_a reader_n do_v we_o the_o favour_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n whether_o these_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o make_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o where_o be_v 1_o giving_z leave_n 2_o a_o course_n of_o give_v leave_n 3_o to_o any_o 4_o to_o object_n and_o urge_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o 6_o which_o be_v horrible_o gross_a to_o implead_v the_o minister_n of_o error_n at_o the_o first_o dash_n and_o that_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o his_o own_o cite_a author_n tell_v he_o the_o contrary_a 1_o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o often_o but_o seldom_o 2_o not_o many_o question_n but_o a_o question_n 3_o not_o upon_o sleight_n but_o weighty_a and_o very_a urgent_a ground_n 4_o not_o rash_o and_o bold_o but_o wise_o and_o meek_o 5_o and_o this_o not_o peremptory_o conclude_v of_o by_o all_o but_o some_o only_o think_v they_o have_v a_o liberty_n 6_o and_o not_o that_o it_o be_v now_o so_o much_o do_v but_o be_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o bold_a opinionist_n who_o be_v now_o chase_v away_o long_o ago_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a gulf_n betwixt_o the_o author_n and_o w._n r._n now_o for_o he_o to_o read_v over_o distinct_o all_o these_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n for_o that_o answer_n be_v write_v to_o himself_o from_o godly_a man_n in_o new-england_n yet_o to_o produce_v it_o as_o a_o proof_n for_o his_o art_n and_o the_o marg._n which_o in_o common_a sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o i_o stand_v amaze_v at_o it_o and_o wonder_v with_o what_o face_n he_o can_v print_v it_o or_o have_v do_v it_o how_o he_o can_v let_v his_o book_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o fire_n thus_o long_o yet_o further_o note_n our_o narratour_n undertake_v to_o relate_v only_o such_o church-course_n as_o be_v general_o by_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n practise_v as_o pag._n 1._o title_n how_o then_o can_v he_o with_o honesty_n bring_v in_o this_o ask_v of_o question_n among_o such_o kind_n of_o general_a church_n course_n of_o we_o whereas_o his_o author_n plain_o say_v this_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v not_o generally_n practise_v nor_o by_o all_v the_o church_n but_o seldom_o in_o any_o church_n and_o in_o most_o church_n never_o at_o all_o and_o that_o one_o may_v live_v as_o he_o say_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o another_o in_o our_o congregation_n and_o not_o here_o any_o man_n open_v his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n what_o will_v not_o w._n r._n bold_o attempt_v against_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o their_o church_n that_o cite_v these_o very_a word_n i_o have_v relate_v to_o prove_v such_o church_n course_n in_o new-england_n as_o be_v general_o practise_v among_o we_o answer_v to_o chap._n xiiii_o to_o marg._n on_o the_o title_n some_o say_v he_o grow_v rich_a of_o the_o word_n independent_a some_o utter_o renounce_v it_o yet_o most_o own_a it_o answer_n if_o the_o word_n be_v right_o take_v as_o in_o answer_n to_o 32._o q._n 46._o it_o be_v expound_v for_o one_o church_n that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o or_o in_o subjection_n to_o a_o presbytery_n but_o as_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o govern_v herself_o according_a to_o his_o law_n then_o all_o accord_n to_o it_o but_o if_o the_o word_n independent_a be_v abusive_o take_v as_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o vulgar_a for_o such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v neither_o subject_n to_o magistracy_n nor_o regard_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n but_o be_v a_o conceit_a and_o selfe-sufficient_a people_n that_o stand_v only_o on_o their_o own_o leg_n then_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v rich_a of_o a_o word_n that_o may_v render_v we_o odious_a without_o cause_n to_o marg._n of_o 1_o art_n that_o we_o have_v store_n of_o imperative_fw-it church_n who_o may_v command_v yea_o compel_v both_o member_n and_o minister_n to_o act_v ans_fw-fr another_o slander_n without_o ground_n or_o proof_n or_o truth_n which_o i_o leave_v here_o upon_o record_n god_n our_o conscience_n and_o our_o brethren_n bear_v we_o witness_n how_o tender_a our_o church_n be_v but_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o act_v without_o light_n much_o more_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v both_o which_o very_a word_n though_o the_o thing_n require_v be_v lawful_a be_v odious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n most_o fit_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o antichrist_n have_v he_o a_o licence_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o art_n 2._o we_o hold_v our_o church_n power_n absolute_a and_o imperial_a answ_n all_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o church-power_n be_v that_o it_o be_v ministerial_a which_o be_v far_o from_o absolute_a and_o imperial_a word_n fit_a for_o emperor_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o charge_v it_o on_o his_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n either_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v or_o else_o vindicate_v we_o as_o become_v a_o honest_a christian_n to_o do_v and_o for_o his_o two_o print_a author_n cite_v for_o we_o can_v come_v at_o his_o private_a letter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o word_n or_o show_v of_o ground_n from_o they_o to_o maintain_v his_o speech_n let_v i_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o for_o i_o here_o avouch_v the_o contrary_a under_o my_o hand_n to_o art_n 3._o and_o marg._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o representation_n of_o church_n absent_a and_o all_o authoritative_a deputation_n of_o messenger_n to_o act_v for_o they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 1._o the_o reader_n may_v well_o see_v it_o be_v his_o own_o say_n not_o we_o for_o he_o bring_v no_o proof_n but_o from_o barrow_n and_o johnson_n who_o can_v well_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n for_o our_o church_n way_n in_o new-england_n because_o they_o never_o come_v there_o yea_o be_v in_o their_o grave_n both_o or_o one_o long_v before_o ever_o we_o have_v a_o be_v in_o new-england_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o we_o hold_v a_o church_n may_v delegate_v some_o man_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n with_o authority_n to_o act_v for_o they_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a business_n of_o trust_n as_o act._n 15.2_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v bold_o now_o twice_o or_o thrice_o affirm_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o cap._n 2._o art_n 3._o marg._n yet_o some_o tell_v we_o say_v he_o that_o mr._n p._n and_o mr._n w._n be_v send_v hither_o by_o the_o church_n to_o negotiate_v for_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o some_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o be_v a_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n able_a to_o instruct_v other_o you_o know_v you_o may_v not_o blemish_v your_o brethren_n and_o slâ—nder_a church_n upon_o such_o poor_a and_o weak_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v report_v i_o be_o inform_v some_o tell_v we_o and_o yet_o how_o oft_o in_o your_o book_n have_v you_o use_v this_o course_n of_o deal_n towards_o your_o bretbren_n and_o their_o church_n some_o tell_v we_o indeed_o be_v warrant_n enough_o for_o people_n that_o have_v no_o other_o business_n to_o make_v three_o farthing_n book_n of_o and_o thereby_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o tale_n but_o oh_o far_o be_v