&_o not_o to_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n sequester_v from_o the_o whole_a now_o we_o have_v be_v late_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n send_v to_o for_o the_o redress_n of_o sin_n mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o elder_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o power_n the_o elder_n be_v the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n together_o 2_o we_o have_v learn_v 63._o 2._o treâ—â—_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o eng._n pag._n 63._o apol._n pag._n 63._o that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o among_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_a when_o it_o have_v officer_n but_o also_o when_o it_o want_v they_o but_o wow_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v not_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n which_o doctrine_n among_o other_o evil_n overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o christian_n without_o officer_n receive_v in_o the_o repentant_a and_o cast_v out_o the_o disobedient_a whereas_o by_o this_o opinion_n they_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o do_v neither_o for_o they_o that_o can_v not_o cast_v out_o can_v not_o receive_v in_o one_o power_n be_v for_o both_o 3_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n and_o commandment_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n 46._o 3._o confess_v art_n 23._o &_o 35._o apol._n pag._n 46._o and_o upon_o such_o default_n in_o life_n doctrine_n or_o administration_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o ministry_n by_o due_a order_n to_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o ministry_n they_o exercise_v yea_o if_o the_o case_n so_o require_v orderly_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o excommunication_n but_o now_o it_o be_v by_o some_o maintain_v that_o the_o congregation_n can_v neither_o put_v into_o office_n nor_o put_v out_o of_o office_n unless_o they_o have_v officer_n to_o do_v both_o and_o can_v neither_o for_o heresy_n nor_o other_o wickedness_n excommunicate_a or_o depose_v their_o eldership_n 4_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o none_o may_v execute_v a_o ministry_n 21._o 4._o confess_v art_n 21._o but_o such_o as_o be_v right_o call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n unto_o such_o office_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n but_o now_o those_o will_v execute_v a_o ministry_n which_o have_v not_o right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n according_a to_o their_o own_o account_n and_o doctrine_n which_o hold_v as_o before_o that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o make_v or_o depose_v minister_n 5_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o it_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o notorious_a absurdity_n 112._o 5._o apol._n p._n 113._o &_o 116_o n._n 112._o either_o to_o hold_v the_o popish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n have_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o true_a sacrament_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v admit_v of_o rebaptise_v but_o now_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v true_a baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communion_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 6_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a to_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o 38._o 6._o conf._n art_n 38._o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n yet_o here_o when_o difference_n have_v arisen_a about_o our_o common_a faith_n and_o can_v not_o among_o ourselves_o be_v compose_v they_o will_v not_o desire_v nor_o consent_n to_o have_v desire_v the_o help_n of_o our_o sister_n church_n at_o leyden_n although_o it_o be_v instant_o urge_v by_o many_o member_n that_o their_o assistance_n shall_v be_v have_v and_o when_o without_o their_o consent_n the_o help_n of_o that_o church_n be_v obtain_v &_o they_o labour_v our_o peace_n &_o a_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v agree_v off_o between_o the_o church_n this_o agreement_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o stand_v unto_o but_o reverse_v by_o they_o contrary_a to_o our_o will_n &_o to_o the_o will_n and_o like_n of_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o the_o same_o church_n can_v testify_v for_o we_o wherefore_o after_o long_o dispute_v these_o matter_n when_o no_o way_n of_o peace_n can_v by_o we_o be_v find_v to_o continue_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n &_o holiness_n but_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o the_o church_n &_o member_n begin_v to_o grow_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n name_n &_o wound_v of_o our_o heart_n we_o follow_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o say_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o diligent_o which_o cause_n division_n &_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o have_v since_o labour_v to_o build_v up_o ourselves_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o in_o love_n &_o peace_n mourn_v for_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o satan_n have_v wrought_v by_o this_o breach_n among_o we_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o sorrow_n which_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o mercy_n &_o pity_v the_o dispersion_n of_o zion_n and_o you_o as_o you_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v seal_v to_o your_o conscience_n so_o abide_v therein_o faithful_a unto_o the_o end_n know_v it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n people_n thus_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o trouble_n in_o itself_o which_o if_o we_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o constansie_n &_o do_v overcome_v our_o portion_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n h._n a._n the_o article_n and_o objection_n about_o the_o division_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o lawn_n discovery_n of_o schism_n page_n 79._o etc._n etc._n the_o 23_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n whereto_o also_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n 46.47_o profess_v that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n &_o upon_o desert_n again_o to_o depose_v yea_o &_o excommunicate_v they_o these_o have_v defend_v that_o a_o congregation_n without_o minister_n can_v not_o ordain_v officer_n and_o that_o if_o the_o eldership_n fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o wickedness_n the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v depose_v nor_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o that_o a_o congregation_n without_o a_o eldership_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o wicked_a person_n whatsoever_o 2._o the_o 24_o article_n confirm_v in_o our_o apology_n page_n 60.62.63_o profess_v that_o the_o power_n to_o receive_v in_o or_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o christian_a congregation_n mat._n 18.17_o etc._n etc._n these_o have_v plead_v for_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o &_o to_o have_v both_o rightful_a power_n and_o able_a power_n to_o excommunicate_v though_o without_o &_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n 3._o the_o 29_o article_n as_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 51.52_o profess_v that_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o archbishop_n lordbishoppe_n priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o strange_a and_o antichristian_a ministry_n &_o officer_n not_o institute_v by_o christ_n testament_n nor_o place_v in_o or_o over_o his_o church_n these_o have_v place_v over_o they_o one_o that_o be_v make_v priest_n by_o a_o lordbishops_n ordination_n so_o as_o because_o of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o ordain_v or_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o other_o who_o together_o with_o he_o they_o set_v over_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o 31_o article_n and_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 109._o profess_v that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o remain_v so_o in_o confusion_n &_o bondage_n under_o that_o antichristian_a ministry_n court_n canon_n &c._n &c._n can_v be_v esteem_v true_a visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o now_o plead_v not_o only_o for_o they_o but_o for_o rome_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o 32_o article_n whereto_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n
2-5_a and_o 15.4_o etc._n etc._n for_o now_o it_o will_v be_v answer_v they_o that_o in_o israel_n apostasy_n they_o keep_v circumcision_n which_o need_v not_o to_o be_v repeat_v see_v it_o be_v true_a and_o seal_v god_n covenant_n unto_o they_o but_o that_o these_o can_v so_o plead_v for_o the_o baptism_n have_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o rome_n because_o themselves_o say_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o true_a baptism_n and_o so_o not_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o they_o which_o have_v no_o other_o but_o it_o whereunto_o what_o they_o will_v answer_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o let_v they_o show_v we_o by_o what_o scripture_n they_o can_v approve_v their_o stand_n now_o who_o witting_o &_o willing_o remain_v without_o true_a baptism_n to_o seal_v unto_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n final_o if_o the_o baptism_n have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o true_a baptism_n than_o as_o they_o also_o say_v it_o be_v a_o idol_n bear_v the_o show_v and_o image_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o substance_n and_o so_o then_o apply_v hither_o that_o which_o mr._n ain_v have_v observe_v in_o his_o arrow_v against_o idolatry_n how_o god_n manife_v the_o vanity_n and_o filthynes_n of_o idol_n by_o title_n and_o name_n give_v unto_o they_o 14._o pag._n 13._o &_o 14._o for_o idol_n say_v he_o be_v call_v thing_n of_o naught_o as_o it_o be_v filth_n dung_n or_o excrement_n loathe_v some_o thing_n or_o detestable_a and_o abomination_n vanity_n lie_n unprofitable_a false-vanity_n leasing_n and_o vayn-iniquitie_n thus_o he_o write_v of_o idol_n in_o that_o place_n so_o as_o by_o their_o opinion_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o naught_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v filth_n or_o dung_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o a_o loath_a some_o thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v detest_v a_o abomination_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abhor_v a_o vanity_n a_o lie_n unprofitable_a false-vanitie_n lease_v and_o vayn-iniquitie_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o shall_v renounce_v it_o &_o cast_v it_o away_o as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o say_v unto_o it_o get_v thou_o hence_o as_o esay_n teach_v when_o he_o show_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v even_o thus_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o monument_n and_o most_o precious_a ornament_n of_o idolatry_n &_o therefore_o much_o more_o with_o the_o idol_n themselves_o esa_n 30.21.22_o which_o till_o these_o man_n be_v careful_a to_o do_v with_o the_o idol_n retain_v among_o they_o they_o must_v be_v content_v by_o their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v account_v among_o those_o many_o sort_n of_o idolater_n which_o defile_v themselves_o with_o idol_n of_o who_o mr._n ainsw_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o his_o book_n aforesaid_a a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v that_o they_o fall_v into_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o but_o it_o that_o without_o just_a cause_n they_o break_v away_o &_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v but_o see_v that_o therewith_n they_o have_v also_o other_o very_a erroneous_a opinion_n and_o the_o sinful_a usurpation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n use_v among_o they_o what_o a_o heavy_a estate_n do_v they_o stand_v in_o and_o how_o great_o do_v it_o import_v they_o to_o consider_v their_o way_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n otherwise_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o 1_o cor._n 10.22_o and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v here_o by_o this_o occasion_n to_o write_v about_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o i_o will_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o touch_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v also_o at_o that_o time_n speech_n about_o it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o do_v in_o deed_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o teach_v 2_o thes_n 2.4_o and_o by_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o to_o be_v seek_v and_o find_v and_o not_o among_o the_o jew_n turk_n pagan_n or_o the_o like_a as_o the_o papist_n &_o other_o will_v persuade_v we_o neither_o that_o antichrist_n take_v away_o whole_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o anabaptist_n and_o such_o as_o be_v herein_o anabaptistical_o incline_v will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n observe_v also_o here_o again_o that_o which_o be_v say_v rev._n 18_o 4._o go_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n and_o partake_v not_o in_o her_o sin_n etc._n etc._n where_o those_o word_n my_o people_n imply_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n continue_v among_o they_o for_o thus_o be_v the_o covenant_n teach_v and_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o so_o be_v israel_n often_o call_v the_o lord_n people_n &_o be_v thus_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o apostasy_n by_o the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 9_o 6._o &_o 13.23_o 2_o chron._n 30_o 6-9_a hos_fw-la 4_o 6_o 12._o and_o 5.4_o and_o 14.2_o amos_n 7.15_o and_o 8.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o note_v here_o also_o how_o the_o other_o clause_n partake_v not_o in_o her_o sin_n show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v namely_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n wherein_o they_o transgress_v the_o la_o of_o god_n and_o not_o whatsoever_o be_v have_v or_o retain_v by_o they_o furthermore_o it_o be_v undeniable_a and_o we_o have_v heretofore_o urge_v it_o much_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o first_o set_v in_o the_o way_v of_o god_n &_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 16.19_o rom._n 2.8_o &_o 16.19_o but_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v also_o very_o famous_a over_o the_o world_n since_o which_o time_n she_o be_v fall_v into_o great_a apostasy_n and_o adultery_n etc._n esa_n 1.2_o jer._n 2.21_o ezec._n 16._o &_o 23._o ch_z 1_o kin._n 12_o 28-33_a &_o 14.22.23.24_o 2_o chro._n 13.5_o etc._n etc._n as_o israel_n do_v in_o former_a time_n in_o all_o which_o her_o adulterate_a &_o apostate_n estate_n she_o have_v notwithstanding_o still_o keep_v even_o to_o this_o day_n sundry_a truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n &_o mix_v with_o they_o her_o own_o invention_n &_o tradition_n as_o israel_n also_o do_v which_o be_v observe_v aright_o cause_v a_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o her_o estate_n as_o of_o israel_n one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n still_o retain_v among_o they_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o abomination_n withal_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o one_o to_o hold_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n &_o church_n of_o god_n there_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v and_o observe_v their_o apostasy_n and_o babylonish_n confusion_n against_o antichrist_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n namely_o for_o this_o defection_n and_o mixture_n aforesaid_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o witness_v against_o they_o be_v always_o careful_a in_o our_o testimony_n and_o practice_n to_o retain_v and_o maintain_v every_o truth_n &_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o that_o church_n before_o their_o apostasy_n and_o be_v yet_o continue_a therein_o to_o this_o day_n leave_v only_o and_o forsake_v their_o corruption_n and_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n therewith_n lest_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v bring_v ourselves_o or_o be_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o anabaptistry_n and_o divers_a other_o error_n and_o evil_n as_o by_o lamentable_a example_n of_o other_o we_o have_v see_v note_v here_o also_o a_o double_a consideration_n about_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o his_o people_n one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o on_o the_o one_o part_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n take_v into_o covenant_n by_o he_o on_o the_o other_o part_n deut._n 26.17.18.19_o judg._n 2.1_o 20._o for_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o people_n do_v on_o their_o part_n transgress_v &_o break_v the_o covenant_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o so_o on_o his_o part_n but_o still_o remember_v his_o covenant_n count_v they_o his_o people_n call_v they_o to_o
transgression_n of_o those_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o where_o now_o they_o be_v or_o where_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o thus_o have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o like_a in_o bear_v reproach_n and_o calumniation_n to_o his_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o old_a who_o feel_v the_o burden_n thereof_o to_o be_v heavy_a and_o grievous_a complain_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v how_o long_o shall_v the_o adversary_n reproach_n shall_v the_o enemy_n blaspheme_v thy_o name_n for_o ever_o psal_n 74.10_o and_o again_o they_o utter_v forth_o their_o complaint_n say_v we_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o scorn_n and_o derision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o psal_n 79.4_o and_o even_o this_o be_v our_o case_n who_o also_o be_v make_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o laugh_a stock_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o have_v our_o soul_n also_o as_o they_o have_v they_o fill_v too_o full_a of_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o wealthy_a and_o dispitefulnes_n of_o the_o proud_a psal_n 44.13_o and_o 123.4_o so_o that_o in_o respect_n hereof_o we_o may_v complain_v with_o david_n who_o say_v i_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o all_o my_o enemy_n but_o special_o among_o my_o neighbour_n and_o a_o fear_n to_o my_o acquaintance_n who_o see_v i_o in_o the_o street_n flee_v from_o i_o and_o again_o i_o be_o become_v a_o stranger_n unto_o my_o brother_n even_o a_o alien_n unto_o my_o mother_n son_n i_o become_v a_o proverb_n unto_o they_o and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o gatespake_v against_o i_o and_o the_o drunkard_n song_n of_o i_o psal_n 31.11_o and_o 69.7.8.11.12_o and_o although_o our_o love_a father_n do_v thus_o humble_a &_o chastise_v we_o just_o for_o our_o sin_n yet_o do_v he_o also_o in_o mercy_n cover_v they_o and_o give_v we_o now_o to_o bear_v these_o sclanderous_a report_n of_o schismatic_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o lord_n indeed_o honour_v we_o for_o our_o church_n estate_n and_o our_o conscience_n do_v witness_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o have_v not_o willing_o leave_v any_o truth_n or_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v former_o receive_v with_o other_o in_o our_o apostate_n stand_v but_o be_v careful_a to_o retain_v they_o all_o what_o in_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o in_o our_o former_a corrupt_a receive_n of_o they_o neither_o have_v we_o make_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o ancient_a way_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n keep_v the_o ordinance_n worship_n and_o order_n of_o government_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o antichristian_a or_o other_o humane_a addition_n and_o therefore_o unjust_o be_v we_o term_v schismatic_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v otherwise_o in_o any_o thing_n let_v the_o witness_n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v bring_v forth_o against_o we_o and_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yield_v thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v be_v careful_a hitherto_o to_o show_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o redress_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v among_o we_o to_o swarve_v any_o way_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n great_a be_v our_o trial_n by_o man_n on_o all_o hand_n which_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o witness_n bear_v of_o jesus_n while_o beside_o our_o exile_n &_o other_o affliction_n some_o be_v speak_v bitter_a and_o sclanderous_a word_n against_o we_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o neighbour_n spare_v we_o not_o and_o other_o also_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n to_o reproach_n we_o and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v reproachful_a book_n against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a psal_n 124._o 13_a yet_o if_o these_o reproach_n &_o hard_a deal_n touch_v ourselves_o only_o and_o do_v not_o with_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o witness_v we_o can_v and_o will_v rest_v patient_o wait_v until_o the_o lord_n avenge_v our_o cause_n &_o will_v not_o once_o open_v our_o mouth_n or_o set_v our_o pen_n to_o paper_n to_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o porsonall_a injury_n but_o see_v thus_o together_o with_o detract_n of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v reproach_v and_o despise_v in_o this_o respect_n if_o we_o shall_v pass_v over_o these_o thing_n altogether_o with_o silence_n and_o not_o stand_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o lord_n cause_n we_o may_v be_v arraign_v just_o as_o guyltie_n of_o betray_v his_o truth_n &_o as_o man_n ashamed_a of_o christ_n before_o man_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o herein_o be_v want_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n when_o man_n thus_o labour_v the_o darken_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n do_v set_v themselves_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v against_o the_o same_o of_o late_o there_o be_v come_v forth_o a_o pamphlet_n and_o sclanderous_a book_n full_a of_o reproach_n publish_v by_o one_o christopher_n lawn_n and_o other_o his_o companion_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v sundry_a thing_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o touch_v our_o general_a cause_n about_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o concern_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o some_o about_o personal_a matter_n concern_v divers_a of_o we_o &_o other_o some_o touch_v a_o divisio_fw-la make_v late_o by_o divers_a among_o we_o etc._n etc._n concern_v our_o general_a cause_n although_o we_o have_v write_v often_o and_o many_o treatise_n thereabouts_o which_o remain_v yet_o unanswer_v yet_o see_v we_o be_v here_o again_o thus_o abuse_v about_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a which_o we_o may_v better_o pass_v by_o but_o by_o one_o m._n robert_n parker_n who_o testimony_n be_v here_o insert_v we_o purpose_v therefore_o godwilling_a to_o write_v in_o particular_a about_o his_o testimony_n &c_n &c_n so_o again_o by_o this_o occasion_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o more_o about_o that_o our_o general_a cause_n aforesaid_a although_o for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v both_o some_o occasion_n to_o deal_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o stay_v we_o yet_o a_o while_n from_o publish_v of_o that_o which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o purpose_v to_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v this_o be_v note_v concern_v m._n parker_n and_o his_o testimony_n how_o he_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o large_a book_n plead_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n &_o other_o ceremony_n retain_v among_o they_o they_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n as_o also_o of_o communion_n with_o antichrist_n &_o slavery_n under_o he_o etc._n etc._n now_o we_o purpose_v to_o try_v how_o he_o can_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n approve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v and_o as_o it_o be_v witness_v against_o by_o we_o &_o how_o he_o can_v warrant_v we_o communion_n with_o the_o same_o in_o that_o their_o estate_n or_o whether_o it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o give_v he_o &_o other_o better_o to_o observe_v and_o regard_v their_o halt_a between_n two_o opinion_n than_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v we_o find_v that_o for_o the_o former_a plea_n handle_v in_o his_o book_n he_o have_v allege_v the_o scripture_n plentiful_o as_o throughout_o the_o book_n may_v be_v see_v but_o whether_o he_o can_v so_o do_v for_o this_o latter_a speak_v of_o in_o his_o testimony_n against_o we_o time_n and_o further_a occasion_n will_v manifest_v yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o may_v see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a do_v against_o our_o cause_n either_o in_o his_o testimony_n publish_v or_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n wherewith_o his_o testimony_n be_v join_v which_o be_v as_o barren_a of_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v into_o question_n as_o m._n parker_n former_a book_n against_o it_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o which_o let_v the_o reader_n well_o observe_v touch_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o whereof_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a speak_v also_o their_o pleasure_n in_o their_o book_n we_o be_v purpose_v ere_o long_o if_o god_n willto_fw-mi publish_v they_o whatsoever_o those_o man_n say_v or_o will_v insinuate_v to_o the_o contrary_a or_o in_o any_o other_o respect_n thereabouts_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o
i_o be_v with_o he_o show_v great_a trouble_n in_o mind_n yet_o not_o without_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o servant_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o die_v the_o word_n utter_v by_o he_o and_o other_o circumstance_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n aforesaid_a we_o spare_v yet_o to_o set_v down_o as_o we_o will_v also_o still_o have_v do_v the_o thing_n itself_o but_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o continual_o provoke_v hereunto_o and_o that_o we_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o stay_v they_o from_o such_o course_n and_o above_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v so_o often_o object_v by_o m._n bernard_n m._n hall_n m._n white_a christopher_n lawn_n and_o other_o that_o the_o pastor_n brother_n be_v excommunicate_v among_o we_o and_o his_o father_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o yet_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o cause_n to_o be_v unjust_a or_o the_o thing_n unlawful_a nay_o when_o mr._n white_a make_v it_o one_o head_n of_o his_o book_n to_o except_v what_o he_o can_v about_o the_o excommunication_n that_o have_v pass_v in_o this_o church_n and_o write_v of_o sundry_a person_n &_o their_o cause_n in_o particular_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o offer_v to_o insist_v upon_o they_o which_o of_o all_o other_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v most_o of_o all_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v think_v he_o can_v have_v make_v any_o plea_n thereabouts_o and_o who_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o will_v thus_o blame_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o any_o person_n shall_v first_o be_v able_a and_o careful_a to_o show_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o the_o proceed_n against_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o be_v just_a and_o lawful_a so_o as_o none_o can_v except_v thereagainst_a it_o be_v the_o more_o godly_a and_o commendable_a though_o accompany_v with_o great_a trial_n when_o neither_o father_n nor_o mother_n brother_n nor_o sister_n son_n nor_o daughter_n be_v spare_v as_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v how_o moses_n commend_v and_o god_n bless_v levi_n for_o not_o know_v his_o own_o father_n or_o mother_n brethren_n or_o child_n but_o observe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n against_o they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o death_n upon_o they_o deut._n 33.8.9_o with_o exod._n 32_o 26-29_a either_o therefore_o let_v man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n disprove_v the_o cause_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o excommunication_n they_o except_v against_o at_o any_o time_n or_o else_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v the_o more_o they_o write_v against_o we_o the_o more_o it_o make_v for_o we_o in_o deed_n and_o so_o will_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o godliness_n beside_o see_v the_o party_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n if_o m._n johnson_n shall_v write_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v now_o be_v find_v blame_n worthy_a who_o can_v not_o perceive_v that_o this_o then_o also_o will_v be_v abuse_v against_o he_o and_o that_o man_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o now_o he_o may_v speak_v what_o he_o will_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o live_v to_o answer_n for_o themselves_o and_o that_o although_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a &_o so_o near_o unto_o he_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o will_v write_v thus_o and_o thus_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o that_o spare_v not_o so_o to_o abuse_v he_o as_o now_o they_o do_v even_o about_o thing_n public_o hear_v and_o know_v whereof_o there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n yet_o live_v how_o will_v they_o much_o more_o abuse_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o shall_v now_o say_v or_o write_v concern_v they_o when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o depart_v this_o life_n they_o that_o observe_v how_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o we_o be_v deal_v withal_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o he_o and_o we_o all_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n &_o to_o wait_n on_o the_o lord_n trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n make_v our_o refuge_n in_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n till_o our_o calamity_n be_v overpast_v and_o that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o will_v swallow_v we_o up_o for_o doubtless_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o truth_n as_o he_o have_v hitherto_o gracious_o deliver_v our_o soul_n from_o death_n &_o our_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 57_o the_o other_o that_o write_v in_o like_a sort_n as_o these_o have_v do_v be_v thomas_n white_a speak_v off_o before_o who_o after_o his_o live_n here_o and_o writing_n so_o ungodly_a as_o he_o do_v return_v and_o live_v a_o minister_n at_o london_n under_o the_o prelate_n where_o when_o he_o have_v after_o some_o while_n get_v a_o benefice_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o do_v the_o lord_n soon_o end_v his_o day_n these_o thing_n i_o think_v thus_o brief_o to_o mention_v be_v it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o not_o regard_v as_o they_o shall_v and_o how_o ever_o the_o lord_n spare_v such_o man_n &_o let_v they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o course_n a_o while_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o his_o hand_n will_v find_v they_o out_o and_o bring_v their_o way_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n as_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v psal_n 52._o &_o 55_o 12.13.14.15-23_a but_o now_o omit_v to_o write_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o they_o that_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o we_o &_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o and_o last_o special_a matter_n which_o at_o this_o time_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o last_o book_n who_o of_o late_o divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o have_v since_o that_o time_n give_v forth_o some_o exception_n and_o article_n of_o difference_n both_o here_o at_o amsterdam_n and_o otherwhere_o here_o they_o give_v out_o some_o which_o we_o hear_v of_o but_o never_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o until_o now_o that_o these_o man_n have_v print_v they_o be_v take_v as_o they_o say_v from_o the_o original_a copy_n otherwise_o also_o they_o have_v give_v out_o the_o like_a in_o letter_n send_v into_o england_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v &_o by_o mean_n of_o one_o there_o to_o who_o they_o send_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n thereof_o who_o deal_v more_o godly_a and_o indifferent_o thereabouts_o than_o any_o other_o of_o they_o that_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n ben_fw-mi possess_v and_o praejudice_v against_o we_o and_o as_o that_o party_n deal_v well_o with_o we_o in_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o thus_o covert_o be_v write_v &_o give_v out_o against_o we_o so_o do_v we_o also_o for_o his_o better_a satisfy_n write_v unto_o he_o again_o in_o particular_a thereabouts_o the_o which_o both_o article_n and_o answeres_n thereunto_o we_o have_v think_v good_a to_o keep_v they_o by_o ourselves_o hitherto_o but_o see_v that_o other_o the_o like_a in_o effect_n though_o increase_v in_o number_n be_v thus_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o therein_o they_o have_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v handle_v &_o justify_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o separate_v from_o we_o which_o be_v annex_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n upon_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o shall_v also_o be_v again_o annex_v here_o but_o have_v go_v about_o also_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o other_o matter_n than_o those_o for_o which_o they_o make_v their_o breach_n and_o by_o these_o their_o course_n do_v impute_v blame_v unto_o our_o doctrine_n as_o if_o we_o maintain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n labour_v thereby_o to_o set_v a_o more_o glorious_a show_v upon_o their_o popular_a government_n and_o plead_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o perceive_v the_o truth_n be_v much_o hinder_v and_o we_o injury_v and_o many_o by_o their_o mean_n and_o opinion_n so_o deceive_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o holy_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o elder_n thereof_o &_o refuse_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v thus_o write_v &_o deal_v here_o but_o other_o also_o in_o our_o own_o country_n praejudice_v with_o these_o matter_n and_o sinister_o possess_v with_o some_o of_o their_o write_n against_o we_o and_o our_o cause_n be_v likewise_o corrupt_v and_o so_o have_v show_v it_o
both_o when_o occasional_o some_o of_o we_o have_v be_v with_o they_o there_o and_o also_o among_o themselves_o as_o we_o hear_v we_o have_v therefore_o for_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a reason_n think_v it_o good_a not_o to_o keep_v these_o thing_n any_o long_o private_a by_o we_o but_o for_o the_o better_a satisfy_n of_o all_o touch_v the_o thing_n we_o hold_v and_o the_o clear_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n lay_v upon_o we_o hereabout_o and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n which_o some_o have_v take_v &_o be_v like_o yet_o more_o to_o take_v upon_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o writing_n of_o they_o now_o therefore_o to_o print_v also_o the_o say_a answer_n to_o their_o exception_n that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o be_v able_a the_o better_a to_o judge_v bentween_v we_o &_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v hear_v both_o of_o we_o speak_v &_o shall_v have_v aswell_o our_o answer_n as_o their_o objection_n to_o read_v and_o consider_v of_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 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their_o trouble_n and_o contention_n be_v extant_a in_o print_n thereabouts_o yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v mat._n 18.7_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o must_v be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.18.19_o now_o see_v the_o like_a trouble_n division_n and_o disagreement_n have_v fall_v out_o in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o man_n have_v their_o infirmity_n though_o otherwise_o be_v religious_a and_o fear_v god_n they_o which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a discern_a will_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o personal_a sin_n and_o infirmity_n open_v their_o mouth_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_v of_o god_n though_o some_o take_v pleasure_n therein_o who_o shall_v find_v one_o day_n the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o touch_v these_o person_n aforesaid_a that_o have_v so_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o thus_o offensive_o write_v i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v persuade_v though_o deceive_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n that_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o do_v run_v at_o the_o first_o into_o these_o extremity_n be_v carry_v as_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o also_o have_v be_v with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n against_o that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n &_o government_n which_o former_o the_o prelate_n &_o minister_n of_o that_o usurp_a authority_n oppress_v they_o withal_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o hope_v that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n elect_v he_o will_v in_o time_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o good_a give_v they_o to_o see_v both_o their_o error_n they_o stand_v in_o &_o their_o grievous_a sin_n in_o so_o rash_o and_o unjust_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v member_n &_o that_o other_o by_o their_o example_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o the_o like_a hereafter_o these_o thing_n i_o thus_o write_v not_o to_o excuse_v evil_a in_o any_o but_o to_o take_v away_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n to_o raise_v up_o slander_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n thus_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o the_o way_v of_o god_n hang_v not_o upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o author_n thereof_o very_o evil_a therefore_o do_v they_o that_o take_v occasion_n upon_o such_o dissension_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n itself_o the_o erroneous_a walk_n of_o any_o professor_n shall_v not_o excuse_v other_o that_o embolden_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o stand_v in_o apostasy_n and_o seek_v not_o after_o the_o truth_n and_o way_v of_o god_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v all_o to_o walk_v in_o thus_o have_v good_a reader_n prefix_a this_o short_a advertisement_n for_o thy_o better_a information_n about_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o about_o this_o my_o purpose_n in_o set_v forth_o of_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n aforesaid_a receive_v now_o the_o answer_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o writer_n thereof_o with_o some_o addition_n thereunto_o by_o the_o same_o author_n upon_o occasion_n of_o inlargeing_n and_o publish_v of_o the_o say_a exception_n now_o print_v this_o answer_n i_o pray_v thou_o christian_n reader_n view_v and_o consider_v well_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_v of_o god_n thou_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n we_o hold_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o fail_v hereabout_o through_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o understanding_n we_o shall_v willing_o receive_v and_o that_o with_o thanks_o thy_o brotherly_a advertisement_n thereof_o and_o because_o among_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v much_o abuse_v about_o a_o particular_a concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o have_v therefore_o hereunto_o annex_v somewhat_o out_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o m._n junius_n against_o bellarmine_n about_o that_o matter_n not_o that_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n in_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o because_o we_o know_v that_o many_o who_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o praejudice_n against_o we_o will_v yet_o more_o stay_v they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o m._n junius_n have_v write_v of_o that_o argument_n in_o who_o writing_n although_o there_o be_v some_o school_n term_n hard_o to_o be_v english_v well_o in_o our_o tongue_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o as_o we_o desire_v yet_o we_o have_v so_o do_v it_o into_o english_a as_o we_o hope_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o will_v by_o all_o be_v conceive_v and_o attain_a unto_o and_o thus_o leave_v these_o â—hings_n with_o the_o event_n thereof_o unto_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o good_a blessing_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o most_o wise_a god_n to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o heavenly_a word_n to_o shine_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o discover_v of_o all_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n &_o course_n hinder_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ancient_a truth_n and_o so_o to_o establish_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o old_a and_o good_a way_v prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n amen_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o writing_n touch_v the_o division_n make_v among_o we_o which_o be_v send_v to_o a_o friend_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n h._n a._n because_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o sorrow_n that_o have_v befall_v we_o here_o letter_n m._n ain_n letter_n whereby_o your_o grief_n be_v the_o more_o augment_v and_o because_o the_o true_a report_n &_o estate_n of_o thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v also_o brief_o touch_v the_o smart_n wherewith_o god_n have_v humble_v we_o &_o cause_v our_o breach_n to_o be_v as_o the_o sea_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v many_o day_n of_o comfort_n god_n give_v we_o here_o together_o while_o in_o singleness_n of_o hart_n we_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n with_o love_n &_o peace_n but_o love_v of_o pre-eminence_n which_o have_v always_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v also_o trouble_v we_o while_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v serve_v it_o with_o meekness_n will_v rule_v it_o with_o lordship_n 26.63_o 1._o confess_v artic_a 24._o apol._n pag_n 26.63_o 1_o for_o whereas_o we_o have_v learned_a and_o profess_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n to_o receive_v in_o or_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o congregation_n
no_o weight_n in_o it_o to_o say_v thus_o we_o hold_v heretofore_o &_o now_o we_o hold_v thus_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o now_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o nay_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o only_a which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n &_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o common_a &_o ancient_a faith_n which_o be_v hold_v by_o israel_n of_o old_a &_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n it_o follow_v there_o upon_o that_o wherein_o so_o ever_o we_o have_v swarve_v in_o faith_n or_o practice_v therfrom_o it_o have_v be_v our_o aberration_n &_o not_o our_o faith_n indeed_o three_o concern_v the_o special_a particular_a in_o question_n our_o ancient_a profession_n have_v be_v 19_o cons_n aâ—t_fw-la 17._o &_o 19_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o those_o law_n and_o officer_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o by_o none_o other_o from_o which_o howsoever_o we_o have_v err_v in_o our_o practice_n yet_o this_o be_v our_o ancient_a faith_n so_o as_o that_o which_o now_o we_o do_v be_v to_o retain_v our_o euncient_a faith_n &_o to_o reform_v our_o practice_n according_a thereunto_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v daily_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o our_o practice_n also_o if_o we_o will_v insist_v upon_o it_o our_o ancient_a practice_n itself_o be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o late_o of_o a_o few_o year_n it_o have_v be_v which_o late_a course_n the_o people_n that_o be_v depart_v from_o we_o will_v have_v have_v we_o to_o retain_v and_o so_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v have_v we_o keep_v a_o late_a and_o leave_v our_o auncient_a practice_n thus_o much_o also_o we_o write_v to_o leyden_n before_o the_o division_n be_v make_v &_o then_o mr._n ainsw_o himself_o subscribe_v unto_o it_o four_o observe_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v object_v in_o much_o like_a manner_n and_o a_o weak_a cause_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o rely_v upon_o the_o anabaptist_n or_o any_o other_o erroneous_a groud_n how_o much_o better_o have_v they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o when_o christ_n himself_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o only_o sound_v &_o true_a but_o evident_a also_o &_o comfortable_a to_o such_o as_o can_v understand_v it_o aright_o yet_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o &_o so_o both_o murmur_v at_o it_o &_o be_v so_o offend_v with_o it_o as_o they_o go_v back_o &_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o joh._n 6.60.62.66_o or_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v that_o which_o m._n ain_n have_v well_o observe_v in_o his_o arrow_n 4._o pag._n 4._o against_o idolatry_n that_o satan_n have_v separate_v man_n from_o the_o church_n as_o by_o other_o mean_n 10.25_o 1_o king_n 12.27_o 28.29_o jude_n v._n 19_o heb._n 10.25_o so_o also_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o withdraw_v and_o schism_n themselves_o for_o some_o pretend_v cause_n or_o quarrel_n as_o do_v the_o israelite_n &_o other_o after_o they_o etc._n etc._n five_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v exception_n against_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v against_o we_o we_o can_v send_v &_o spread_v our_o private_a letter_n as_o they_o do_v accompany_v with_o more_o sound_n &_o better_a observation_n against_o they_o touch_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v pass_v among_o we_o as_o for_o example_n a_o little_a to_o imitate_v &_o resemble_v their_o veyn_n of_o writing_n thus_o many_o troublesome_a day_n &_o full_a of_o contention_n have_v god_n exercise_v we_o here_o together_o withal_o while_o we_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o singleness_n of_o hart_n with_o humility_n to_o obey_v the_o governor_n &_o observe_v the_o government_n prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n &_o to_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n with_o love_n &_o peace_n for_o love_v of_o preeminence_n which_o have_v always_o trouble_v the_o church_n have_v also_o trouble_v we_o while_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o governor_n will_v be_v over_o &_o above_o they_o etc._n etc._n for_o 1._o whereas_o we_o have_v learned_a &_o profess_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a king_n &_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n 127.128_o conf._n art_n 10_o 17.19.20_o conterp_v pag._n 175.176_o and_o in_o other_o treatise_n every_o where_o as_o defen_v against_o m._n sm._n p._n 126_o 127.128_o &_o have_v leave_v unto_o it_o among_o man_n but_o a_o ministerial_a government_n &_o that_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o member_n the_o saint_n aught_o to_o obey_v &_o submit_v to_o the_o eldership_n in_o every_o church_n now_o we_o have_v late_o be_v teach_v etc._n teach_v in_o their_o dispute_n against_o we_o &_o in_o m._n rob._n justif_a 217.225_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o people_n as_o king_n have_v power_n one_o over_o another_o and_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v king_n be_v superior_a to_o their_o officer_n because_o the_o order_n of_o king_n be_v the_o high_a order_n or_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n &_o so_o a_o order_n superior_a unto_o &_o above_o the_o order_n of_o officer_n or_o eldership_n also_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o officer_n be_v servant_n therein_o be_v call_v a_o lord_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n they_o affirm_v for_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n touch_v the_o point_n in_o question_n betweme_v we_o about_o the_o church_n government_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v still_o profess_v that_o the_o people_n be_v inferior_a and_o under_o the_o officer_n now_o we_o have_v have_v it_o much_o urge_v about_o the_o question_n controvert_v that_o the_o people_n be_v superior_a &_o above_o they_o thus_o to_o advance_v the_o people_n one_o over_o another_o as_o king_n and_o to_o make_v they_o superlour_n above_o their_o governor_n and_o to_o entitle_v they_o with_o kingly_a and_o lordly_a power_n in_o the_o outward_a policy_n &_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o whereas_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n no_o other_o but_o a_o ministerial_a power_n &_o government_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o in_o deed_n to_o set_v up_o such_o church_n &_o people_n as_o so_o many_o idol_n like_a as_o mr._n ainsw_n show_v against_o the_o prelate_n 20._o mr._n a._n atrowe_v against_o idol_n pag._n 19_o &_o 20._o that_o idol_n be_v set_v up_o with_o impiety_n when_o among_o man_n one_o be_v set_v up_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n other_o as_o archbishop_n and_o lord_n spiritual_a etc._n etc._n for_o do_v it_o not_o thus_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o the_o prelate_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o the_o people_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v even_o become_v idol_n while_o both_o of_o they_o run_v to_o extremity_n in_o such_o advaunce_n of_o themselves_o &_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v keep_v or_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o mean_a &_o in_o the_o ministerial_a way_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n 24._o confess_v art_n 24._o 2_o we_o profess_v heretofore_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o &_o cut_v off_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o christian_a congregation_n &_o not_o to_o any_o one_o or_o most_o member_n sequester_v from_o the_o whole_a etc._n etc._n now_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n be_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o power_n that_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_o carry_v be_v the_o church_n they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v in_o and_o cut_v off_o though_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o few_o and_o of_o much_o better_a judgement_n be_v against_o it_o 177._o m._n ain_n conterp_v p._n 177._o 3._o we_o write_v heretofore_o that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o reins_n of_o government_n commit_v to_o they_o now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o aristocratical_a yea_o that_o the_o people_n as_o king_n have_v the_o power_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o in_o error_n be_v the_o church_n as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o so_o then_o by_o their_o opinion_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v king_n have_v the_o reins_n in_o their_o
rejoice_v one_o with_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 22-26_a and_o furthermore_o how_o it_o be_v also_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o without_o &_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n be_v the_o body_n and_o the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o yea_o though_o they_o be_v in_o error_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o in_o their_o exception_n plead_v about_o it_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o opposition_n against_o the_o eldership_n and_o so_o seem_v here_o to_o imply_v also_o such_o a_o understanding_n thereof_o touch_v all_o which_o it_o be_v long_o to_o rehearse_v either_o what_o reason_v we_o have_v or_o what_o may_v be_v show_v about_o these_o point_n but_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v note_v thereabouts_o and_o first_o if_o this_o rule_n befound_v in_o the_o book_n of_o number_n and_o law_n of_o israel_n as_o by_o the_o doctrine_n &_o allegation_n aforesaid_a appear_v then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o new_a rule_n first_o give_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o be_v hold_v and_o urge_v both_o often_o and_o earnest_o among_o we_o second_o these_o scripture_n in_o the_o book_n of_o number_n speak_v of_o civil_a case_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o allege_v these_o or_o the_o like_a about_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o do_v about_o the_o people_n they_o except_v against_o we_o as_o if_o we_o misapply_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v the_o elder_n civil_a authority_n which_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o give_v to_o the_o people_n though_o they_o make_v such_o allegation_n about_o they_o in_o this_o question_n as_o we_o do_v about_o the_o elder_n 35.12_o num._n 15.33_o &_o 27.2_o &_o 35.12_o three_o touch_v these_o scripture_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sinner_n and_o plea_n in_o israel_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o num._n 36.2_o deut._n 19.12.17_o and_o 1.12.16_o and_o 16.18_o and_o 17_o 8-12_a josh_n 20.4.5.6_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5-11_a psal_n 82_o 1-6_a mat._n 5.22_o lnk._n 22.66_o act._n 6.12_o etc._n etc._n moreover_o 27.2_o num._n 15.33_o and_o 27.2_o two_o of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o they_o be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o child_n exod._n 12.37_o and_o will_v they_o have_v we_o think_v that_o this_o people_n come_v together_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o question_v there_o speak_v of_o or_o that_o the_o party_n there_o mention_v be_v bring_v or_o come_v unto_o all_o that_o congregation_n as_o they_o will_v have_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o we_o yea_o and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v &_o judge_v the_o brethren_n cause_n that_o do_v fall_v out_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o for_o the_o three_o scripture_n so_o allege_v by_o they_o 35.12_o num._n 35.12_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o deut._n 19_o 4-12_a it_o make_v the_o point_n yet_o more_o plain_a against_o themselves_o for_o moses_n speak_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o both_o those_o place_n 25.12_o num._n 25.12_o use_v in_o the_o one_o place_n the_o word_n congregation_n &_o in_o the_o other_o the_o term_n of_o elder_n as_o if_o he_o will_v himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n 19.12_o deut._n 19.12_o to_o which_o end_n also_o see_v josh_n 20.4.5.6_o where_o the_o same_o matter_n be_v again_o speak_v of_o &_o deut._n 19_o 15-18_a where_o after_o the_o treat_v of_o the_o former_a matter_n he_o give_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o case_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o among_o they_o and_o whether_o now_o we_o shall_v believe_v moses_n or_o they_o let_v themselves_o judge_v touch_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n howsoever_o many_o have_v be_v carry_v thereby_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a rule_n and_o perteyn_a only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o people_n now_o be_v otherwise_o interest_v in_o the_o church_n government_n than_o they_o be_v in_o israel_n of_o old_a yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v also_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o such_o collection_n from_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o sound_a and_o what_o be_v there_o here_o teach_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v aswell_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o harmless_a as_o little_a child_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 18_o 14_a with_o psal_n 131.1.2_o prov._n 15.33_o and_o 16.19_o and_o 18.12_o and_o 25.6.7_o 1_o sam._n 12.3.4_o psal_n 138.6_o shall_v they_o not_o avoid_v give_v offience_n to_o other_o &_o when_o other_o offend_v they_o shall_v they_o not_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o show_v they_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o amend_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n to_o be_v further_o deal_v with_o according_a to_o their_o demerit_n or_o if_o they_o do_v repent_v forgive_v they_o mat._n 18_o 5-22_a with_o lev._n 19.14.16.17.18_o deut_n 19_o 15-19_a and_o 21_o 18-21_a and_o 25_o 5-9_a with_o ruth_n 3_o 9-13_a and_z 4_o 1-13_a 1_o sam._n 2.25_o esa_n 58.6.7_o and_o further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v etc._n mat._n 18.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o christ_n teach_v how_o god_n require_v man_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o king_n take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n propound_v it_o by_o the_o same_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o the_o jew_v always_o aswell_o as_o of_o we_o now_o lev._n 19.18_o exod._n 23_o 4.5_o psal_n 7.4_o act._n 7_o 26._o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 19.13.14_o mat._n 19.13.14_o christ_n speak_v of_o little_a child_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o say_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v always_o true_a of_o the_o infant_n and_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o of_o we_o now_o but_o if_o any_o will_v gather_v hereupon_o for_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n as_o some_o do_v for_o the_o man_n woman_n &_o great_a child_n upon_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speech_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n government_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o aswell_o as_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o they_o bind_v to_o be_v present_a to_o hear_v and_o judge_v all_o such_o cause_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n i_o suppose_v the_o people_n themselves_o that_o hold_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o make_v such_o collection_n to_o maintain_v it_o for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o will_v think_v it_o absurd_a thus_o to_o reason_n about_o the_o lesser_a child_n although_o they_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n &_o that_o of_o such_o also_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n again_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n save_o one_o 21.43_o mat._n 21.43_o matthew_n show_v how_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n a_o nation_n that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21_o 43._o so_o as_o then_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o god_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v &_o we_o now_o be_v the_o difference_n about_o some_o worldly_a ceremonial_a and_o mutable_a thing_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v carry_v with_o they_o a_o abolition_n of_o the_o thing_n spiritual_a moral_n and_o perpetual_a neither_o may_v we_o at_o any_o hand_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v make_v alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n as_o be_v note_v before_o for_o the_o other_o scripture_n chap._n 1_o cor._n 12._o chap._n 1_o cor._n 12_o chap._n the_o apostle_n purpose_n be_v not_o there_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o case_n and_o plea_n about_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o deal_v therein_o as_o in_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o as_o our_o question_n be_v among_o we_o but_o of_o the_o diversity_n and_o inaequalitie_n of_o gift_n &_o
function_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o and_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o help_n and_o service_n of_o all_o to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n show_v it_o also_o by_o the_o similitude_n &_o proportion_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o of_o the_o several_a faculty_n thereof_o which_o he_o appli_v and_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o feeble_a member_n and_o to_o the_o least_o and_o young_a child_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v but_o new_o baptize_v 1_o cor._n 12_o 13-22_a etc._n etc._n to_o who_o yet_o he_o appoint_v not_o the_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o plea_n of_o the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bring_v for_o judgement_n &_o censure_n as_o these_o man_n hereupon_o will_v infer_v and_o as_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v about_o mat._n 18_o 17._o moreover_o the_o thing_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o the_o part_n thereof_o may_v likewise_o of_o old_a be_v apply_v to_o israel_n according_a to_o their_o estate_n and_o they_o be_v then_o bind_v according_o to_o walk_v as_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n afford_v all_o help_n service_n and_o comfort_n they_o can_v one_o unto_o another_o yet_o this_o may_v not_o then_o nor_o may_v not_o now_o hinder_v nor_o pervert_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n about_o the_o elder_n hear_v and_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o brethren_n &_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o their_o demerit_n but_o in_o deed_n it_o do_v much_o more_o strong_o establish_v it_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o governor_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o use_n and_o so_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o gift_n fit_a for_o examine_v of_o person_n and_o decide_n of_o case_n and_o question_n that_o do_v fall_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v otherwise_o their_o good_a use_n be_v fit_o employ_v and_o must_v be_v holpen_v of_o the_o rest_n as_o their_o need_n be_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o other_o for_o their_o good_a and_o comfort_n and_o yet_o further_o this_o scripture_n be_v more_o direct_a against_o they_o in_o that_o it_o show_v how_o in_o the_o church_n some_o have_v a_o more_o chief_a place_n than_o other_o as_o the_o head_n &_o eye_n &_o hand_n in_o the_o body_n &_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v respect_v &_o employ_v according_a to_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o 1_o cor._n 12.14_o 28._o which_o be_v little_o regard_v of_o they_o who_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n where_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o most_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n will_v then_o look_v where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n be_v though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o give_v the_o sentence_n yea_o albeit_o that_o all_o the_o elder_n &_o other_o brethren_n of_o better_a judgement_n but_o fewer_n in_o number_n be_v against_o they_o as_o if_o the_o multitude_n shall_v still_o be_v follow_v &_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n or_o inequality_n of_o gift_n of_o office_n or_o other_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v which_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o the_o intendment_n of_o this_o scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o let_v all_o that_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n judge_n and_o let_v these_o man_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v teach_v otherwise_o 3-8_a 1_o cor._n 12._o &_o compare_v with_o it_o rome_n 12._o 3-8_a yet_o learn_v of_o their_o own_o body_n from_o which_o the_o apostle_n borrow_v his_o similitude_n here_o and_o there_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o give_v or_o use_v for_o counsel_n and_o determination_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v it_o though_o yet_o they_o have_v their_o other_o profitable_a use_n whereupon_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v hurt_v the_o hand_n be_v not_o use_v or_o seek_v unto_o to_o see_v withal_o nor_o the_o foot_n to_o hear_v neither_o do_v the_o head_n take_v they_o to_o consult_v and_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v there_o about_o but_o when_o the_o head_n itself_o have_v consider_v &_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o gift_n &_o duty_n thereof_o than_o it_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o any_o or_o all_o the_o member_n according_a as_o there_o be_v need_n and_o occasion_n and_o thus_o have_v all_o the_o member_n their_o good_a use_n &_o service_n in_o the_o body_n be_v right_o use_v &_o apply_v thereunto_o but_o shall_v now_o hereupon_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n say_v because_o they_o be_v not_o seek_v unto_o and_o employ_v to_o see_v hear_v &_o determine_v as_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o head_n be_v that_o therefore_o they_o lose_v their_o right_n and_o be_v not_o use_v or_o regard_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v yet_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n plead_v the_o people_n aforesaid_a that_o they_o be_v wrong_v &_o loose_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n if_o when_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n arise_v between_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o seek_v unto_o and_o bind_v to_o come_v together_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n to_o examine_v and_o censure_v the_o person_n so_o deal_v withal_o nay_o though_o the_o elder_n sit_v public_o to_o hear_v and_o judge_v such_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o come_v that_o will_v yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v injury_n unless_o that_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o and_o bind_v to_o come_v together_o and_o that_o they_o also_o make_v inquisition_n and_o censure_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n deal_v withal_o &_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o their_o voice_n though_o without_o and_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n sentence_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o deed_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o as_o if_o either_o the_o whole_a body_n shall_v become_v one_o member_n a_o eye_n a_o ear_n a_o head_n or_o the_o like_a or_o as_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o as_o if_o the_o hand_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o employ_v as_o the_o eye_n ear_n or_o head_n therefore_o i_o lose_v my_o right_n and_o be_o not_o use_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o body_n as_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v yea_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o bondage_n and_o in_o deed_n to_o bring_v a_o antichristian_a servitude_n on_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a unto_o they_o to_o come_v or_o not_o to_o come_v yet_o that_o shall_v not_o suffice_v unless_o they_o be_v bind_v thereunto_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o elder_n by_o their_o office_n be_v bind_v unto_o it_o 5.17.18_o rom._n 12_o 7_o 8._o 1_o thes_n 5.12.13_o 1_o tim._n 5.17.18_o and_o aught_o to_o have_v maintenance_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n but_o the_o man_n must_v without_o any_o allowance_n for_o it_o leave_v their_o trade_n and_o calling_n the_o woman_n their_o house_n and_o samily_n the_o child_n their_o school_n and_o employment_n the_o servant_n their_o work_n and_o labour_n etc._n as_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o great_a congregation_n &_o when_o many_o case_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o must_v come_v together_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v day_n after_o day_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n that_o fall_v out_o between_v brother_n and_o brother_n according_a to_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o by_o this_o scripture_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o chap._n they_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n that_o can_v sorrow_v and_o rejoice_v with_o other_o as_o before_o be_v show_v and_o many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v about_o this_o and_o the_o other_o scripture_n speak_v of_o but_o these_o few_o observation_n may_v suffice_v yet_o afore_o i_o proceed_v let_v i_o by_o this_o occasion_n note_v two_o thing_n more_o hereabout_a in_o general_n the_o one_o that_o as_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v with_o heretic_n schismatik_n &_o antichristian_o that_o the_o very_a scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o be_v search_v and_o due_o weigh_v they_o be_v fit_a &_o forceable_a against_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o these_o man_n in_o this_o case_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o
particular_a matter_n concern_v one_o of_o our_o minister_n about_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v a_o point_n also_o leave_v to_o further_a consideration_n among_o we_o beside_o that_o it_o fall_v out_o since_o their_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o perteyne_v not_o to_o the_o plea_n about_o their_o division_n which_o be_v make_v before_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o answer_n which_o follow_v here_o to_o their_o five_o and_o next_o exception_n will_v both_o give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o show_v good_a reason_n of_o the_o needful_a discuss_n thereof_o which_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o consider_v of_o as_o follow_v but_o first_o by_o occasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v print_v i_o will_v here_o annexe_v a_o little_a more_o for_o now_o they_o do_v in_o particular_a express_v this_o matter_n concern_v one_o that_o be_v minister_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v since_o choose_a teacher_n of_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v among_o we_o without_o any_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n so_o now_o refer_v hither_o to_o this_o objection_n the_o three_o and_o five_o in_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v print_v touch_v which_o let_v i_o first_o signify_v that_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o confession_n be_v not_o by_o we_o reverse_v or_o weaken_v any_o way_n but_o now_o be_v rather_o more_o sound_a and_o strong_a also_o than_o it_o be_v hitherto_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v not_o only_o against_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n but_o also_o against_o the_o error_n &_o confusion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n whereabout_o we_o have_v be_v encumber_a not_o a_o little_a for_o the_o anabaptist_n hold_v that_o antichrist_n have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o true_a baptism_n retain_v and_o have_v among_o they_o thereupon_o they_o begin_v to_o baptise_v then selve_o again_o who_o error_n while_o we_o confute_v as_o by_o our_o book_n publish_v thereabouts_o may_v appear_v and_o while_o some_o of_o they_o object_v that_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o retain_v the_o baptism_n than_o the_o ministry_n there_o receive_v we_o have_v thereupon_o just_a occasion_n give_v we_o to_o consider_v thereof_o and_o so_o weigh_v with_o ourselves_o that_o one_o main_n and_o special_a reason_n against_o rebaptisation_n be_v because_o baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o she_o fall_v into_o apostasy_n and_o have_v be_v there_o continue_a ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n however_o it_o be_v commingle_v among_o they_o with_o many_o corruption_n &_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o we_o begin_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o like_a may_v not_o be_v observe_v and_o say_v concern_v imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v have_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o her_o apostasy_n &_o be_v there_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n though_o mix_v with_o many_o pollution_n and_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o and_o enter_v into_o consideration_n thereof_o we_o observe_v these_o thing_n among_o other_o about_o it_o 1._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o a_o invention_n of_o man_n not_o a_o post_n or_o threshold_n first_o bring_v by_o antichrist_n into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o have_v therein_o afore_o antichrist_n sit_v there_o 2._o that_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v join_v together_o among_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o foundation_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6_o 2._o which_o we_o think_v therefore_o shall_v in_o this_o behalf_n be_v well_o regard_v 3._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o give_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n &_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o do_v also_o still_o administer_v baptism_n 4._o that_o we_o find_v not_o either_o precept_n example_n or_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n bind_v we_o to_o the_o repetition_n thereof_o 5._o that_o the_o priest_n &_o levite_n in_o israel_n become_v unclean_a when_o afterward_o they_o be_v cleanse_v retain_v still_o their_o place_n of_o be_v priest_n and_o levite_n and_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n succeed_v after_o they_o do_v minister_v without_o a_o new_a anoint_v or_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n yea_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n the_o levite_n repent_v keep_v their_o function_n &_o the_o priest_n also_o be_v only_o debar_v from_o the_o altar_n but_o still_o remain_v priest_n both_o do_v such_o duty_n and_o enjoy_v such_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o the_o other_o israelite_n may_v not_o no_o nor_o the_o levite_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n levit._fw-la 22_o 1-9_a and_o ezech._n 44_o 10-14_a 2_o king_n 23.9_o with_o lev._n 21._o and_o 24_o 9_o mat._n 12_o 4.6_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n wefinde_v how_o some_o officer_n be_v admit_v with_o it_o &_o some_o without_o it_o as_o about_o the_o levite_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o about_o the_o apostle_n also_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v act._n 13_o 1_o 2_o 3.7_o that_o some_o church_n hold_v it_o not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v have_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o hear_v do_v not_o use_v it_o at_o all_o but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o the_o first_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a reform_v church_n have_v no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o at_o their_o first_o come_v into_o order_n they_o have_v no_o elder_n to_o impose_v hand_n that_o the_o roll_a elder_n and_o deacon_n at_o this_o day_n have_v no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n among_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v that_o neither_o the_o apostate_n nor_o the_o reform_a church_n repeat_v it_o to_o the_o minister_n when_o they_o go_v from_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o thus_o we_o show_v the_o keep_n of_o communion_n with_o all_o other_o christian_n &_o church_n what_o in_o we_o be_v as_o we_o do_v also_o by_o retain_v our_o baptism_n and_o any_o other_o truth_n &_o ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v among_o they_o which_o still_o we_o keep_v purge_v they_o only_o from_o the_o corruption_n wherewith_o they_o be_v defile_v among_o they_o now_o when_o upon_o our_o occasion_n divers_a thing_n hereabout_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o we_o think_v it_o best_a to_o stay_v and_o consider_v further_o thereof_o know_v that_o if_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v we_o can_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o then_o this_o course_n which_o we_o take_v be_v the_o best_a other_o reason_n we_o consider_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o i_o need_v not_o here_o mention_v but_o see_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n long_o before_o she_o become_v apostate_n as_o baptism_n be_v and_o that_o the_o repeat_n of_o it_o among_o we_o and_o not_o regard_v the_o have_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o their_o error_n and_o observe_v withal_o such_o consideration_n about_o it_o as_o be_v here_o before_o relate_v we_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n do_v choose_v he_o into_o office_n and_o that_o we_o do_v by_o prayer_n commend_v he_o unto_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o ministration_n thereof_o which_o we_o do_v without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o both_o ourselves_o have_v before_o do_v at_o our_o first_o grow_v into_o order_n and_o as_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n also_o do_v when_o they_o first_o begin_v reformation_n among_o they_o whereabout_o if_o any_o sound_a and_o better_a course_n be_v show_v hereafter_o at_o any_o time_n we_o can_v then_o proceed_v further_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o here_o be_v observe_v how_o these_o that_o thus_o object_n and_o their_o partaker_n can_v all_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o office_n may_v excommunicate_v and_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v also_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o can_v except_v against_o such_o as_o be_v in_o office_n if_o they_o do_v but_o make_v question_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o any_o thing_n thereabouts_o and_o last_o let_v themselves_o consider_v how_o the_o anabaptist_n object_n against_o we_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o for_o member_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o prelate_n and_o priest_n in_o apostate_n church_n so_o as_o
omit_v divers_a thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o remember_v as_o first_o what_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v that_o be_v propound_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o for_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v content_a with_o protestation_n peaceable_o to_o walk_v with_o either_o church_n at_o leyden_n or_o here_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o they_o to_o go_v from_o the_o one_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o the_o other_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n lie_v against_o they_o this_o be_v in_o deed_n propound_v by_o my_o self_n have_v much_o thought_n and_o consider_v what_o i_o can_v of_o any_o lawful_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o good_a end_n and_o agreement_n after_o our_o so_o long_a and_o lamentable_a trouble_n and_o contention_n as_o we_o have_v be_v exercise_v withal_o which_o when_o i_o have_v propound_v they_o of_o leyden_n answer_v that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o motion_n little_o think_v that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o incline_v to_o peace_n and_o agreement_n about_o this_o to_o my_o remembrance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o pass_v here_o about_o which_o if_o they_o have_v think_v they_o shall_v have_v carry_v themselves_o otherwise_o towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v do_v and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o with_o their_o church_n and_o if_o either_o they_o or_o we_o mind_v otherwise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v signify_v it_o which_o caution_n be_v thus_o speak_v of_o by_o they_o myself_o then_o say_v as_o i_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v think_v so_o to_o have_v speak_v also_o concern_v it_o but_o have_v forget_v when_o i_o speak_v to_o mention_v it_o and_o so_o then_o it_o be_v mind_v of_o we_o both_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o and_o prosecute_v with_o this_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o be_v find_v lawful_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v this_o for_o hereafter_o be_v still_o remember_v because_o it_o will_v clear_v all_o the_o question_n about_o this_o matter_n second_o at_o the_o first_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n between_o we_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n then_o present_a do_v so_o conceive_v it_o as_o that_o our_o people_n which_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o this_o church_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a shall_v go_v and_o remain_v with_o they_o at_o leyden_n which_o some_o of_o they_o here_o observe_v &_o except_v against_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o mean_n of_o live_v have_v here_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v answer_v by_o they_o of_o leyden_n that_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o suffer_v or_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o or_o to_o such_o effect_n then_o also_o concern_v the_o course_n aforesaid_a there_o be_v note_v a_o double_a consideration_n about_o it_o the_o one_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o urge_v the_o late_a be_v the_o point_n which_o they_o do_v so_o much_o urge_v as_o to_o live_v and_o remain_v with_o the_o other_o church_n whither_o they_o shall_v go_v the_o other_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o have_v once_o go_v and_o join_v thewselue_n to_o the_o other_o church_n they_o may_v then_o return_v again_o to_o the_o town_n where_o they_o live_v before_o and_o there_o live_v apart_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o have_v former_o be_v and_o hereupon_o have_v speech_n about_o these_o two_o course_n the_o first_o be_v soon_o conceir_v of_o and_o general_o like_v of_o all_o the_o latter_a be_v less_o conceive_v of_o and_o more_o call_v in_o question_n as_o afterward_o do_v appear_v though_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v myself_o so_o mind_n and_o like_v of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o some_o among_o we_o propound_v that_o such_o as_o go_v from_o we_o to_o leyden_n and_o join_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v back_o by_o they_o again_o to_o live_v apart_o from_o we_o in_o this_o town_n both_v myself_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o other_o church_n to_o my_o remembrance_n answer_v that_o this_o matter_n will_v concern_v that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v join_v to_o look_v unto_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o but_o afterward_o consider_v yet_o further_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o dismission_n thither_o &_o hither_o again_o i_o show_v my_o mind_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v &_o divers_a reason_n thereabouts_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o that_o matter_n three_o when_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a which_o we_o have_v propound_v be_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n and_o their_o elder_n return_v hither_o again_o they_o signify_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v sudden_o upon_o their_o church_n yet_o for_o the_o present_a as_o they_o can_v in_o that_o time_n consider_v thereof_o they_o like_v well_o of_o it_o or_o to_o such_o effect_n so_o now_o again_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v more_o speech_n together_o thereabouts_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o course_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v general_o well_o approve_v and_o consent_v unto_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o doubt_v of_o and_o more_o question_n make_v about_o it_o &_o in_o the_o end_n more_o &_o more_o dislike_v by_o divers_a the_o more_o that_o it_o be_v perceive_v to_o be_v the_o brethren_n purpose_n so_o to_o do_v and_o this_o most_o appear_v the_o next_o morning_n when_o the_o likelihood_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o night_n before_o be_v then_o so_o change_v upon_o further_a reason_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o as_o we_o can_v not_o accord_v thereabout_o and_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o other_o church_n signify_v that_o they_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o return_v home_o and_o can_v then_o no_o long_o stay_v depart_v and_o say_v it_o will_v be_v heavy_a to_o their_o church_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o no_o better_a issue_n between_o we_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v go_v we_o still_o continue_v speech_n among_o ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n be_v sorry_a that_o they_o stand_v thus_o and_o that_o no_o better_a tiding_n shall_v be_v carry_v to_o the_o other_o church_n and_o then_o upon_o some_o speech_n so_o have_v together_o as_o we_o can_v in_o that_o short_a time_n we_o come_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o we_o think_v it_o best_a to_o agree_v upon_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a in_o this_o sort_n that_o whatsoever_o blame_n shall_v follow_v hereupon_o if_o our_o people_n be_v by_o they_o of_o leyden_n dismiss_v to_o live_v here_o apart_o from_o we_o in_o this_o city_n it_o shall_v lie_v upon_o they_o and_o we_o be_v free_a of_o it_o and_o so_o thereupon_o we_o present_o send_v three_o with_o this_o message_n after_o the_o brethren_n of_o leyden_n if_o they_o can_v overtake_v they_o in_o time_n to_o signify_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v also_o signify_v it_o unto_o their_o church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o agreement_n speak_v of_o which_o when_o it_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n agree_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n present_a there_o be_v then_o but_o a_o sew_a at_o that_o time_n come_v to_o the_o elder_n show_v how_o they_o think_v it_o needful_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o &_o other_o say_v to_o this_o day_n they_o never_o consent_v unto_o it_o and_o some_o that_o they_o say_v then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o these_o man_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v loath_a to_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o position_n about_o it_o that_o in_o a_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o elder_n be_v with_o they_o or_o against_o they_o and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n touch_v the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o end_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v on_o to_o other_o matter_n that_o follow_v afterward_o about_o these_o thing_n four_o while_o thing_n stand_v thus_o among_o we_o we_o have_v the_o lord_n day_n follow_v speech_n hereabout_o again_o at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v a_o new_a motion_n make_v for_o a_o other_o course_n to_o be_v take_v by_o which_o we_o may_v keep_v together_o rather_o than_o to_o part_v asunder_o according_a to_o the_o other_o course_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v then_o propound_v and_o not_o agree_v upon_o be_v leave_v to_o further_a consideration_n and_o so_o that_o week_n we_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n thereabouts_o by_o which_o occasion_n after_o the_o aforesaid_a treat_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n there_o pass_v also_o some_o letter_n between_v we_o concern_v they_o which_o although_o in_o divers_a respect_n we_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o keep_v among_o ourselves_o yet_o consider_v in_o what_o
they_o speak_v and_o so_o that_o which_o they_o do_v be_v both_o without_o our_o agreement_n and_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v neither_o have_v they_o here_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v they_o not_o to_o go_v to_o leyden_n first_o and_o join_v there_o according_a to_o the_o former_a agreement_n afore_o they_o have_v take_v this_o course_n of_o meet_v apart_o from_o we_o here_o if_o they_o will_v have_v this_o take_v for_o a_o declaration_n of_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v indeed_o that_o if_o they_o have_v go_v to_o leyden_n and_o join_v there_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o mind_n who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v trouble_v about_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o deed_n they_o mean_v not_o to_o live_v and_o remain_v with_o that_o church_n and_o pastor_n there_o but_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v then_o to_o come_v &_o live_v apart_o from_o we_o as_o now_o they_o do_v we_o and_o other_o may_v according_o esteem_v thereof_o and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o reason_n allege_v for_o the_o reverse_v of_o our_o consent_n to_o the_o agreement_n aforesaid_a there_o be_v also_o a_o clause_n insert_v by_o they_o in_o their_o three_o particular_a now_o treat_v of_o where_o they_o say_v that_o in_o the_o treaty_n of_o the_o agreement_n it_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apparent_a undo_n of_o they_o &_o of_o their_o family_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v again_o to_o dwell_v here_o which_o whether_o it_o do_v any_o way_n move_v they_o in_o this_o behalf_n to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v themselves_o know_v best_o myself_o can_v say_v that_o it_o do_v but_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o some_o have_v go_v from_o this_o church_n &_o city_n to_o live_v in_o the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o better_v of_o it_o though_o none_o of_o they_o do_v so_o upon_o the_o former_a agreement_n and_o in_o respect_n thereof_o that_o i_o can_v remember_v and_o to_o note_v it_o here_o by_o this_o occasion_n well_o may_v it_o be_v that_o this_o speech_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o persuade_v we_o much_o to_o the_o agreement_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o when_o it_o appear_v how_o themselves_o be_v purpose_v not_o to_o live_v with_o the_o other_o church_n &_o pastor_n there_o but_o to_o return_v and_o live_v apart_o from_o we_o here_o that_o then_o we_o do_v the_o more_o think_v of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o consent_v thereunto_o and_o thereupon_o show_v the_o reason_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o reverse_v of_o our_o former_a agreement_n unto_o it_o which_o reason_n also_o together_o with_o their_o own_o purpose_n of_o live_v here_o apart_o from_o we_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o not_o to_o have_v say_v only_o that_o although_o in_o the_o treaty_n of_o the_o agreement_n it_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apparent_a undo_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o family_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v again_o to_o dwell_v here_o yet_o because_o they_o will_v not_o absolute_o promise_v to_o leave_v this_o city_n we_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o agreement_n which_o ourselves_o have_v make_v for_o they_o know_v both_o their_o own_o purpose_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o we_o show_v divers_a reason_n why_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o continue_v but_o to_o reverse_v our_o consent_n to_o the_o dismission_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o remain_v with_o the_o other_o church_n but_o purpose_v still_o to_o live_v here_o in_o this_o city_n apart_o from_o we_o and_o in_o deed_n in_o such_o case_n if_o thing_n shall_v concern_v ourselves_o even_o with_o certain_a loss_n and_o hurt_n to_o we_o and_o our_o family_n yet_o shall_v we_o not_o make_v our_o outward_a estate_n the_o ground_n or_o rule_v of_o our_o religion_n or_o religious_a action_n but_o we_o shall_v always_o first_o look_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o consent_v unto_o in_o other_o or_o to_o practice_v ourselves_o and_o then_o in_o faith_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o and_o commit_v our_o way_n unto_o he_o who_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v psal_n 37.3_o 4_o 5._o with_o gen._n 12.1_o and_o 17.1_o note_v also_o here_o how_o in_o the_o two_o last_o particular_n of_o the_o print_a copy_n they_o have_v this_o clause_n thrice_o that_o we_o will_v not_o agree_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o agreement_n unless_o they_o leave_v this_o city_n and_o have_v not_o once_o any_o where_o unless_o they_o go_v from_o one_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o another_o the_o very_a name_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o carri_v weight_n of_o reason_n with_o it_o against_o they_o and_o for_o we_o moreover_o concern_v the_o point_n and_o article_n speak_v of_o about_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n note_v also_o that_o however_o they_o speak_v much_o of_o it_o yet_o in_o deed_n they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o in_o that_o while_o the_o other_o church_n and_o we_o be_v treat_v &_o writing_n about_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a they_o stay_v not_o till_o we_o have_v do_v to_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o consultation_n as_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o dispose_v but_o when_o they_o know_v we_o have_v write_v unto_o leyden_n and_o whereabout_o and_o that_o yet_o we_o have_v receive_v no_o answer_n from_o they_o again_o they_o break_v away_o from_o we_o and_o take_v also_o another_o course_n than_o that_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o so_o themselves_o herein_o observe_v not_o that_o in_o deed_n which_o they_o speak_v in_o word_n about_o have_v the_o counsel_n &_o help_v one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v it_o that_o either_o we_o or_o the_o of_o leyden_n from_o who_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v want_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o thing_n hereabout_o as_o who_o in_o such_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o be_v yet_o what_o will_v they_o allege_v for_o warrant_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o which_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o know_v that_o every_o want_n or_o fail_v in_o church_n or_o action_n will_v not_o bear_v out_o such_o division_n good_a warrant_v it_o have_v need_n be_v that_o shall_v uphold_v such_o disbounding_a and_o separate_n of_o themselves_o as_o they_o have_v run_v into_o if_o they_o allege_v the_o matter_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o foresay_a letter_n which_o they_o send_v into_o england_n and_o in_o the_o other_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v print_v for_o they_o you_o see_v the_o answer_n now_o give_v thereunto_o and_o let_v they_o remember_v also_o that_o howsoever_o they_o speak_v of_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o make_v their_o division_n only_o for_o the_o question_n about_o government_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o whereabout_o we_o differ_v and_o can_v not_o agree_v and_o if_o then_o in_o the_o matter_n itself_o for_o which_o they_o leave_v communion_n with_o we_o they_o be_v find_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o notable_a error_n what_o warrant_n may_v it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v allege_v herein_o which_o will_v not_o return_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n in_o the_o end_n as_o that_o scripture_n do_v which_o they_o allege_v for_o and_o at_o their_o divide_v of_o themselves_o from_o we_o rom._n 16_o 17._o as_o for_o the_o long_o dispute_v of_o these_o matter_n whereof_o they_o speak_v that_o also_o make_v the_o more_o against_o they_o because_o that_o although_o such_o care_n and_o continual_a pain_n be_v take_v for_o they_o and_o with_o they_o yet_o it_o prevayl_v nothing_o at_o all_o with_o they_o neither_o and_o where_o they_o say_v no_o way_n of_o peace_n can_v by_o we_o be_v find_v to_o continue_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n &_o holiness_n they_o shall_v turn_v their_o eye_n upon_o themselves_o upon_o their_o error_n and_o upon_o their_o stubborn_a contentious_a and_o unruly_a walk_n beside_o that_o they_o stay_v not_o to_o see_v what_o issue_n it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n betweme_v the_o other_o church_n and_o we_o and_o refuse_v also_o to_o try_v if_o by_o write_v among_o ourselves_o we_o can_v have_v come_v to_o better_a accord_n in_o our_o difference_n than_o we_o can_v by_o speech_n and_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n seldom_o use_v when_o party_n be_v
present_a together_o and_o careful_o to_o be_v regard_v when_o and_o how_o it_o be_v so_o use_v yet_o i_o suppose_v now_o that_o they_o have_v better_o bethink_v themselves_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o have_v be_v better_a to_o have_v admit_v of_o any_o lawful_a mean_n they_o can_v rather_o than_o to_o have_v divide_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o have_v bring_v so_o great_a reproach_n &_o many_o evil_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o they_o have_v do_v or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v themselves_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o other_o will_n for_o they_o for_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n beginning_n to_o grow_v if_o they_o have_v name_v any_o particular_n thereabouts_o they_o may_v according_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o which_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o &_o other_o whether_o their_o deal_n &_o depart_v from_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v begin_v but_o even_o have_v cause_v to_o grow_v and_o go_v forward_o a_o most_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o this_o church_n &_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v not_o god_n disappoint_v they_o and_o in_o mercy_n sustain_v and_o keep_v we_o together_o when_o they_o make_v their_o division_n &_o commit_v so_o great_a offence_n in_o this_o church_n 16.17_o rom._n 16.17_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o we_o also_o show_v unto_o they_o many_o time_n afore_o they_o part_v from_o we_o and_o which_o now_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v we_o must_v end_v all_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_v we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o our_o write_n and_o occasion_n we_o still_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o the_o light_n of_o our_o foot_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o way_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o follow_v as_o it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o more_o &_o more_o and_o likewise_o about_o these_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o last_o letter_n aforesaid_a we_o limit_v our_o deal_n and_o the_o reason_n allege_v with_o the_o same_o caution_n still_o of_o follow_a that_n which_o we_o shall_v among_o ourselves_o or_o by_o other_o best_o discern_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v express_v shall_v always_o be_v understand_v but_o be_v purposely_o and_o so_o often_o mention_v from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o these_o thing_n it_o shall_v the_o more_o be_v remember_v &_o regard_v of_o we_o all_o that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v examine_v &_o determine_v all_o the_o matter_n betweme_v we_o for_o neither_o may_v we_o retain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o yield_v to_o any_o agreement_n with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v they_o urge_v the_o continuance_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o we_o nor_o follow_v themselves_o any_o course_n in_o their_o practice_n that_o can_v by_v it_o be_v approve_v but_o we_o shall_v still_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n leave_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v inform_v by_o jethro_n that_o the_o course_n of_o government_n which_o he_o take_v in_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o hear_v their_o cause_n so_o as_o he_o do_v be_v not_o good_a but_o wearisome_n both_o to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n and_o have_v another_o way_n show_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n he_o willing_o hearken_v unto_o it_o and_o change_v his_o former_a course_n the_o lord_n also_o approve_v the_o same_o exod._n 18_o 13-26_a when_o david_n in_o a_o godly_a desire_n be_v careful_a to_o bring_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n from_o kirjaâ—h-jearim_a to_o jerusalem_n he_o put_v it_o in_o a_o new_a cart_n and_o begin_v to_o carry_v it_o with_o sing_v and_o play_v on_o instrument_n and_o great_a solemnity_n think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v well_o and_o right_o therein_o but_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o breach_n upon_o they_o by_o the_o death_n of_o vzza_n whereupon_o david_n stay_v the_o further_a remove_v of_o it_o a_o while_n and_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o due_a order_n thereof_o he_o then_o afterward_o take_v another_o course_n appoint_v the_o levite_n to_o bear_v it_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v to_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o 1_o chron._n 13._o and_o 15_o 2-13_a etc._n etc._n now_o what_o breach_n contention_n and_o continual_a trouble_n have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o this_o church_n among_o we_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o beside_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o heavy_a one_o which_o about_o the_o same_o time_n befall_v that_o other_o congregation_n of_o our_o countryman_n here_o who_o about_o the_o question_n of_o the_o church_n government_n plead_v also_o against_o the_o eldership_n for_o their_o popular_a course_n with_o some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n and_o other_o like_a as_o these_o have_v do_v and_o run_v into_o sundry_a anabaptisticall_a opinion_n and_o course_n not_o unknowen_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o brethren_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o letter_n here_o before_o make_v mention_n of_o our_o daily_a dissipation_n which_o then_o we_o have_v which_o thing_n i_o note_v here_o by_o this_o occasion_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v both_o what_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v now_o to_o look_v hereunto_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n also_o befall_v we_o while_o we_o hold_v that_o course_n of_o government_n plead_v for_o by_o these_o man_n and_o afore_o they_o make_v this_o schismatical_a depart_n from_o we_o as_o now_o they_o do_v because_o we_o will_v not_o still_o continue_v and_o hold_v on_o the_o same_o course_n as_o before_o beside_o these_o example_n of_o moses_n and_o david_n i_o can_v also_o allege_v the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o experience_n of_o evil_n that_o come_v by_o have_v young_a widow_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n take_v afterward_o another_o course_n and_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o that_o number_n under_o threescore_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5_o 9-15_a and_o for_o change_v of_o thing_n purpose_v and_o determine_v when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o example_n of_o david_n again_o who_o when_o he_o have_v purpose_v and_o solemn_o vow_v the_o death_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o family_n yet_o afterward_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n and_o reason_n use_v by_o abigail_n change_v his_o purpose_n and_o bless_v she_o and_o the_o lord_n for_o her_o counsel_n &_o persuasion_n give_v unto_o he_o 1_o sam._n 25_o 21-35_a and_o of_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n who_o have_v both_o consent_v to_o david_n purpose_n of_o building_n a_o house_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o encourage_v he_o thereunto_o yet_o when_o as_o the_o same_o night_n the_o lord_n show_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o david_n neither_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v it_o he_o thereupon_o go_v and_o show_v it_o to_o david_n who_o also_o rest_v therein_o with_o praise_n and_o thanks_o unto_o god_n 1_o chron._n 17._o chap._n and_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o note_v here_o consider_v the_o person_n &_o matter_n speak_v of_o the_o person_n be_v moses_n david_n nathan_n paul_n some_o prophet_n some_o apostle_n the_o matter_n be_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o etc._n etc._n yet_o such_o person_n in_o such_o matter_n alter_v their_o course_n and_o purpose_n and_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a so_o to_o do_v when_o either_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o by_o the_o word_n or_o work_n of_o god_n they_o perceive_v any_o error_n to_o be_v commit_v or_o some_o other_o evil_a to_o ensue_v in_o the_o course_n take_v or_o purpose_n intend_v by_o they_o they_o know_v and_o be_v careful_a as_o all_o shall_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n whether_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o duty_n and_o action_n that_o only_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o retain_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v evil_a or_o unwarrantable_a by_o his_o word_n though_o former_o have_v and_o observe_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v correct_v and_o amend_v according_a to_o which_o rule_n
the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o imperfection_n the_o perfection_n of_o god_n far_o be_v it_o off_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a &_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n we_o will_v make_v the_o matter_n plain_n by_o a_o example_n and_o similitude_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o jeremie_n chap._n 3._o a_o wife_n be_v filthy_a with_o adultery_n if_o her_o husband_n will_v pardon_v she_o and_o consent_n to_o receive_v she_o and_o to_o dwell_v with_o she_o she_o abide_v still_o the_o wife_n of_o her_o husband_n not_o by_o she_o own_o deed_n do_v for_o she_o have_v break_v wedlock_n what_o in_o she_o be_v but_o by_o the_o benefit_n or_o goodness_n of_o her_o husband_n so_o a_o church_n overflow_a not_o only_o with_o light_a infirmity_n but_o also_o with_o heavy_a adultery_n on_o her_o part_n in_o deed_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o wife_n but_o she_o cease_v not_o on_o her_o husband_n part_n for_o touch_v the_o election_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 11.28_o she_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n call_v she_o proclaym_v that_o which_o be_v in_o jer._n 3.13_o only_o acknowledge_v thy_o iniquity_n that_o thou_o have_v transgress_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o have_v scatter_v thy_o way_n to_o the_o stranger_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o you_o have_v not_o obey_v my_o voice_n say_v the_o lord_n turn_v o_o backslide_a people_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o &_o i_o will_v take_v you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v so_o long_a a_o church_n as_o god_n protest_v call_v upon_o it_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o be_v rebellious_a as_o it_o be_v in_o esa_n 50_o 1._o where_o be_v the_o bill_n of_o your_o mother_n divercement_n wherewith_o i_o put_v she_o away_o or_o who_o be_v there_o of_o my_o creditor_n to_o who_o i_o sell_v you_o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n then_o at_o length_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n when_o god_n cease_v to_o call_v it_o back_o &_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o holy_a marriage_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o adulteres_fw-la and_o she_o that_o be_v stubborn_a testify_v that_o the_o matrimony_n be_v dissolve_v on_o his_o part_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o to_o be_v a_o church_n which_o god_n call_v a_o church_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o call_v that_o a_o church_n which_o god_n have_v give_v the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o take_v away_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o marriage_n contract_n deny_v so_o to_o be_v and_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o papacy_n be_v god_n call_v she_o with_o his_o call_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n and_o the_o public_a record_n of_o that_o holy_a marriage_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o thing_n and_o holy_a action_n which_o before_o we_o have_v brief_o reckon_v up_o these_o thing_n do_v remain_v to_o that_o church_n most_o manifest_o on_o god_n behalf_n but_o in_o that_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n all_o these_o thing_n and_o holy_a action_n together_o with_o the_o very_a person_n themselves_o abound_v and_o overflowe_v with_o most_o grievous_a &_o deadly_a corruption_n that_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o the_o fault_n of_o god_n who_o grace_n &_o truth_n be_v perfect_v in_o infirmity_n on_o god_n part_n she_o be_v yet_o call_v hammi_n my_o people_n and_o ruchama_n find_v mercy_n which_o most_o true_o on_o her_o part_n may_v be_v call_v lo_n hammi_fw-it not_o my_o people_n and_o lo_o ruchama_n not_o obtain_v mercy_n as_o we_o read_v in_o hosea_n the_o prophet_n but_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o grace_n reveal_v we_o speak_v our_o mind_n or_o we_o give_v our_o sentence_n concern_v a_o church_n err_v and_o go_v astray_o but_o this_o church_n have_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o corrupt_a i_o confess_v it_o but_o in_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o divine_a thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o have_v they_o all_o corrupt_a that_o be_v of_o itself_o in_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o church_n in_o that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o all_o corrupt_a it_o be_v a_o corrupt_a church_n the_o church_n be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v total_a as_o they_o speak_v which_o they_o call_v destruction_n a_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o part_n do_v not_o take_v away_o a_o church_n but_o weaken_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v all_o thing_n corrupt_v but_o not_o altogether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o destruction_n but_o be_v to_o be_v call_v a_o corruption_n of_o it_o in_o part_n for_o to_o prosecute_v these_o head_n particular_o which_o we_o have_v brief_o note_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n god_n by_o the_o alone_a presence_n of_o himself_o call_v do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n add_v another_o foundation_n to_o this_o foundation_n and_o to_o this_o head_n another_o new_a head_n whereupon_o it_o be_v call_v papal_a or_o popish_a wherein_o it_o may_v likewise_o rest_v the_o calling_n be_v to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v call_v to_o other_o with_o god_n and_o the_o call_n upon_o they_o here_o be_v call_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o scripture_n alone_o whence_o it_o receive_v the_o ministry_n &_o deliver_v nothing_o more_o they_o that_o which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n there_o it_o receive_v a_o ministry_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o the_o pope_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ragged_a tradition_n of_o man_n here_o final_o the_o person_n thing_n and_o action_n be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o the_o scripture_n only_o there_o all_o thing_n be_v take_v and_o exercise_v out_o of_o the_o pope_n changeable_a shop_n and_o at_o his_o beck_n as_o they_o say_v they_o stand_v and_o fall_v so_o all_o the_o mark_n on_o god_n behalf_n be_v in_o it_o but_o for_o itself_o on_o it_o own_o part_n as_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n entire_a no_o mark_n that_o be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o papal_a poisonful_a sorcery_n and_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n most_o miserable_o pervert_v for_o which_o cause_n in_o lion_n in_o france_n a_o certain_a friar_n do_v merry_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n when_o he_o say_v the_o hugonot_n for_o so_o they_o be_v call_v in_o france_n do_v consent_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o their_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v one_o shrewd_a word_n the_o word_n only_o at_o the_o crack_n whereof_o war_n be_v enkindle_v for_o they_o believe_v only_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v more_o unto_o faith_n than_o be_v either_o contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o such_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v well_o understand_v all_o man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v how_o that_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o on_o god_n part_n be_v yet_o a_o church_n but_o of_o itself_o be_v most_o corrupt_a &_o very_o never_o to_o destruction_n but_o here_o do_v arise_v two_o doubt_n &_o difficulty_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o be_v trouble_v the_o first_o doubt_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o latter_a what_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o be_v who_o be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o see_v the_o great_a corruption_n thereof_o to_o the_o first_o question_n we_o answer_n on_o this_o manner_n a_o threefold_a judgement_n have_v need_n meet_v together_o in_o this_o cause_n the_o first_o of_o truth_n the_o second_o of_o charity_n the_o three_o of_o prudence_n or_o wisdom_n the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v from_o the_o call_n of_o god_n that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v a_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o this_o way_n as_o david_n call_v it_o psal_a 2._o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n or_o wisdom_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o discern_v and_o distinguish_v person_n thing_n
doubt_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o purpose_v here_o have_v go_v forward_o with_o our_o consent_n it_o will_v afterward_o have_v be_v much_o abuse_v against_o we_o by_o other_o if_o not_o also_o by_o themselves_o special_o as_o it_o appear_v still_o more_o &_o more_o to_o be_v in_o deed_n intend_v by_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o although_o it_o have_v never_o be_v thought_n or_o speak_v of_o among_o we_o yet_o it_o will_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weight_n have_v be_v find_v a_o great_a oversight_n but_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o manifest_v that_o they_o will_v but_o go_v to_o the_o other_o church_n to_o join_v unto_o they_o there_o &_o then_o present_o return_v hither_o again_o to_o remain_v and_o live_v here_o in_o the_o same_o town_n apart_o from_o we_o of_o who_o they_o be_v what_o will_v this_o have_v prove_v in_o deed_n but_o scandal_n and_o collusion_n and_o have_v be_v turn_v upon_o we_o with_o the_o more_o reproach_n because_o we_o consent_v unto_o it_o as_o for_o that_o other_o clause_n in_o their_o letter_n where_o they_o write_v that_o the_o agreement_n shall_v be_v reverse_v with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o both_o church_n note_v that_o this_o be_v their_o propound_v thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v of_o whether_o we_o will_v assent_v unto_o it_o or_o not_o and_o that_o in_o all_o such_o case_n wherein_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o either_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v or_o the_o truth_n hinder_v or_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n impeach_v it_o behove_v all_o careful_o to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o consent_v and_o yield_v unto_o yea_o that_o if_o any_o condition_n or_o agreement_n be_v make_v which_o can_v not_o without_o sin_n be_v perform_v it_o be_v better_a to_o break_v then_o to_o keep_v they_o last_o observe_v here_o how_o the_o course_n about_o deal_v in_o matter_n propound_v in_o this_o letter_n and_o not_o yield_v unto_o by_o the_o other_o they_o except_o some_o of_o they_o show_v plain_a enough_o how_o great_o these_o man_n oppugn_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o elder_n hear_v and_o judge_v of_o cause_n and_o person_n and_o how_o high_o they_o lift_v up_o the_o people_n therein_o special_o when_o the_o thing_n note_v before_o about_o this_o question_n be_v join_v and_o compare_v herewith_n now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o set_v down_o our_o next_o letter_n send_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n about_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a which_o also_o be_v the_o last_o that_o pass_v between_v we_o afore_o the_o other_o part_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o your_o letter_n brethren_n we_o receive_v and_o read_v public_o corcern_v which_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o signify_v some_o thing_n unto_o you_o thereabouts_o and_o first_o touch_v the_o agreement_n treat_v of_o between_o we_o that_o for_o such_o of_o we_o as_o will_v not_o come_v thither_o to_o remain_v with_o you_o but_o purpose_v still_o to_o live_v here_o in_o this_o city_n apart_o from_o we_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o that_o can_v be_v content_a notwithstanding_o so_o to_o dismiss_v they_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o of_o we_o that_o have_v more_o consider_v of_o it_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o consent_v thereunto_o and_o mean_v therefore_o to_o reverse_v our_o former_a agreement_n unto_o it_o beside_o that_o divers_a of_o we_o say_v they_o never_o consent_v hereunto_o and_o further_o some_o of_o we_o also_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v unlawful_a to_o keep_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o such_o estate_n how_o ever_o we_o may_v still_o retain_v with_o they_o civil_a society_n the_o reason_n mind_v why_o not_o so_o to_o dismiss_v they_o nor_o to_o have_v spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o such_o estate_n &_o walk_v be_v these_o 1._o because_o we_o can_v not_o find_v warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o because_o they_o refuse_v disobey_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n 3._o because_o they_o refuse_v to_o continue_v and_o keep_v communion_n with_o we_o though_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o walk_v with_o we_o in_o peace_n with_o protestation_n in_o their_o difference_n of_o judgement_n 4._o because_o some_o of_o they_o profess_v they_o will_v not_o deal_v in_o cause_n as_o may_v fall_v out_o between_o we_o by_o way_n of_o protestation_n neither_o when_o they_o be_v with_o we_o nor_o when_o they_o be_v from_o we_o 5._o because_o they_o go_v not_o from_o one_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o another_o so_o to_o live_v and_o remain_v but_o purpose_n when_o they_o have_v come_v &_o join_v unto_o you_o then_o present_o to_o return_v &_o to_o live_v here_o in_o this_o town_n apart_o from_o we_o 6._o because_o by_o such_o walk_n of_o they_o great_a reproach_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o with_o much_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o hindrance_n to_o the_o truth_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v 7._o last_o because_o we_o think_v there_o shall_v always_o be_v somewhat_o in_o such_o case_n use_v as_o whereby_o the_o lord_n may_v work_v upon_o their_o conscience_n to_o consider_v their_o estate_n and_o to_o repent_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o refuse_v and_o oppugn_v etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o think_v to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n thereabouts_o which_o yet_o be_v so_o mind_v of_o we_o as_o if_o either_o among_o ourselves_o or_o by_o other_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o better_o discern_v what_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n herein_o we_o shall_v godwilling_a be_v ready_a so_o to_o receive_v and_o walk_v as_o touch_v the_o the_o double_a practice_n mislike_v by_o you_o although_o in_o deed_n it_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a yet_o for_o the_o present_a some_o of_o we_o can_v like_v better_o of_o it_o then_o of_o a_o part_n but_o the_o brethren_n differ_v from_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o neither_o will_v they_o yield_v to_o that_o middle_a course_n propound_v in_o your_o letter_n yet_o have_v we_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o former_a thing_n to_o their_o further_a consideration_n and_o how_o soever_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o our_o trust_n be_v that_o he_o will_v work_v all_o in_o the_o end_n to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o gracious_a protection_n and_o guydance_n we_o commend_v you_o etc._n etc._n amsterdam_n novemb_n 19.1610_o this_o letter_n be_v here_o public_o read_v be_v then_o send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n whereabout_o let_v these_o thing_n also_o be_v observe_v here_o first_o that_o we_o reverse_v not_o our_o agreement_n concern_v such_o as_o will_v go_v and_o live_v with_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n but_o only_o about_o such_o as_o will_v not_o remain_v and_o live_v there_o but_o purpose_v to_o return_v &_o live_v here_o apart_o from_o we_o in_o this_o city_n second_o that_o for_o this_o also_o we_o show_v divers_a reason_n move_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o both_o here_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o writing_n to_o leyden_n afore_o they_o go_v away_o from_o we_o three_o that_o whereas_o two_o course_n be_v propound_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o we_o together_o the_o one_o by_o we_o here_o the_o other_o by_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o either_o of_o they_o neither_o remain_v with_o we_o till_o we_o have_v from_o leyden_n a_o answer_n of_o this_o letter_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n contain_v therein_o but_o be_v so_o set_v upon_o part_v from_o we_o as_o before_o we_o hear_v from_o they_o they_o divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o so_o have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n yea_o notwithstanding_o that_o before_o this_o their_o part_n and_o beside_o all_o the_o other_o mean_v former_o use_v we_o offer_v also_o to_o try_v out_o in_o writing_n the_o matter_n between_v we_o touch_v our_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n government_n and_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o which_o likewise_o they_o refuse_v whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o four_o that_o when_o they_o leave_v we_o they_o go_v not_o to_o leyden_n there_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o church_n according_a to_o the_o agreement_n before_o speak_v of_o but_o go_v apart_o from_o we_o here_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n which_o they_o have_v with_o we_o and_o meet_v together_o in_o another_o place_n of_o this_o town_n which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o because_o that_o thus_o themselves_o in_o their_o go_v away_o follow_v not_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o other_o church_n and_o we_o whereof_o