the_o scripture_n will_v that_o one_o 13._o shall_v admonish_v another_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_n to_o every_o singular_a man_n towards_o his_o fellow_n but_o also_o to_o any_o whole_a company_n too_o another_o society_n bellarmine_n ask_v quo_fw-la jure_fw-la unus_fw-la populus_fw-la episcopum_fw-la alterius_fw-la populi_fw-la elegere_fw-la potest_fw-la junius_n answer_v certain_o charitatis_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o communione_fw-la 12._o sanctorum_fw-la and_o paul_n when_o he_o teach_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mutual_a care_n one_o of_o another_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o policy_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 be_v shut_v forth_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 for_o in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v and_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n right_o administer_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o true_a and_o lawful_a call_n of_o that_o ministry_n though_o in_o some_o thing_n defective_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o sound_n and_o save_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o where_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o all_o save_a truth_n with_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v the_o church_n which_o ordinary_o can_v be_v have_v maintain_v and_o continue_v without_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n nor_o that_o without_o a_o call_n the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n &_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n be_v both_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n something_o of_o this_o remain_v in_o every_o complete_a society_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o essence_n and_o substance_n they_o be_v true_a in_o every_o true_a lawful_a complete_a society_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v true_a and_o sound_a in_o all_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n though_o mix_v with_o diverse_a error_n and_o the_o ministry_n for_o truth_n and_o substance_n lawful_a though_o many_o way_n deficient_a in_o the_o true_a church_n there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v continue_v there_o 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 in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o people_n have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n oftentimes_o there_o be_v faction_n in_o the_o church_n the_o people_n stand_v against_o their_o guide_n and_o challenge_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o election_n to_o themselves_o sometime_o they_o be_v divide_v gubern_n among_o themselves_o sometime_o they_o give_v away_o their_o power_n at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o sometime_o minister_n be_v set_v over_o they_o without_o their_o council_n and_o advice_n who_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o be_v not_o repute_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o those_o primitive_a election_n what_o will_v follow_v thence_o but_o that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a where_o there_o be_v many_o want_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o call_v if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v when_o the_o people_n and_o their_o elder_n be_v divide_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a officer_n if_o the_o people_n prevail_v against_o their_o elder_n he_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v no_o minister_n to_o they_o because_o not_o choose_v by_o their_o suffrage_n if_o the_o elder_n against_o the_o people_n he_o who_o they_o approve_v be_v no_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o not_o choose_v by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o so_o if_o there_o be_v dissension_n they_o must_v separate_v from_o or_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o because_o he_o be_v no_o minister_n to_o the_o one_o who_o the_o other_o approve_v the_o orthodox_n pastor_n do_v profess_v so_o that_o the_o donatist_n will_v return_v to_o the_o true_a and_o apostolical_a doctrine_n they_o will_v not_o disallow_v their_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v that_o catholic_n do_v not_o detest_v christian_a consecration_n as_o augustine_n speak_v by_o humane_a error_n the_o high_a priesthood_n be_v buy_v and_o sell_v for_o money_n and_o sometime_o make_v annual_a and_o every_o year_n new_a high_a priest_n create_v sicut_fw-la isti_fw-la praefecti_fw-la quos_fw-la singulis_fw-la annis_fw-la promutant_fw-la reges_fw-la as_o sol_n jarchi_n say_v that_o as_o every_o man_n will_v lay_v out_o more_o or_o less_o money_n he_o shall_v get_v or_o lose_v the_o priesthood_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o jason_n or_o menelaus_n nevertheless_o so_o long_o as_o the_o jew_n continue_v the_o true_a 273._o church_n of_o god_n the_o priesthood_n be_v true_a also_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o abomination_n of_o rome_n profess_v the_o first_o reformer_n among_o they_o receive_v some_o ordinary_a call_n in_o the_o roman_a synagogue_n they_o that_o think_v the_o base_a of_o rome_n will_v acknowledge_v baptism_n undue_o administer_v by_o priest_n or_o jesuit_n to_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o baptism_n of_o god_n may_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o think_v that_o the_o first_o seeker_n of_o reformation_n derive_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n by_o they_o as_o steward_n use_v of_o god_n to_o set_v they_o in_o that_o office_n for_o the_o seeker_n of_o reformation_n derive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o make_v void_a by_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n the_o three_o and_o four_o consideration_n we_o will_v pass_v over_o because_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o in_o what_o deny_v and_o we_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o which_o fall_v not_o into_o question_n as_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o your_o answer_n that_o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v without_o cause_n or_o without_o sufficient_a weighty_a cause_n rash_o or_o wilful_o set_v he_o aside_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o they_o yet_o he_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n from_o another_o people_n in_o who_o account_n notwithstanding_o such_o deposition_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administer_a among_o that_o people_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 one_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 particular_a 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 à _fw-la 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 off_o 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 he_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o only_o and_o to_o none_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 judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n 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 may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n in_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 minister_n one_o nor_o the_o flock_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o nor_o the_o communion_n one_o which_o they_o have_v each_o with_o other_o and_o if_o the_o pastor_n derive_v all_o his_o authority_n to_o feed_v 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 if_o they_o err_v in_o their_o deposition_n it_o be_v true_a they_o sin_n against_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o give_v right_a to_o a_o unworthy_a man_n to_o administer_v among_o they_o if_o they_o call_v he_o unjust_o so_o they_o take_v
the_o many_o rich_a precious_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v sundry_n of_o you_o above_o your_o brethren_n which_o cause_v we_o with_o great_a reverence_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o but_o as_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v we_o hitherto_o practise_v and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o we_o speak_v this_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_n most_o of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v because_o there_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o we_o who_o proceed_v further_o even_o to_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o man_n of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o as_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n so_o do_v we_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o all_o go_v in_o bear_v witness_n against_o any_o set_a form_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o they_o in_o dispatch_v whereof_o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o slow_a because_o it_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n among_o ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v well_o attend_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n about_o foreign_a question_n which_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o practice_n beside_o your_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o we_o dwell_v far_o asunder_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n for_o all_o of_o we_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o question_n much_o less_o to_o resolve_v upon_o one_o just_a answer_n but_o have_v at_o length_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n bring_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o issue_n we_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o he_o to_o your_o christian_a and_o judicious_a consideration_n where_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v find_v safe_a and_o due_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n ground_n do_v you_o also_o as_o seem_v vigilant_a watchman_n of_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o faithful_a witness_n to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v doubtful_a to_o you_o consider_v and_o weigh_v it_o very_o well_o before_o you_o reject_v it_o if_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v unsound_a and_o dissonant_n from_o the_o word_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v discern_v we_o shall_v willing_o attend_v to_o what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v send_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o suffer_v such_o apprehension_n to_o lodge_v in_o your_o mind_n which_o you_o intimate_v in_o your_o letter_n as_o if_o we_o here_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n which_o sometime_o among_o you_o we_o have_v former_o bear_v witness_n against_o and_o so_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v destroy_v you_o know_v they_o separate_v from_o your_o congregation_n as_o no_o church_n from_o the_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o as_o mere_a antichristian_a and_o from_o yourselves_o as_o no_o visible_a christian_n but_o we_o profess_v unfeigned_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o your_o church_n and_o from_o such_o ordinance_n administer_v therein_o as_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n and_o for_o yourselves_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o separate_v as_o from_o no_o visible_a christian_n as_o that_o you_o be_v under_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o we_o look_v at_o sundry_a of_o you_o as_o man_n of_o that_o eminent_a growth_n in_o christianity_n that_o if_o there_o by_o any_o visible_a christian_n under_o heaven_n among_o you_o be_v the_o man_n which_o for_o these_o many_o year_n have_v be_v write_v in_o your_o forehead_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v any_o truth_n which_o ourselves_o be_v here_o teach_v and_o call_v to_o profess_v but_o we_o still_o believe_v though_o personal_a christian_n may_v be_v eminent_a in_o their_o growth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o church_n have_v still_o need_n to_o grow_v from_o apparent_a defect_n to_o purity_n and_o from_o reformation_n to_o reformation_n age_n after_o age_n till_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o abolish_v antichrist_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a truth_n especial_o touch_v the_o order_n of_o his_o house_n and_o public_a worship_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o this_o our_o estimation_n of_o you_o and_o sincere_a affection_n to_o you_o we_o have_v send_v you_o these_o answer_n to_o your_o demand_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v back_o again_o from_o you_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a advertisement_n in_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n your_o lord_n and_o we_o lead_v we_o all_o unto_o all_o truth_n purge_v out_o all_o leaven_n out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o fear_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n reverend_a and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n look_v back_o upon_o former_a course_n and_o call_v thing_n do_v to_o more_o strict_a examination_n for_o be_v overclouded_n with_o ignorance_n compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n and_o reader_n beset_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n know_v what_o we_o know_v best_a but_o dark_o and_o in_o part_n no_o marvel_n if_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v ignorant_o of_o frailty_n for_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n rash_o mistake_v error_n for_o truth_n condemn_v truth_n for_o error_n suspect_v evil_a without_o cause_n and_o not_o suspect_v where_o be_v just_a reason_n draw_v erroneous_a conclusion_n from_o sound_a principle_n and_o maintain_v truth_n upon_o weak_a ground_n so_o that_o in_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n and_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v wary_o that_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o in_o the_o one_o we_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o ooth_a and_o of_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v aside_o to_o both_o a_o loose_a conscience_n will_v be_v profane_a a_o tender_a scrupulous_a it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o upon_o to_o have_v ourselves_o in_o suspicion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o experience_n teach_v that_o many_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o path_n of_o sound_a peace_n and_o comfort_n on_o each_o hand_n wherefore_o belove_v brethren_n if_o since_o your_o come_n into_o new_a england_n upon_o serious_a review_n of_o former_a action_n you_o have_v discover_v any_o truth_n heretofore_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v they_o because_o of_o your_o former_a judgement_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o with_o you_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o as_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n our_o instruction_n &_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n as_o before_o so_o still_o we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v new_a opinion_n and_o not_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n opinion_n we_o say_v not_o practice_n for_o not_o change_v your_o opinion_n you_o may_v lawful_o alter_v your_o practice_n nay_o what_o you_o do_v tolerate_v former_o as_o a_o burden_n in_o case_n not_o free_a you_o may_v well_o forgo_v be_v at_o your_o liberty_n your_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o you_o may_v use_v your_o liberty_n in_o forbearance_n of_o a_o set_a liturgy_n and_o yet_o retain_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n that_o you_o have_v before_o you_o may_v forbear_v for_o a_o time_n upon_o special_a reason_n such_o as_o present_a state_n and_o occasion_n may_v suggest_v to_o receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n approve_v christian_n not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o some_o brethren_n do_v who_o yet_o dare_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o deem_v
it_o just_a and_o right_o altogether_o to_o debar_v they_o as_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o those_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v your_o opinion_n whereto_o we_o have_v respect_n not_o simple_o your_o practice_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o we_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o a_o set_a liturgy_n much_o less_o to_o complain_v that_o you_o have_v not_o accept_v we_o but_o that_o all_o stint_a liturgy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o devise_v worship_n and_o so_o condemn_v as_o that_o none_o may_v lawful_o be_v present_a at_o or_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o a_o stint_a or_o devise_v form_n this_o we_o call_v a_o new_a opinion_n neither_o do_v we_o mention_v it_o because_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o brethren_n among_o you_o who_o we_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n so_o far_o as_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a call_n do_v not_o engage_v we_o but_o because_o it_o be_v cry_v up_o and_o advance_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o endeavour_v of_o some_o among_o we_o stand_v affect_v england-ward_n as_o if_o a_o chief_a point_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o separation_n you_o know_v how_o great_a a_o fire_n a_o little_a sparkle_n kindle_v and_o see_v this_o distraction_n and_o rent_n have_v its_o original_n growth_n and_o continuance_n from_o some_o brethren_n in_o those_o part_n or_o affect_v to_o that_o way_n when_o in_o love_v and_o friendly_a manner_n we_o can_v neither_o receive_v ground_n at_o home_n for_o our_o conviction_n nor_o procure_v just_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o call_v upon_o you_o joint_o to_o know_v your_o judgement_n and_o either_o by_o sound_a proof_n to_o be_v by_o you_o convince_v if_o happy_o you_o shall_v approve_v their_o separation_n which_o we_o esteem_v groundless_a rash_a unlawful_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o outward_a peace_n or_o be_v back_v by_o a_o testimony_n of_o its_o dislike_n from_o you_o we_o may_v the_o better_o be_v both_o encourage_v and_o furnish_v to_o endeavour_v the_o quench_n of_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v kindle_v but_o in_o too_o many_o place_n in_o other_o particulars_n also_o we_o conceive_v you_o go_v beyond_o commission_n give_v of_o god_n grant_v they_o authority_n to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o commit_v it_o debar_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o sacrament_n who_o have_v title_n thereto_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n your_o love_n in_o that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o signify_v first_o your_o kind_n and_o respective_a acceptance_n of_o our_o letter_n and_o now_o also_o to_o send_v we_o a_o answer_n thereto_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o return_v like_o affection_n in_o truth_n of_o heart_n if_o in_o measure_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o your_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o particular_a we_o make_v no_o question_n your_o expression_n be_v beyond_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v as_o also_o what_o we_o dare_v own_o but_o we_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o direct_v uphold_v and_o guide_v we_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o vocation_n and_o approv_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o your_o conscience_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o our_o writing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o you_o approve_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n whereof_o we_o complain_v and_o their_o course_n who_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n when_o they_o conceive_v hope_n to_o be_v hear_v to_o persuade_v thereunto_o against_o which_o if_o we_o know_v your_o judgement_n you_o testify_v among_o we_o you_o know_v they_o that_o separate_v be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o strain_n and_o temper_n some_o deny_v all_o communion_n with_o we_o public_a and_o private_a some_o admit_v of_o private_a but_o deny_v all_o public_a and_o some_o join_v in_o prayer_n before_o and_o after_o sermon_n as_o also_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n because_o in_o their_o esteem_n this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o communion_n in_o a_o churchway_n but_o refuse_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o which_o separation_n we_o judge_v uncharitable_a contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v ever_o think_v that_o you_o whilst_o with_o we_o and_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n herein_o if_o of_o late_o we_o have_v conceive_v fear_n of_o some_o of_o you_o dear_a brethren_n as_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o what_o former_o you_o dislike_v we_o beseech_v you_o weigh_v what_o urgent_a and_o press_a reason_n force_v we_o thereunto_o and_o we_o shall_v most_o glad_o we_o hearty_o desire_v you_o to_o rest_v assure_v lie_v hold_v of_o every_o line_n and_o syllable_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o dislodge_v such_o apprehension_n for_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o dispute_n to_o be_v unreasonable_o move_v the_o rent_n offensive_a the_o opinion_n themselves_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancer_n thereof_o to_o have_v pass_v the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o god_n so_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o inestimable_a blessing_n if_o now_o what_o hinder_v be_v remove_v we_o may_v join_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o one_o way_n of_o god_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v not_o draw_v back_o in_o any_o course_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o we_o nor_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o any_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n way_n we_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o we_o defend_v we_o plead_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o further_o than_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n still_o desire_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n with_o yourselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o comfort_n how_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o or_o dispose_v of_o we_o we_o know_v not_o his_o bless_a will_n be_v do_v but_o of_o this_o we_o be_v resolve_v through_o his_o grace_n not_o willing_o to_o raise_v trouble_n or_o dissension_n among_o you_o if_o through_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o fall_v in_o as_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o you_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o here_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o these_o particular_n you_o dissent_v as_o much_o one_o from_o another_o as_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o and_o that_o wherein_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o and_o perhaps_o from_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o you_o you_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n this_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v your_o 251._o cause_n but_o to_o entreat_v your_o serious_a re-examination_n of_o what_o you_o have_v send_v we_o and_o this_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o test_n you_o have_v write_v in_o great_a love_n and_o tenderness_n that_o your_o position_n may_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o such_o affection_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o now_o beseech_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o your_o leave_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deal_v full_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n require_v entreat_v you_o impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o we_o go_v and_o weigh_v what_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o rich_a mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n direct_v we_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v right_a and_o please_a in_o his_o sight_n cast_v offence_n out_o of_o the_o church_n close_o up_o rent_n and_o division_n reveal_v his_o truth_n more_o and_o more_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n unite_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n teach_v we_o self-deniall_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n i_o position_n that_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o set_a liturgy_n be_v unlawful_a answ_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o declare_v ourselves_o concern_v this_o position_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o some_o thing_n be_v premise_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n thereof_o we_o suppose_v 1_o by_o a_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n you_o mean_v not_o a_o form_n of_o private_a prayer_n compose_v for_o the_o help_n and_o direction_n of_o weak_a christian_n but_o the_o system_fw-la or_o body_n of_o public_a prayer_n general_o use_v in_o
relation_n to_o their_o flock_n only_o and_o must_v not_o meddle_v beyond_o their_o calling_n according_a to_o your_o tenant_n 11_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o 1â—3_n scripture_n more_o to_o warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n unto_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o or_o the_o baptise_n of_o his_o child_n occasional_o in_o another_o assembly_n then_o there_o be_v for_o receive_v of_o know_a and_o approve_a christian_n and_o their_o seed_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 nor_o the_o one_o more_o of_o his_o flock_n then_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o sort_n may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o they_o most_o proper_o who_o be_v of_o long_a abode_n among_o they_o but_o as_o we_o hear_v it_o 288._o be_v frequent_a among_o you_o as_o at_o dorchester_n etc._n etc._n to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o another_o assembly_n and_o usual_o you_o admit_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v to_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o flock_n but_o he_o may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o other_o which_o in_o this_o consideration_n be_v deny_v 12_o if_o the_o want_n of_o one_o officer_n in_o a_o congregation_n for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o another_o as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o doctor_n rule_v elder_a or_o deacon_n by_o the_o pastor_n why_o may_v not_o the_o defect_n of_o some_o congregation_n or_o christian_n be_v supply_v by_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o another_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v request_v and_o desire_v the_o mind_n herein_o be_v godly_a and_o the_o mean_n lawful_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n 13_o and_o 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 make_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n as_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o time_n only_o the_o minister_n therefore_o may_v do_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o his_o flock_n as_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o time_n 14_o your_o comparison_n betwixt_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a and_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o alike_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o member_n of_o another_o corporation_n occasional_o come_v into_o the_o town_n be_v thereby_o a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n for_o so_o you_o profess_v that_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o another_o and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v which_o if_o you_o grant_v it_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n howsoever_o the_o comparison_n itself_o be_v very_o perilous_a if_o it_o be_v press_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a presume_v to_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n out_o of_o his_o own_o corporation_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o believer_n of_o another_o society_n though_o do_v without_o consent_n it_o be_v never_o deem_v or_o judge_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v the_o comparison_n hold_v good_a and_o most_o christian_n have_v cause_n to_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v or_o ever_o lawful_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o or_o by_o authority_n dispense_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o other_o consideration_n this_o argument_n from_o comparison_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o write_n of_o brethren_n against_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n great_o mistake_v to_o say_v no_o more_o answer_v 3_o consideration_n circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o to_o be_v administer_v also_o the_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o parity_n of_o these_o ordinance_n for_o if_o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o paedobaptism_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o church_n membership_n to_o baptism_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o circumcision_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o person_n circumcise_v &_o only_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o they_o only_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o church_n member_n in_o our_o 447._o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o first_o consideration_n we_o have_v show_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o administer_v to_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v but_o only_o such_o of_o they_o as_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v so_o far_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n count_v these_o express_a equivalent_a to_o be_v circumcise_v in_o christ_n with_o circumcision_n make_v without_o 12._o hand_n and_o to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n indeed_o in_o something_n they_o differ_v as_o only_o the_o male_n be_v circumcise_v whereas_o with_o we_o female_n be_v also_o baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v limit_v circumcision_n to_o the_o male_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o difference_n be_v take_v away_o again_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o private_a family_n but_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o circumcise_v the_o male_n on_o the_o eight_o day_n but_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v too_o far_o off_o for_o the_o purpose_n to_o bring_v every_o child_n thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o judaea_n to_o be_v circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n nor_o have_v they_o always_o opportunity_n of_o a_o solemn_a convention_n in_o the_o synagogue_n on_o every_o eight_o day_n when_o some_o child_n or_o other_o may_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v but_o there_o be_v no_o precise_a day_n set_v down_o so_o baptism_n nor_o be_v opportunity_n of_o public_a assembly_n so_o remote_a where_o church_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o congregationall_a frame_n but_o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n baptism_n may_v be_v administer_v if_o it_o be_v require_v again_o for_o the_o aforesaid_a reason_n circumcision_n require_v not_o a_o peculiar_a minister_n for_o aught_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o baptism_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n but_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o in_o this_o they_o shall_v not_o both_o agree_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v both_o to_o be_v dispense_v only_o to_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_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 eveâ—_n think_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o thâ—_n church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o old_a all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n walk_v in_o holiness_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 in_o external_a society_n with_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o to_o exclude_v melchisedeck_v or_o job_n because_o they_o be_v nâ—â—_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o church_n order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v be_v well-nigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o ouâ—_n congregation_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o
fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1._o cor._n 5._o 12._o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n and_o godly_a man_n though_o of_o no_o particular_a settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o unless_o christian_n make_v themselves_o actual_a member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o church_n the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o reason_n how_o can_v that_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v allege_v for_o confirmation_n unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v again_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o same_o book_n lib._n 4._o ca._n 27._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v it_o be_v require_v he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o estimation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o that_o there_o be_v hope_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n 2._o that_o baptism_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o those_o infant_n who_o parent_n at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o without_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o that_o child_n that_o be_v cast_v forth_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o presume_v the_o contrary_a that_o in_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n a_o difference_n must_v be_v put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o open_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o holy_a thing_n between_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a see_v else_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o all_o pollution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o add_v touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n bear_v in_o fornication_n excommunication_n and_o papist_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o clear_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o former_a passage_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o particular_a society_n but_o as_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o his_o mind_n to_o censure_v they_o who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o church-covenant_n because_o they_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n as_o man_n without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n his_o judgement_n be_v further_o manifest_v in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n pa._n 33._o so_o many_o parish_n assembly_n of_o england_n say_v he_o as_o have_v any_o competent_a number_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o they_o unite_v to_o worship_n god_n ordinary_o in_o one_o society_n so_o many_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o integrall_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o they_o have_v entire_a right_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o how_o ever_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o combination_n and_o in_o the_o complete_a free_a exercise_v of_o their_o power_n whereupon_o a_o reverend_a 182._o elder_n now_o among_o you_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la to_o dischurch_n they_o whole_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o their_o know_a member_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v nor_o justify_v by_o any_o assertion_n or_o practice_n answ_n 5._o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o for_o a_o five_o consideration_n the_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o extend_v communion_n in_o church_n privilege_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n fellowship_n for_o thus_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v much_o confound_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o illimited_a as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n be_v abrogate_a if_o without_o membership_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o parent_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o baptism_n 3._o the_o church_n shall_v endanger_v the_o profane_v of_o the_o seal_n and_o want_v one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n of_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o make_v know_v for_o if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o you_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o without_o attestation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v such_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o approve_a piety_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o orderly_o join_v themselves_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o member_n thereof_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o see_v such_o fellowship_n be_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n require_v of_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o true_a piety_n frame_v man_n spirit_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o we_o have_v have_v much_o experience_n of_o it_o that_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o have_v be_v find_v too_o light_a not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o but_o even_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n in_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n have_v god_n follow_v this_o order_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o mean_n of_o discovery_n of_o man_n piety_n and_o sincerity_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o enter_v in_o church-fellowship_n reply_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o 213._o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v debar_v 23._o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v profane_v many_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dispenser_n to_o put_v back_o or_o expel_v such_o as_o profane_v they_o if_o the_o congregation_n shall_v admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n the_o church_n privilege_n be_v profane_v and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v say_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o faulty_a in_o receive_v he_o when_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v unworthy_o if_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o office_n to_o keep_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n but_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o randame_n but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o 80._o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o often_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n whether_o these_o either_o sufficient_o know_v unto_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v may_v upon_o desire_n and_o suit_n themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v what_o fear_n be_v there_o now_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o
receptacle_n of_o it_o and_o from_o it_o derive_v to_o other_o but_o this_o power_n must_v be_v in_o the_o community_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n from_o who_o it_o come_v to_o the_o officer_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v not_o only_o give_v in_o tuitu_fw-la hominis_fw-la as_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o totum_fw-la to_o who_o it_o agree_v but_o be_v in_o homine_fw-la as_o the_o first_o subject_n from_o which_o it_o come_v to_o the_o eye_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o 8._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 for_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 to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n themselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v one_o thing_n then_o to_o ask_v for_o what_o end_n or_o use_v the_o key_n be_v give_v another_o to_o who_o to_o every_o one_o be_v give_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o profit_n i._n e._n for_o the_o good_a of_o 1._o the_o church_n but_o be_v this_o gift_n give_v to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a first_o and_o immediate_o no_o by_o gift_n and_o possession_n it_o be_v give_v to_o some_o but_o for_o use_v and_o profit_v it_o be_v public_a after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_v for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v show_v where_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o god_n first_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o 7._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 must_v execute_v their_o office_n who_o steward_n legate_n and_o ambassador_n they_o be_v and_o unto_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n no_o less_o than_o apostleship_n and_o that_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n 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 and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n 3._o 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 and_o jurisdiction_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ambassage_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 thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n 1._o 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 they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o presbyter_n receive_v their_o order_n jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o execution_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o mandate_n and_o commission_n than_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o bishop_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o minister_n than_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o people_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_n 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 which_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 who_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 elector_n have_v not_o evermore_o authority_n over_o he_o who_o they_o elect_v but_o power_n and_o authority_n only_o to_o apply_v that_o power_n to_o he_o who_o they_o choose_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n whereunto_o a_o minister_n be_v elect_v be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n that_o elect_v he_o but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o out_o of_o power_n do_v confer_v that_o office_n upon_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o man_n give_v or_o give_v not_o universal_o it_o must_v be_v deem_v that_o any_o man_n can_v make_v minister_n because_o they_o give_v not_o the_o office_n gift_n or_o authority_n 11._o which_o be_v from_o christ_n alone_o 3._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 lordlike_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n 165._o for_o as_o he_o that_o will_v derive_v authority_n to_o the_o church_n make_v himself_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o the_o church_n derive_v authority_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n she_o make_v herself_o lady_n and_o mistress_n over_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n over_o they_o for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o impart_v authority_n do_v the_o church_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n she_o may_v make_v the_o sacrament_n and_o preach_v which_o one_o do_v in_o order_n no_o sacrament_n no_o preach_n for_o it_o be_v the_o order_n institute_v of_o god_n that_o give_v be_v and_o efficacy_n to_o these_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v feed_v and_o dispense_n the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n do_v reside_v in_o the_o faithful_a the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o respect_n of_o dispensation_n and_o efficacy_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o society_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a then_o be_v officer_n immediate_o and_o formal_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n rule_n feed_v bind_v loose_a remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n than_o they_o must_v perform_v their_o office_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n more_o or_o less_o seldom_o or_o frequent_v remiss_a or_o diligent_a for_o from_o who_o be_v they_o to_o receive_v direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o episcoporum_fw-la in_o their_o office_n but_o from_o he_o or_o they_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o office_n who_o work_n they_o do_v and_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v their_o reward_n if_o their_o power_n and_o office_n be_v of_o god_n immediate_o they_o must_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n according_a to_o his_o designment_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a unto_o god_n but_o if_o their_o power_n and_o function_n be_v from_o the_o church_n the_o church_n must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o officer_n unto_o the_o church_n who_o she_o do_v take_v to_o be_v her_o helper_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o church_n to_o choose_v officer_n to_o execute_v the_o power_n commit_v unto_o she_o the_o answer_n be_v either_o god_n will_v have_v she_o elect_a officer_n of_o his_o designment_n to_o do_v his_o work_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o he_o shall_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 their_o charge_n and_o function_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o people_n or_o he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n such_o as_o must_v receive_v charge_n and_o authority_n from_o she_o and_o then_o they_o must_v execute_v their_o office_n in_o her_o name_n so_o as_o shall_v seem_v good_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o neither_o long_o nor_o otherwise_o for_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n
deliberate_o and_o mutual_o make_v to_o express_v to_o his_o brethren_n his_o desire_n of_o depart_v and_o the_o place_n and_o society_n to_o which_o he_o tend_v whether_o to_o a_o godly_a church_n where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v or_o to_o some_o corrupt_a assembly_n where_o he_o may_v be_v destroy_v and_o 2._o his_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o move_v he_o so_o to_o do_v which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a be_v scan_v by_o the_o word_n he_o may_v be_v not_o only_o confirm_v in_o his_o way_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o advise_v of_o many_o but_o counsel_v also_o how_o to_o manage_v his_o departure_n for_o his_o best_a comfort_n and_o so_o after_o all_o solemn_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n prayer_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n dismiss_v but_o if_o his_o ground_n either_o be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o weak_a and_o sinful_a and_o that_o his_o desire_n of_o depart_a savour_n of_o self-will_n inordinate_a love_n of_o gain_n rash_a precipitancie_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o schism_n more_o strong_o then_o of_o sound_a reason_n then_o what_o can_v we_o do_v less_o without_o breach_n of_o covenant_n then_o in_o love_n and_o tenderness_n show_v he_o his_o weakness_n dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v yet_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o see_v his_o spirit_n steadfast_o and_o stiff_o bend_v for_o a_o departure_n then_o though_o we_o dare_v not_o act_v against_o our_o light_n by_o consent_v or_o counsel_v yet_o if_o his_o fin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o danger_n eminent_a we_o use_v rather_o through_o indulgence_n in_o case_n of_o like_a nature_n to_o suspend_v our_o vote_n against_o he_o as_o not_o will_v against_o his_o will_n to_o detain_v he_o abhor_v to_o make_v our_o church_n place_n of_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o this_o argument_n hold_v firm_a where_o this_o church-covenant_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a but_o with_o some_o it_o be_v question_v and_o with_o they_o it_o avail_v not_o ans_fw-fr some_o indeed_o have_v question_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o church-covenant_n but_o none_o we_o hope_v of_o these_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o we_o write_v unto_o do_v question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o do_v such_o christian_a duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o saint_n in_o church-estate_n for_o we_o do_v not_o herein_o promise_v to_o perform_v any_o new_a duty_n to_o our_o brethren_n which_o be_v not_o before_o command_v we_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o revive_v and_o renew_v our_o purpose_n afresh_o of_o perform_v such_o duty_n unto_o that_o particular_a body_n into_o which_o we_o be_v then_o incorporate_v as_o be_v before_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n as_o to_o love_v each_o other_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o each_o other_o out_o of_o love_n for_o their_o good_a to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v counsel_n to_o and_o to_o take_v counsel_n from_o each_o other_o to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o they_o or_o to_o gain_v they_o from_o 1._o sin_n all_o which_o be_v plentiful_o and_o frequent_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o defect_n of_o which_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n all_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v wrap_v in_o the_o same_o guilt_n &_o punishment_n with_o the_o member_n that_o commit_v the_o sin_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o achans_n sin_n and_o punishment_n second_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o reasonable_a and_o a_o know_v fundamental_a rule_n in_o all_o society_n that_o he_o that_o be_v incorporate_a thereto_o and_o so_o participate_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o shall_v engage_v himself_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereto_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n injurious_a in_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n to_o themselves_o to_o accept_v the_o second_o ground_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessity_n that_o may_v fall_v upon_o the_o body_n if_o every_o particular_a member_n shall_v depart_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n for_o as_o every_o society_n so_o much_o more_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n both_o from_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o christianity_n also_o not_o only_o lawful_o may_v but_o in_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o itself_o and_o ergo_fw-la timely_a to_o foresee_v and_o wise_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v bring_v destruction_n to_o itself_o now_o if_o any_o member_n may_v when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n depart_v away_o from_o it_o this_o may_v by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n dissipate_v the_o whole_a for_o if_o one_o man_n may_v so_o depart_v why_o may_v not_o another_o also_o though_o never_o so_o useful_a in_o that_o body_n and_o who_o absence_n may_v much_o shake_v the_o well-being_n of_o it_o and_o if_o one_o why_o not_o two_o six_o ten_o twentâ—_o as_o well_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v see_v any_o may_v plead_v the_o same_o liberty_n and_o if_o member_n may_v so_o do_v why_o not_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n also_o see_v they_o be_v tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o same_o relation_n that_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o principal_n fall_v the_o whole_a building_n must_v down_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v so_o in_o one_o church_n why_o not_o in_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o settle_a church_n on_o earth_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 another_o to_o require_v a_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 first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o their_o child_n from_o baptism_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o stipulate_v with_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o must_v abide_v in_o particular_a society_n and_o not_o remove_v thence_o without_o approbation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o or_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n that_o church_n covenant_n which_o be_v necessary_a be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o covenant_n they_o enter_v into_o bound_n no_o man_n to_o this_o condition_n for_o aught_o we_o read_v they_o do_v not_o prescribe_v it_o no_o church_n ever_o yet_o covenant_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n 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 the_o father_n bestow_v his_o son_n or_o daughter_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 council_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o the_o assembly_n once_o grow_v to_o be_v populous_a of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v negligent_a in_o or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o heavy_a task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a for_o every_o one_o to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v usurpation_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 then_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v over_o ridge_v in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n themselves_o go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busi-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o
or_o repel_v any_o that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o that_o pretence_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v 19_o church_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a in_o quirie_n what_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o after_o age_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o baptize_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o 37._o confession_n of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v of_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o faith_n the_o body_n of_o faith_n the_o persuasion_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o creed_n they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v then_o give_v when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o after_o time_n as_o occasion_n require_v some_o other_o article_n be_v add_v as_o explanation_n of_o the_o former_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o time_n which_o begin_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n but_o for_o substance_n of_o matter_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o admit_v into_o her_o communion_n and_o for_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o practical_a part_n she_o require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n a_o abrenuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n the_o first_o principle_n then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v and_o the_o foresay_a profession_n be_v make_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n never_o deny_v baptism_n unto_o such_o as_o seek_v or_o desire_v it_o if_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o member_n admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n do_v enter_v into_o and_o this_o be_v all_o you_o require_v of_o they_o who_o you_o receive_v you_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o after_o age_n for_o your_o precedent_n but_o if_o you_o proceed_v further_o than_o thus_o and_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v what_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n 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 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 but_o we_o will_v enter_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o position_n and_o to_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o private_a letter_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o ground_n of_o another_o dispute_n we_o may_v not_o vii_o position_n 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 unjust_o or_o leave_v he_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n answer_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o branch_n 1._o in_o case_n a_o minister_n be_v set_v aside_o by_o the_o church_n mere_o through_o his_o own_o default_n 2._o by_o the_o church_n default_n without_o any_o desert_n of_o he_o in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o any_o long_o as_o appear_v in_o four_o conclusion_n 1._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o these_o day_n have_v no_o apostolical_a power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o only_o limit_v to_o that_o one_o church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v he_o paul_n give_v not_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n a_o general_a commission_n to_o go_v teach_v all_o church_n but_o to_o go_v feed_v that_o one_o flock_v over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 28._o so_o peter_n give_v direction_n to_o elder_n to_o feed_v that_o flock_n of_o god_n only_o which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o 2._o it_o be_v as_o clear_v that_o all_o this_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v in_o that_o church_n be_v next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n who_o have_v solemn_o call_v he_o to_o the_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o obey_v he_o therein_o for_o if_o he_o have_v it_o elsewhere_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o christ_n immediate_o or_o from_o some_o other_o man_n depute_v by_o christ_n to_o confer_v it_o on_o he_o or_o he_o must_v take_v it_o up_o of_o himself_o not_o the_o first_o for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n therefore_o paul_n prove_v his_o apostleship_n say_v he_o be_v call_v not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o gal._n 1._o 1._o not_o the_o second_o for_o we_o never_o read_v in_o god_n word_n that_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o other_o beside_o the_o church_n that_o have_v any_o commission_n give_v they_o from_o christ_n to_o call_v minister_n unto_o church_n not_o the_o three_o for_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n viz._n of_o a_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n or_o of_o a_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n hebr._n 5._o 4._o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o a_o minister_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v what_o he_o do_v among_o they_o when_o such_o a_o minister_n shall_v make_v and_o manifest_v himself_o apparent_o unworthy_a and_o unfit_a to_o discharge_v the_o place_n which_o they_o thus_o call_v he_o unto_o so_o that_o they_o may_v discern_v that_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v refuse_v he_o from_o be_v a_o minister_n unto_o he_o they_o may_v then_o upon_o as_o good_a ground_n depose_v he_o from_o it_o as_o they_o call_v he_o to_o it_o 4._o when_o a_o church_n have_v thus_o in_o christ_n name_n put_v forth_o this_o power_n of_o shut_v as_o before_o it_o do_v of_o open_v to_o a_o minister_n than_o he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v upon_o a_o minister_n that_o the_o ministry_n cease_v the_o minister_n cease_v also_o 2._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v without_o cause_n or_o sufficient_a weighty_a cause_n rash_o or_o wilful_o set_v he_o aside_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o who_o they_o so_o solemn_o call_v and_o promise_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o so_o abuse_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o very_a great_a wrong_n unto_o the_o minister_n and_o sin_n against_o christ_n himself_o before_o who_o it_o be_v do_v and_o not_o only_a christ_n himself_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o their_o hand_n for_o such_o contempt_n do_v to_o he_o in_o his_o minister_n according_a to_o christ_n speech_n luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o reject_v you_o reject_v i_o and_o god_n speech_n 1_o sam._n 8._o 7._o they_o have_v not_o cast_v off_o thou_o but_o i_o but_o even_o other_o church_n also_o may_v admonish_v they_o and_o if_o they_o prove_v obstinate_a therein_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o they_o and_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v see_v it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o church_n without_o christ_n yea_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_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 do_v yet_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n notwithstanding_o such_o deposition_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o that_o people_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 or_o congregation_n and_o
your_o answer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o any_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 church_n be_v no_o long_a minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v but_o sit_v they_o aside_o we_o will_v in_o few_o word_n examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o bind_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o sentence_n you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n neither_o in_o these_o day_n have_v nor_o in_o any_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o have_v apostolical_a power_n over_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v only_a power_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n with_o the_o personal_a service_n of_o their_o apostleship_n but_o pastoral_a power_n of_o ordinary_a minister_n or_o teacher_n they_o never_o have_v and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordinary_a minister_n much_o less_o can_v pastor_n receive_v the_o power_n of_o apostle_n for_o christ_n give_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o order_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o preach_v and_o among_o who_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n no_o more_o do_v pastor_n become_v apostle_n if_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o another_o flock_n or_o people_n beside_o their_o own_o whereof_o they_o have_v the_o special_a oversight_n but_o of_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n here_o allege_v therefore_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o only_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o you_o shall_v cite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v feed_v one_o flock_n or_o feed_v that_o flock_n of_o god_n only_o for_o we_o find_v the_o word_n one_o or_o only_o neither_o in_o the_o text_n express_o nor_o in_o the_o sense_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o allege_a viz._n as_o if_o he_o may_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o 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 the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o grant_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o elder_n go_v before_o or_o along_o with_o they_o but_o the_o authority_n office_n and_o gift_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v not_o from_o the_o people_n or_o elder_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o 14._o when_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o 22_o 23._o no_o one_o have_v the_o handle_n of_o that_o business_n but_o peter_n declare_v unto_o the_o brethren_n present_a what_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o they_o present_v two_o whereof_o one_o be_v elect_v by_o lot_n in_o this_o example_n something_n be_v extraordinary_a for_o one_o only_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o something_n ordinary_a for_o our_o imitation_n for_o if_o peter_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o disciple_n thenmay_v not_o ordinary_a election_n be_v pass_v without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popular_a election_n not_o govern_v by_o the_o fore-direction_n of_o elder_n which_o be_v conclude_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o a_o church_n election_n by_o the_o free_a consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o fore-leading_a of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v act._n 6._o 1._o 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mutiny_n of_o the_o hellenist_n against_o the_o hebrew_n occasion_v that_o election_n but_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v make_v by_o free_a consent_n the_o apostle_n show_v what_o person_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o who_o ever_o think_v the_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v as_o she_o please_v without_o direction_n but_o in_o this_o election_n the_o people_n do_v first_o choose_v the_o apostle_n only_o direct_v who_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o when_o most_o common_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v the_o people_n and_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o election_n and_o they_o consent_v act._n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n by_o consent_n choose_v elder_n and_o so_o in_o every_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n belong_v direct_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o several_o in_o one_o congregation_n or_o joint_o in_o many_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o observation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v act._n 11._o 22._o and_o 15._o 22._o and_o 16._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 19_o but_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n one_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o pastor_n for_o another_o as_o ignatius_n exhort_v the_o phyladelphians_n that_o they_o will_v elect_v a_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o so_o when_o the_o east_n church_n be_v infect_v with_o arianism_n basil_n epist_n 69._o 70._o 74._o thought_n it_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o remove_v the_o heresy_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n be_v send_v thither_o do_v condemn_v the_o heresy_n and_o he_o implore_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n france_n and_o all_o the_o east_n cyprian_n 3._o say_v all_o bishop_n sunt_fw-la mutuae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la glutine_fw-la copulati_fw-la that_o if_o any_o hold_v heresy_n the_o rest_n shall_v help_v it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v up_o example_n which_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v produce_v if_o here_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o your_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o answer_v 1._o a_o thing_n be_v essential_a two_o way_n first_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n without_o it_o second_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v maim_v without_o it_o again_o either_o the_o people_n be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o simple_a apt_a to_o be_v lead_v aside_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n sound_v in_o faith_n and_o able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o differ_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o necessary_a or_o essential_a but_o in_o the_o second_o we_o can_v say_v he_o be_v no_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n but_o his_o call_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v maim_v if_o the_o people_n be_v few_o and_o simple_a apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n both_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n and_o other_o church_n if_o the_o people_n be_v many_o in_o number_n full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n their_o liberty_n to_o choose_v be_v the_o great_a and_o it_o be_v 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 the_o primitive_a church_n for_o many_o age_n will_v confirm_v this_o for_o sometime_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v sometime_o the_o choice_n be_v whole_o leave_v to_o they_o and_o be_v not_o that_o for_o our_o direction_n that_o more_o liberty_n be_v give_v where_o the_o danger_n be_v less_o and_o more_o restraint_n and_o caution_n use_v where_o the_o danger_n be_v more_o apparent_a that_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o either_o a_o ill_a or_o unfit_a choice_n will_v be_v make_v 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 and_o so_o in_o this_o business_n brotherly_o society_n require_v that_o we_o mutual_o exhort_v admonish_v reprove_v and_o comfort_v each_o other_o as_o occasion_n require_v and_o as_o need_n require_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour-churche_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o