art_n 10._o â—sw_n â—sw_n consider_v first_o 1_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o ability_n of_o discern_v that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n above_o any_o minister_n now_o live_v who_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v with_o less_o time_n of_o study_n so_o to_o dispatch_v and_o turn_v over_o weighty_a business_n with_o more_o speed_n and_o dexterity_n than_o we_o be_v 2_o the_o extraordinary_a wonderful_a and_o visible_a stroke_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o hear_v peter_n at_o that_o time_n the_o meeting_n the_o language_n their_o understanding_n of_o it_o god_n assistance_n of_o peter_n and_o blessing_n on_o the_o word_n all_o extraordinary_a such_o a_o day_n such_o a_o sermon_n such_o effect_n as_o never_o be_v before_o nor_o like_v to_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v remarkable_a in_o their_o conversion_n so_o also_o in_o their_o expression_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o need_v little_a trial_n when_o god_n speak_v himself_o from_o heaven_n answer_v to_o chap._n vi_o he_o report_v to_o recite_v such_o thing_n only_o as_o most_o need_v answer_n and_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v art_n 1._o 2._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v with_o all_o power_n any_o that_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o illiterate_a yet_o they_o may_v make_v &_o examine_v all_o their_o officer_n &_o unmake_v &_o depose_v they_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n so_o to_o do_v and_o preach_v expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n yea_o and_o do_v it_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o their_o officer_n as_o officer_n when_o they_o have_v they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n if_o i_o do_v delight_n in_o retort_v i_o can_v say_v of_o these_o word_n as_o he_o of_o holland_n minister_n apology_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a gull_n for_o almost_o so_o many_o word_n so_o many_o mistake_n the_o narratour_n shall_v have_v do_v well_o first_o to_o have_v prove_v all_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o new-england_n man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o then_o he_o may_v more_o easy_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o hold_v and_o practice_v such_o a_o congery_n of_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n for_o else_o many_o of_o they_o there_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v learn_v godly_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v believe_v he_o that_o they_o can_v hold_v that_o 1._o illiterate_a man_n can_v examine_v pastor_n fitness_n 2._o depose_v they_o at_o pleasure_n 3._o prithee_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n 4._o and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o their_o officer_n at_o all_o 5._o and_o which_o be_v mâ—st_o strange_a that_o christ_n himself_o have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a one_o with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o receive_a practice_n among_o we_o that_o when_o any_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n there_o be_v one_o at_o least_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o able_a part_n of_o humane_a and_o divine_a learning_n that_o either_o have_v be_v a_o minister_n in_o our_o native_a country_n or_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o usual_o and_o frequent_o preach_v to_o they_o after_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o man_n illiterate_a ☜_o ☜_o and_o w._n r._n himself_o know_v this_o to_o be_v true_a for_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 32._o quest_n 42._o which_o be_v very_a page_n he_o here_o quote_v direct_o say_v this_o in_o so_o many_o word_n 2._o that_o those_o illiterate_a man_n do_v examine_v their_o minister_n ability_n and_o that_o we_o hold_v they_o ought_v be_v another_o great_a mistake_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v put_v man_n upon_o a_o work_n beyond_o their_o reach_n which_o be_v idle_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o intend_v to_o call_v into_o office_n be_v not_o well_o know_v to_o they_o they_o use_v to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o elder_n in_o other_o church_n to_o survey_v their_o ability_n and_o to_o inform_v they_o therein_o that_o thereby_o as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o they_o and_o discern_v of_o their_o gift_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o their_o suffrage_n for_o election_n when_o the_o time_n come_v 3._o for_o their_o unmaking_n and_o depose_v they_o again_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n we_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o a_o thing_n most_o injurious_a to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o heaven_n &_o to_o his_o minister_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o not_o only_a christ_n will_v summon_v church_n at_o the_o great_a day_n to_o answer_v unto_o but_o our_o church_n there_o will_v also_o expect_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o for_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v thus_o depose_v minister_n as_o he_o say_v when_o they_o see_v cause_n unless_o christ_n himself_o shall_v see_v good_a cause_n to_o allow_v their_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o word_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v this_o that_o we_o protest_v against_o such_o practice_n and_o to_o show_v how_o wary_a we_o be_v in_o this_o point_n no_o church_n dare_v trust_v she_o own_o judgement_n but_o our_o manner_n be_v as_o his_o quote_v author_n speak_v answer_v to_o 34._o q._n of_o p._n 41._o our_o practice_n be_v in_o removal_n of_o minister_n to_o have_v counsel_n and_o assistance_n from_o sister_n church_n 4._o whereas_o he_o say_v also_o that_o we_o hold_v that_o man_n illiterate_a shall_v preach_v with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o work_n and_o a_o task_n for_o the_o able_a minister_n to_o perform_v be_v as_o far_o from_o we_o as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o for_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o some_o case_n some_o able_a judicious_a experience_a christian_n may_v humble_o &_o sober_o when_o necessity_n require_v as_o in_o the_o want_n of_o minister_n &_o be_v invite_v thereunto_o dispense_v now_o and_o then_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o preach_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v word_n of_o his_o own_o put_v in_o without_o any_o ground_n 5._o but_o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v they_o may_v thus_o preach_v when_o they_o have_v officer_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o our_o practice_n and_o further_a from_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o will_v direct_o cross_v christ_n his_o institution_n of_o call_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n and_o make_v mere_a cypher_n of_o they_o who_o office_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o preach_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o assembly_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n to_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o shut_v it_o up_o by_o silence_n so_o that_o none_o may_v so_o much_o as_o speak_v without_o his_o allowance_n ☞_o ☞_o and_o this_o expression_n of_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o narration_n in_o art_n 8._o where_o he_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o act_n we_o ascribe_v to_o our_o minister_n in_o office_n be_v to_o declare_v unto_o their_o people_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o to_o moderate_v in_o church-meeting_n yet_o here_o he_o speak_v clean_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n also_o ☞_o ☞_o 6._o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a man_n with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o their_o power_n and_o all_o ordinary_a possibility_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o to_o his_o own_o institution_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o we_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o even_o to_o make_v christ_n cross_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v a_o patron_n of_o confusion_n in_o his_o own_o house_n by_o invest_v they_o with_o all_o power_n to_o oppose_v his_o own_o rule_n of_o order_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n our_o nartatour_n have_v to_o lay_v all_o these_o charge_n against_o we_o you_o will_v think_v sure_a his_o proof_n be_v strong_a or_o he_o will_v never_o have_v venture_v to_o blemish_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o god_n faithful_a i_o servant_n in_o such_o sore_a accusation_n as_o these_o true_a he_o quote_v many_o and_o that_o i_o may_v see_v his_o bottom_n i_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o print_a author_n in_o every_o page_n quote_v ☞_o ☞_o and_o i_o solemn_o profess_v it_o that_o none_o of_o these_o particular_n rehearse_v as_o he_o have_v lay_v they_o down_o much_o less_o in_o they_o all_o will_v any_o of_o they_o bear_v he_o out_o and_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o try_v whether_o
inconstancy_n and_o upon_o this_o tax_v we_o in_o the_o margin_n for_o so_o do_v do_v but_o mark_v his_o deal_n in_o this_o his_o proof_n of_o our_o unconstancy_n for_o the_o self_n same_o author_n &_o page_n he_o quote_v to_o prove_v the_o rigour_n of_o our_o admission_n answer_v he_o cite_v to_o prove_v our_o indulgence_n answ_n to_o 32._o quest_n p._n 8._o he_o bring_v this_o for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o if_o the_o same_o pen_n have_v write_v contradiction_n in_o the_o same_o page_n yet_o no_o show_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n will_v appear_v if_o you_o peruse_v the_o place_n i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v that_o such_o member_n in_o one_o church_n in_o n._n e._n as_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o church_n must_v fiâ—st_o bring_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o their_o own_o church_n art_n 7._o though_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o convenient_a thing_n especial_o for_o such_o as_o live_v far_o off_o and_o altogether_o unknown_a to_o any_o of_o the_o church_n answer_n where_o he_o desire_v participation_n of_o the_o supper_n to_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a with_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o usual_a thing_n especial_o if_o any_o of_o the_o church_n know_v they_o to_o accept_v member_n of_o other_o church_n upon_o their_o desire_n without_o any_o letter_n testimonial_a and_o the_o author_n quote_v do_v he_o the_o favour_n rather_o to_o seem_v to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o he_o then_o for_o he_o for_o say_v the_o answer_n to_o 32._o p._n 29._o 30._o we_o do_v require_v letter_n testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n in_o old-england_n for_o such_o as_o come_v from_o thence_o before_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n whereas_o such_o as_o come_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o new-england_n we_o receive_v because_o these_o church_n in_o n._n e._n be_v better_o know_v to_o we_o theâ—_n the_o other_o see_v he_o this_o testimony_n favour_v he_o the_o last_o and_o worst_a report_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o art_n 12._o where_o he_o repâ—â—_n that_o if_o any_o among_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v and_o desire_v church_n fellowship_n in_o our_o way_n 〈◊〉_d account_v they_o despiser_n of_o it_o yea_o wicked_a and_o graceless_a person_n ☞_o ☞_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v with_o detestation_n god_n forbid_v we_o speak_v as_o know_v god_n hear_v all_o our_o word_n we_o hope_v we_o be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o spirit_n for_o we_o know_v well_o that_o many_o gracious_a and_o precious_a saint_n there_o among_o we_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v for_o a_o good_a time_n abstain_v from_o seek_v and_o desire_v church_n fellowship_n for_o other_o ground_n then_o despite_o wickedness_n and_o gracelessness_n sometime_o because_o they_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o a_o place_n sometime_o because_o they_o desire_v more_o experience_n of_o the_o minister_n &_o people_n where_o they_o shall_v join_v some_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a light_n and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o church-waye_n we_o walk_v in_o and_o some_o other_o out_o of_o many_o fear_n about_o their_o own_o spiritual_a estate_n before_o god_n judge_v themselves_o through_o temptation_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o dare_v noâ—_n venture_v upon_o the_o seal_n etc._n etc._n who_o we_o yet_o esteem_v precious_a soul_n and_o have_v labour_v by_o all_o argument_n we_o be_v able_a to_o encourage_v to_o come_v into_o church_n fellowship_n ☞_o ☞_o see_v what_o cause_n therefore_o he_o have_v in_o his_o marginall_n to_o this_o article_n to_o upbraid_v we_o for_o harshness_n uncharitableness_n and_o forget_v the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n in_o this_o point_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o he_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o trust_v also_o in_o such_o report_n as_o these_o be_v ☞_o ☞_o and_o for_o these_o quotation_n cite_v of_o answ_n to_o 32._o q._n p._n 21._o and_o answ_n to_o 9_o pos_fw-la p_o 69._o we_o bold_o say_v and_o do_v here_o challenge_v he_o with_o it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n therein_o to_o bear_v he_o out_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v here_o lay_v this_o report_n upon_o himself_o as_o the_o raiser_n of_o it_o let_v he_o defend_v it_o or_o humble_o take_v the_o blame_n beside_o these_o blur_v he_o put_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o text_n he_o attempt_v no_o less_o in_o his_o large_a marginal_a comment_n on_o this_o chap._n by_o many_o objection_n raise_v against_o we_o beside_o those_o we_o have_v take_v away_o already_o â—bject_n â—bject_n as_o that_o we_o keep_v our_o church_n door_n so_o close_o shut_v and_o why_o may_v not_o fair_a overture_n and_o show_v of_o grace_n in_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v sufficient_a for_o admission_n and_o what_o need_v such_o narrow_a search_n and_o sound_v of_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o christ_n never_o make_v such_o rule_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o church_n never_o practise_v the_o like_a and_o that_o real_a and_o internal_a holiness_n be_v not_o require_v to_o make_v a_o member_n but_o only_o federall_a and_o external_a etc._n etc._n answ_n do_v but_o see_v how_o church_n member_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v qualify_v matt._n 3.6_o act._n 8_o 37_o 38._o act_n 19.18.9_o rom._n 17._o and_o 15.34_o eph._n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 9.13_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o where_o be_v plain_o express_v what_o frame_v such_o be_v of_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o profess_v their_o faith_n they_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n they_o confess_v &_o show_v their_o work_n they_o open_o burn_v as_o many_o câ—â—iuring_a book_n as_o â—â—â—e_a moâ—th_v no_o less_o than_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n they_o be_v man_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o knowledge_n the_o faith_n of_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o through_o the_o world_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o christ_n give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o there_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o let_v w._n r._n speak_v be_v here_o only_o federall_a and_o external_a holiness_n be_v here_o only_o fair_a overture_n and_o some_o show_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o we_o go_v further_o their_o his_o principle_n carry_v he_o then_o we_o keep_v our_o church_n door_n too_o close_o then_o he_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v against_o charity_n against_o christian_n wisdom_n against_o justice_n and_o all_o and_o then_o why_o will_v not_o overture_n and_o show_v serve_v our_o turn_v i_o tell_v you_o these_o overture_n &c_n &c_n show_v w._n r._n have_v do_v mischief_n enough_o already_o a_o man_n will_v think_v to_o christ_n his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o these_o poor_a english_a church_n it_o be_v even_o hightime_o sure_a to_o press_v on_o further_a now_o then_o overture_n first_o you_o be_v for_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o now_o plead_v for_o overture_n whither_o next_o but_o to_o margin_n on_o article_n 4._o what_o needâ—_n we_o be_v so_o nice_a in_o our_o admission_n objection_n 2_o whereas_o man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v admit_v into_o church_n communion_n upon_o one_o testimony_n only_o as_o paul_n act_v 9.27_o upon_o barnabas_n testimony_n alone_o and_o phoebe_n rom._n 16.1_o upon_o paulâ—_n bare_a testimony_n 1._o for_o paul_n admission_n if_o you_o will_v consider_v answ_n 1._o the_o incomparable_a eminency_n of_o grace_n and_o singular_a excellency_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v apparent_a in_o paul_n 2_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o credit_n that_o barnabas_n who_o give_v testimony_n of_o he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n heart_n as_o act_n 11.24_o act_n 4.36_o act_n 13.2_o and_o 13_o 7._o and_o 15.25_o and_o three_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v in_o for_o paul_n act_v 9.27_o you_o will_v easy_o answer_v yourself_o that_o there_o be_v more_o ground_n for_o his_o admission_n then_o ever_o be_v require_v of_o any_o member_n into_o a_o new-england_n church_n second_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o phoebe_n by_o paul_n testimony_n only_o rom._n 16.1_o it_o be_v answer_v paul_n bare_a estimony_n be_v more_o than_o twenty_o man_n word_n in_o the_o church_n heart_n 2_o but_o here_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o phoebe_n be_v not_o by_o paul_n testimony_n admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n for_o she_o be_v already_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ceâ—chrea_n yea_o and_o a_o servant_n of_o it_o too_o viz._n either_o a_o widow_n of_o that_o church_n or_o send_v from_o that_o church_n to_o rome_n upon_o some_o special_a business_n but_o she_o be_v only_o recommend_v by_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n during_o the_o time_n of_o her_o abode_n among_o they_o not_o for_o any_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n but_o for_o assistance_n in_o some_o business_n rom._n 16.2_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o
without_o murmur_v 2._o that_o we_o willing_o will_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v advice_n for_o ourselves_o and_o we_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v present_v 3._o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v forward_o in_o the_o congregation_n to_o show_v our_o own_o part_n and_o gift_n in_o speak_v or_o scruple_v nor_o discover_v the_o fail_n of_o our_o brethren_n ☞_o ☞_o now_o what_o spirit_n but_o w._n r._n will_v startle_v scoff_n and_o quarrel_n as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o marginall_n pag._n 17._o 18._o 19_o at_o such_o plainehearted_n and_o find_v expression_n as_o these_o be_v all_o clear_o ground_v on_o scripture_n he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o also_o that_o we_o mention_v not_o in_o our_o covenant_n more_o particular_a sin_n and_o duty_n than_o we_o do_v and_o yet_o be_v offend_v that_o we_o mention_v any_o at_o all_o how_o shall_v we_o please_v he_o ☞_o ☞_o he_o tell_v we_o again_o that_o the_o former_a of_o these_o covenant_n be_v we_o fit_a for_o wedding_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o then_o fly_v from_o new-england_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n here_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o church_n there_o say_v he_o yet_o accept_v of_o settle_a employment_n even_o charge_v of_o soul_n here_o and_o how_o can_v they_o watch_v over_o their_o church_n i_o know_v but_o two_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n there_o answ_n that_o be_v in_o england_n at_o this_o time_n and_o how_o far_o both_o those_o be_v from_o settle_a employment_n much_o more_o from_o take_v living_n as_o these_o word_n charge_n of_o soul_n imply_v god_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o at_o present_a preach_v can_v testify_v little_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o credit_n of_o any_o that_o thus_o slander_v they_o i_o advise_v he_o to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o they_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o recall_v but_o how_o can_v such_o so_o far_o distant_a watch_v over_o their_o church_n and_o é_fw-fr contrà _fw-la object_n that_o hand_n of_o providence_n that_o upon_o weighty_a cause_n and_o with_o their_o answ_n people_n consent_n first_o lead_v they_o hither_o and_o upon_o like_a necessary_a ground_n beyond_o expectation_n still_o detain_v they_o here_o take_v they_o off_o at_o present_a from_o perform_v that_o duty_n of_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o people_n ☜_o ☜_o as_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o do_v to_o other_o person_n that_o be_v absent_a from_o their_o family_n and_o church_n by_o long_a sea-voyage_n war_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o note_n that_o w._n r._n be_v the_o more_o blamable_a in_o these_o carping_n at_o the_o covenant_n mention_v because_o he_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n as_o his_o own_o word_n be_v pag._n 17._o 1._o that_o all_o thing_n in_o those_o two_o form_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o a_o fair_a construction_n be_v very_a good_a 2._o that_o if_o any_o other_o interpretation_n be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n therein_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o harsh_n constuction_n it_o be_v not_o without_o a_o special_a finger_n of_o god_n that_o himself_o shall_v first_o commend_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v very_o good_a and_o blame_v any_o other_o construction_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o it_o as_o harsh_z and_o yet_o shall_v immediate_o in_o his_o very_a next_o word_n fall_v upon_o such_o harsh_a construction_n in_o sundry_a particular_n as_o he_o have_v do_v he_o report_v in_o art_n 11._o as_o strange_a and_o gross_a a_o untruth_n to_o call_v it_o by_o the_o fair_a term_n and_o that_o without_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o i._n e._n that_o we_o hold_v that_o this_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o sacrament_n and_o for_o the_o seal_n and_o ratify_v of_o which_o the_o sacrament_n be_v principal_o ordain_v of_o god_n i_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o report_n wherein_o these_o 4._o thing_n lie_v plain_a ans_fw-fr which_o he_o must_v prove_v we_o hold_v 1._o that_o our_o church-covenant_n be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o both_o sacrament_n 2._o that_o this_o church_n covenant_n thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v seal_v by_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o that_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n ordain_v the_o sacrament_n 4._o the_o principal_a end_n w._n r._n now_o prove_v all_o these_o else_o you_o will_v prove_v yourself_o unfaithful_a all_o his_o proof_n we_o can_v see_v be_v ans_fw-fr to_o 9_o pos_fw-la p._n 63._o 66._o i_o will_v relate_v the_o very_a word_n that_o he_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v baptism_n say_v the_o author_n serve_v to_o seal_v to_o our_o justification_n as_o circumcision_n do_v yet_o not_o that_o alone_a but_o also_o the_o whole_a covenant_n i._n e._n of_o grace_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n as_o adoption_n act._n 2.38_o and_o sanctification_n gal._n 3.26.27_o tit._n 3.5_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n tit._n 3.5_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n mat._n 20.23_o and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o and_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o church_n covenant_n also_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 2.15.29_o now_o here_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v the_o thing_n seal_v much_o less_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o this_o ordain_v the_o sacrament_n lest_o of_o all_o that_o the_o church_n covenant_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v be_v this_o that_o though_o justification_n and_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n seal_v in_o their_o circumcision_n and_o our_o baptism_n yet_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church_n covenant_n also_o be_v not_o without_o their_o share_n and_o benefit_n in_o the_o sacrament_n how_o far_o this_o expression_n come_v short_a of_o his_o assertion_n let_v other_o judge_n now_o see_v his_o marginal_a note_n upon_o this_o art_n here_n be_v say_v this_o commenter_n a_o piece_n or_o two_o of_o such_o divinity_n as_o i_o never_o read_v but_o vno_fw-la absurdo_fw-la dato_fw-la mille_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la i_o can_v resort_v here_o be_v such_o a_o absurd_a foist_v in_o of_o untruth_n as_o i_o never_o hardly_o read_v in_o heathen_a or_o christâ—an_a writer_n and_o have_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o first_o now_o they_o come_v in_o by_o troop_n as_o he_o have_v have_v very_o ill_a success_n hitherto_o all_o the_o chapter_n through_o let_v we_o see_v if_o he_o will_v speed_v any_o better_a at_o the_o last_o close_a he_o say_v art_n 12._o infant_n that_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v not_o yet_o permit_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n until_o 1._o they_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o foresay_a course_n of_o public_a &_o private_a examination_n 2._o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n 3._o declaration_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o confession_n 4._o personal_a vocal_a and_o express_v enter_v into_o the_o same_o covenant_n as_o other_o of_o year_n have_v do_v before_o they_o and_o as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v make_v member_n before_o and_o for_o this_o practice_n he_o cite_v only_a ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n p._n 20._o 21._o how_o he_o deal_v herein_o see_v that_o place_n if_o there_o be_v not_o more_o in_o his_o promise_n then_o be_v in_o his_o proof_n all_o that_o the_o author_n say_v be_v this_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o their_o covenant_n or_o a_o new_a profession_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o and_o profess_v modest_o too_o these_o be_v but_o their_o present_a thought_n not_o settle_v determinative_o for_o want_v of_o occasion_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o practice_n yet_o he_o bring_v he_o in_o as_o speak_v conclusive_o and_o with_o a_o lumber_n of_o addition_n deviation_n alteration_n of_o his_o own_o put_n in_o for_o where_o be_v now_o his_o run_v through_o all_o the_o foresay_a course_n of_o private_a and_o public_a examination_n he_o mention_n where_o be_v his_o declaraition_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n where_o be_v his_o personal_a vocal_a and_o express_a enter_v intr_n the_o same_o covenant_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v receive_v member_n before_o who_o word_n be_v all_o these_o nay_o the_o author_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o child_n be_v enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n already_o and_o do_v but_o renew_v
form_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o one_o or_o two_o at_o first_o for_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v never_o impose_v on_o any_o but_o all_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n have_v full_a liberty_n to_o consider_v and_o consult_v about_o the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o it_o or_o give_v reason_n for_o addition_n or_o alteration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v by_o his_o own_o act_n or_o consent_v at_o least_o and_o after_o all_o if_o he_o have_v not_o light_a and_o ground_n he_o be_v in_o no_o case_n force_v to_o it_o if_o this_o be_v so_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v call_v it_o a_o impose_v of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o the_o member_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v mistake_v likewise_o for_o any_o church_n have_v and_o take_v liberty_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v just_a cause_n if_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n or_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o their_o covenant_n make_v at_o first_o to_o alter_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o bound_v not_o themselves_o to_o continue_v in_o any_o oversight_n because_o they_o once_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o some_o church_n have_v so_o do_v but_o wâ—_n may_v here_o see_v what_o a_o task_n w._n r._n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v narrative_n of_o church-course_n in_o such_o place_n where_o himself_o never_o come_v but_o rest_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o various_a relation_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o often_o stumble_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o rush_v upon_o so_o many_o foul_a mistake_n in_o every_o chapter_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v instruct_v he_o for_o future_a time_n semel_fw-la insanivimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la answer_v to_o chap._n v._n he_o be_v at_o a_o set_v in_o art_n 1._o and_o 2._o and_o their_o marginall_n and_o fall_v a_o wonder_v at_o the_o contradiction_n in_o they_o for_o in_o art_n 1._o he_o say_v that_o man_n may_v in_o new_a england_n constitute_v a_o church_n without_o consent_n from_o the_o magistrate_n or_o neighbour_n church_n yet_o in_o art_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a court-law_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o new-england_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o neighbour_n church_n hereat_o he_o stand_v amaze_v and_o set_v his_o reader_n to_o do_v so_o too_o â—ns_n â—ns_n i_o will_v do_v he_o the_o favour_n to_o help_v he_o out_o of_o this_o straight_a and_o salve_v his_o credit_n by_o tell_v he_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o in_o his_o article_n do_v but_o distinguish_v of_o time_n and_o you_o untie_v the_o knot_n for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o new-england_n for_o some_o few_o year_n space_n before_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v and_o then_o church_n do_v use_v to_o gather_v without_o any_o notice_n give_v to_o magistrate_n or_o other_o church_n but_o after_o the_o opinion_n grow_v on_o and_o experience_n discover_v the_o danger_n there_o be_v a_o law_n make_v that_o none_o must_v constitute_v any_o church_n but_o first_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o magistrate_n and_o church_n and_o since_o that_o this_o course_n be_v due_o observe_v so_o both_o your_o art_n w._n r._n you_o see_v be_v true_a and_o your_o report_n honest_a and_o right_a yet_o withal_o let_v i_o give_v you_v a_o few_o animadversion_n by_o way_n of_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o i_o pray_v take_v they_o well_o 1._o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wrong_v so_o many_o godly_a saint_n and_o faithful_a church_n upon_o private_a various_a information_n and_o your_o own_o mistake_n and_o so_o break_v that_o 9_o commandment_n of_o our_o ever_o bless_v god_n 2._o while_o you_o live_v undertake_v no_o more_o narrative_n of_o church-course_n in_o place_n you_o be_v no_o better_o acquaint_v withal_o lest_o at_o unawarr_n unhappy_o you_o speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n you_o know_v not_o 3._o when_o a_o matter_n lie_v before_o you_o that_o admit_v a_o double_a construction_n be_v sure_a you_o ever_o take_v it_o in_o the_o better_a and_o not_o in_o the_o worse_a sense_n in_o those_o two_o report_n you_o see_v one_o good_a sense_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o another_o bad_a and_o that_o yourself_o have_v take_v for_o when_o you_o stand_v amaze_v in_o your_o marginall_n at_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o report_n in_o the_o conclusion_n who_o must_v be_v beat_v but_o either_o your_o informer_n or_o else_o new-england_n church_n for_o practise_v such_o foul_a yea_o more_o foul_a contradiction_n as_o you_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v and_o yet_o note_n you_o see_v neither_o he_o nor_o they_o but_o yourself_o only_o be_v in_o all_o the_o blame_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o &_o 2._o article_n who_o do_v he_o produce_v for_o the_o 1._o article_n but_o the_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n p._n 43._o where_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n nor_o jot_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n be_v erect_v without_o the_o magistrate_n cogniscence_n then_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o both_o the_o article_n where_o this_o contradiction_n lie_v he_o produce_v r._n m._n to_o w._n r._n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o that_o monstrous_a birth_n of_o a_o foul_a contradiction_n now_o this_o r._n m._n be_v a_o godly_a &_o reverent_a teacher_n of_o a_o church_n there_o who_o will_v not_o write_v such_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n without_o clear_v of_o it_o some_o way_n or_o other_o ever_o have_v we_o find_v he_o sober_a and_o wary_a in_o all_o his_o expression_n 2._o this_o r._n m._n be_v his_o old_a love_a friend_n also_o who_o i_o know_v do_v dear_o respect_v he_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o w._n r._n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n to_o consider_v if_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n towards_o your_o dear_a friend_n without_o his_o consent_n to_o discover_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v write_v to_o yourself_o in_o private_a for_o those_o that_o know_v you_o both_o can_v but_o know_v who_o this_o r._n m._n to_o w._n r._n be_v 2._o to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n 3._o so_o to_o fall_v upon_o he_o in_o your_o margin_n who_o you_o know_v so_o love_v a_o friend_n and_o so_o godly_a a_o man_n as_o one_o that_o report_v to_o you_o such_o thing_n for_o truth_n as_o they_o neither_o hold_v nor_o practice_v in_o n._n e._n which_o be_v little_o better_a than_o to_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n i_o leave_v my_o thought_n with_o you_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o art_n 3._o 4._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o report_v and_o that_o true_o except_v some_o few_o mistake_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o new-england_n as_o that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n do_v beforehand_o often_o meet_v private_o to_o be_v inward_o acquaint_v with_o each_o other_o spirit_n by_o conference_n prayer_n &_o mutual_a examination_n of_o each_o other_o till_o they_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o before_o they_o join_v they_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o neighbour-churche_n that_o such_o as_o please_v may_v be_v present_a at_o the_o place_n and_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n to_o give_v they_o advice_n direction_n etc._n etc._n the_o day_n appoint_v be_v keep_v with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o preach_v etc._n etc._n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n each_o of_o those_o person_n now_o to_o be_v church_v make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n have_v hear_v and_o consider_v if_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a or_o any_o slander_n by_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o still_o unsatisfied_a they_o forbid_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o do_v before_o but_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o say_a person_n enter_v into_o covenant_n than_o the_o say_a messenger_n give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o return_v back_o make_v report_n to_o their_o church_n that_o send_v they_o now_o what_o can_v w._n r._n answer_n or_o any_o man_n object_n against_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o this_o relation_n some_o mistake_v only_o except_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o it_o down_o one_o will_v think_v the_o godliness_n of_o the_o person_n join_v the_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o deal_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n their_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o as_o become_v saint_n and_o to_o begin_v this_o holy_a &_o weighty_a
business_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o fast_v &_o prayer_n at_o least_o shall_v stop_v man_n mouth_n from_o speak_v ill_o of_o they_o and_o their_o way_n yet_o w._n r._n fail_v in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o in_o divers_a point_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o advertise_v he_o of_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n in_o that_o offensive_a phrase_n say_v those_o person_n come_v now_o to_o be_v church_n he_o well_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o word_n it_o do_v not_o become_v gravity_n and_o holiness_n to_o give_v such_o deride_v word_n nor_o ludere_fw-la cum_fw-la sanctis_fw-la god_n hear_v all_o our_o word_n and_o see_v the_o scope_n of_o our_o heart_n therein_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v innocent_o in_o it_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o i_o once_o name_v it_o he_o speak_v twice_o both_o in_o art_n 6._o and_o 8._o of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sâ—nt_v to_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n â—nsw_n â—nsw_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v the_o magistrate_n come_v themselves_o in_o person_n if_o they_o can_v or_o if_o not_o they_o send_v no_o deputy_n or_o messenger_n the_o church_n indeed_o send_v messenger_n common_o their_o elder_n to_o lend_v they_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n if_o they_o need_v be_v more_o experience_v in_o those_o way_n than_o common_o new_a beginner_n be_v to_o join_v their_o prayer_n with_o they_o &_o to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n but_o the_o magistrate_n send_v no_o deputy_n he_o report_v in_o art_n 8._o that_o if_o the_o messenger_n or_o any_o stander_n by_o be_v unsatisfied_a they_o make_v their_o objection_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a until_o they_o be_v satisfy_v then_o in_o his_o marginall_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n say_v he_o to_o satisfy_v all_o comer_n in_o what_o they_o please_v if_o any_o objection_n be_v against_o his_o life_n it_o must_v be_v present_o and_o open_o declare_v before_o the_o country_n this_o be_v little_a wisdom_n less_o charity_n â—ns_n â—ns_n here_o be_v many_o unwise_a and_o uncharitable_a passage_n lay_v unjust_o to_o our_o charge_n and_o all_o those_o without_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o but_o only_a h._n w._n i._o w._n &_o who_o know_v where_o to_o consult_v with_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o any_o slander_n by_o yea_o all_o comer_n may_v question_v or_o object_n 2._o and_o that_o even_o what_o they_o please_v 3._o if_o any_o fail_n be_v in_o their_o life_n they_o be_v present_o and_o open_o declare_v before_o all_o the_o country_n which_o thing_n be_v nothing_o so_o for_o 1._o none_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n but_o sober_o and_o orderly_o and_o 2._o not_o without_o leave_v desire_v and_o grant_v 3._o nor_o how_o much_o he_o will_v nor_o what_o he_o please_v but_o thing_n very_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a and_o 4._o not_o of_o any_o fail_n to_o their_o disparagement_n for_o if_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o be_v first_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o private_a see_v they_o know_v before_o both_o the_o person_n that_o be_v then_o to_o join_v and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o day_n meeting_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a never_o a_o godly_a sober_a man_n will_v write_v other_o wise_a it_o be_v little_a wisdom_n or_o charity_n i_o be_o sure_a for_o he_o to_o affirm_v thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o if_o the_o m_o ssenger_n be_v unsatisfied_a with_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v about_o to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n they_o be_v forbid_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n answer_n answer_n this_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o messenger_n never_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o such_o power_n to_o this_o day_n nay_o they_o profess_o express_v against_o it_o constant_o in_o such_o meeting_n as_o to_o forbid_v their_o entrance_n into_o church_n estate_n the_o most_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o desire_v leave_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o interpose_v their_o counsel_n and_o that_o only_a when_o they_o see_v very_o great_a cause_n and_o withal_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o christian_a liberty_n now_o have_v answer_v to_o the_o article_n we_o will_v speak_v something_o to_o those_o of_o the_o marginall_n on_o this_o 5._o chapter_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v already_o he_o tell_v we_o mar._n to_o art_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o here_o who_o run_v the_o same_o church-course_n with_o we_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o first_o table_n but_o 1._o he_o know_v or_o may_v know_v at_o least_o that_o this_o opinion_n be_v utter_o against_o our_o judgement_n practice_n and_o establish_v jaw_n in_o new-england_n answ_n therefore_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v we_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o any_o whit_n reflect_v upon_o our_o cause_n which_o he_o be_v too_o ready_a upon_o this_o or_o any_o occasion_n to_o disgrace_n for_o none_o be_v more_o dependent_a upon_o magistracy_n than_o those_o they_o call_v independent_n from_o who_o principle_n they_o never_o suck_v that_o dangerous_a opinion_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o well_o to_o give_v such_o by-blow_n to_o innocent_a person_n and_o way_n 3._o if_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o blot_n to_o our_o cause_n that_o some_o of_o our_o churchway_n hold_v ill_a opinion_n let_v he_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o of_o his_o way_n be_v gross_o taint_v with_o popish_a and_o arminian_n leavin_n or_o else_o blot_v out_o this_o margin_n he_o say_v margin_n to_o art_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o he_o we_o have_v little_o less_o than_o a_o compound_n presbytery_n set_v up_o among_o we_o and_o church-canon_n in_o act_n though_o not_o in_o rule_n and_o give_v his_o instance_n for_o this_o 1._o as_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o agreement_n among_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n that_o no_o church_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o there_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o church_n there_o be_v a_o compound_n presbytery_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n shall_v preach_v or_o vent_v any_o new_a or_o uncouth_a tenant_n until_o first_o he_o have_v communicate_v they_o with_o his_o fellow_n minister_n a_fw-la very_a good_a canon_n 3._o that_o such_o as_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n do_v use_n to_o meet_v together_o before_o hand_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o in_o private_a with_o each_o other_o spiritual_a estate_n a_fw-la canon_n 1._o do_v canon_n bound_v people_n to_o obedience_n answer_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o please_v to_o agree_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o further_o these_o canon_n be_v a_o agreement_n 2_o do_v presbytery_n consist_v of_o whole_a church_n for_o he_o say_v as_o it_o be_v a_o agreement_n of_o church_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n its_o little_a less_o than_o a_o compound_n presbytery_n if_o minister_n and_o people_n both_o do_v rule_v who_o shall_v be_v rule_v over_o by_o this_o presbytery_n 3._o he_o answer_v the_o thing_n and_o contradict_v himself_o both_o at_o once_o for_o he_o say_v art_n 2._o this_o give_a notice_n to_o magistrate_n and_o church_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v be_v by_o a_o law_n of_o the_o general_a court_n and_o can_v be_v as_o he_o say_v in_o margin_n and_o agreement_n of_o church_n therefore_o no_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n suppose_v many_o godly_a minister_n in_o london_n shall_v agree_v among_o themselves_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v preach_v down_o the_o superstition_n of_o that_o they_o call_v christmas_n and_o promise_v each_o other_o that_o till_o they_o shall_v give_v in_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v not_o preach_v for_o or_o against_o discipline_n will_v w._n r._n call_v this_o agreement_n a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o canon_n let_v he_o see_v then_o how_o extreme_o wide_a he_o be_v in_o the_o other_o if_o church_n say_v he_o send_v deputy_n or_o messenger_n to_o represent_v themselves_o and_o to_o act_v in_o their_o room_n why_o not_o in_o a_o synod_n as_o well_o marg._n to_o art_n 6._o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n if_o church_n send_v their_o messenger_n or_o choose_v man_n to_o confer_v and_o consult_v only_o in_o a_o synod_n in_o their_o name_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o conclude_v and_o determine_v of_o matter_n or_o much_o less_o bind_v their_o church_n to_o what_o they_o determine_v of_o which_o be_v our_o case_n in_o new-england_n as_o we_o have_v say_v i_o know_v nothing_o against_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o if_o synod_n do_v more_o and_o go_v further_o his_o allegation_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o so_o much_o time_n say_v he_o be_v spend_v in_o join_v seven_o or_o eight_o person_n together_o into_o one_o church_n how_o much_o time_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o join_v 3000_o together_o but_o the_o apostle_n go_v a_o short_a way_n marg._n to_o
term_n contradictory_n and_o how_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n for_o they_o be_v still_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n can_v bind_v all_o their_o member_n to_o be_v settle_a and_o yet_o allow_v some_o to_o be_v transient_a i_o know_v not_o he_o must_v grant_v either_o a_o contradiction_n in_o his_o own_o word_n or_o prove_v one_o in_o our_o practice_n 2._o he_o affirm_v we_o say_v that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v before_o describe_v i._n e._n a_o new-england_n church_n be_v for_o the_o time_n without_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o quote_v ans_fw-fr to_o 32_o q._n pag._n 11._o that_o author_n be_v abuse_v for_o he_o say_v not_o answer_n that_o non-member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o you_o describe_v i._n e._n of_o a_o n._n e._n church_n be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n 38._o â—ns_n to_o 32._o q._n 38._o but_o that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o they_o may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_n say_v to_o be_v without_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o answ_n to_o 9_o pos_fw-la p._n 62._o to_o which_o this_o author_n point_n make_v it_o evident_a now_o w._n r._n i_o hope_v know_v we_o hold_v there_o be_v other_o particular_a congregation_n both_o in_o england_n and_o else_o where_o beside_o our_o own_o that_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v member_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o within_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o see_v how_o against_o our_o express_a judgement_n plain_a word_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o author_n he_o will_v make_v we_o odious_a by_o lay_v such_o a_o gross_a tenant_n to_o our_o charge_n 3._o that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o become_v settle_v member_n of_o our_o church_n be_v account_v despiser_n etc._n etc._n yea_o wicked_a and_o profane_a answer_n answer_n he_o again_o roll_v the_o same_o unhappy_a stone_n he_o do_v once_o before_o cap._n 3._o art_n 12._o but_o you_o will_v say_v sure_a his_o proof_n be_v strong_a which_o make_v he_o bold_a to_o assert_v this_o now_o the_o second_o time_n therefore_o i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n but_o to_o review_v his_o proof_n which_o i_o will_v relate_v verbatim_o ans_fw-fr to_o 9_o pos_fw-la 62._o be_v one_o of_o they_o he_o bring_v which_o say_v thus_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o all_o godly_a person_n tho_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o idem_fw-la p._n 69._o to_o be_v without_o church_n fellowship_n be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o believer_n and_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n 11._o be_v another_o of_o his_o quote_v author_n who_o word_n be_v these_o some_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n ☞_o ☞_o these_o be_v the_o author_n and_o page_n he_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o clean_a contrary_n i._n e._n that_o we_o account_v all_o non-member_n wicked_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o yet_o they_o direct_o say_v some_o such_o be_v godly_a person_n believer_n christ_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o have_v a_o expression_n as_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o exceed_v gross_a which_o be_v this_o that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o become_v a_o settle_a member_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v sin_v and_o mark_v what_o follow_v whether_o he_o can_v or_o no_o he_o be_v account_v profane_a and_o wicked_a he_o will_v make_v we_o up_o for_o the_o most_o absurd_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v that_o whether_o mâ—n_z can_v possible_o for_o so_o his_o word_n be_v enjoy_v church_n fellowship_n or_o no_o he_o be_v count_v a_o profane_a man_n but_o the_o blemish_n will_v and_o must_v needs_o fall_v upon_o himself_o to_o marg._n of_o 1._o art_n he_o propound_v 5_o question_n concern_v transient_a member_n 1._o q._n if_o it_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a and_o discommodious_a to_o join_v at_o present_a may_v they_o not_o delay_v a_o while_n he_o answer_v we_o say_v no_v but_o the_o place_n to_o which_o he_o point_v ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quest_n p._n 38._o say_v not_o so_o but_o thus_o a_o man_n be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n or_o other_o if_o possible_o he_o can_v now_o do_v not_o w._n r._n know_v there_o be_v a_o pâ—ssibility_n of_o convenience_n which_o the_o answer_n must_v needs_o mean_v for_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o allow_a course_n in_o new-england_n for_o more_o to_o forbear_v join_v to_o any_o church_n for_o a_o time_n after_o they_o come_v thither_o mere_o to_o avoid_v discommodious_a inconvenience_n which_o over_o hasty_a join_v sometime_o put_v man_n upon_o 2._o quest_n why_o do_v we_o not_o give_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o all_o to_o be_v transient_a member_n as_o we_o do_v to_o some_o ans_fw-fr because_o all_o be_v not_o so_o free_a to_o abide_v with_o this_o or_o that_o church_n where_o they_o join_v at_o present_a as_o other_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o strong_a desire_n and_o pre-ingagement_n of_o join_v with_o some_o other_o congregation_n which_o at_o present_a they_o can_v remove_v unto_o or_o else_o the_o other_o as_o yet_o not_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o receive_v they_o at_o present_a 3._o quest_n how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o limit_n no_o timâ—_n ans_fw-fr there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v such_o a_o clause_n put_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o transient_a member_n viz._n during_o their_o abode_n with_o that_o congregation_n quest_n 4._o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o bind_v they_o to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o removeall_n ans_fw-fr i_o know_v not_o what_o information_n he_o have_v receive_v i_o shall_v know_v our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o w._n r._n after_o my_o 10._o year_n experience_n have_v be_v present_a at_o very_a many_o church-gatherings_a but_o i_o never_o hear_v or_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o clause_n put_v into_o any_o covenant_n and_o yet_o three_o time_n in_o his_o book_n he_o mention_v this_o let_v he_o learn_v hereafter_o 1._o to_o be_v slow_a in_o believe_a information_n 2_o slow_a to_o print_v they_o to_o the_o world_n 3._o ready_a to_o retract_v they_o if_o nor_o do_v already_o he_o say_v art_n 5_o that_o if_o the_o examiner_n conceive_v a_o man_n not_o fit_a to_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n thâ—â—_n he_o be_v there_o stay_v without_o any_o further_a proceed_n he_o shall_v hâ—ve_v add_v only_a for_o the_o present_n else_o he_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v stay_v from_o church_n fellowship_n for_o ever_o which_o himselve_n know_v to_o be_v untrue_a as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n in_o the_o 7._o art_n w_o â—re_n he_o say_v that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v stay_v only_o for_o a_o time_n while_o all_o thing_n be_v cl_o ar_v to_o his_o margin_n art_n 7._o that_o if_o the_o party_n be_v a_o woman_n or_o weak_a who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v than_o their_o examination_n be_v take_v more_o private_o answer_n be_v not_o this_o contradictory_n to_o what_o he_o say_v chap._n 3_o art_n 6._o ☜_o ☜_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v make_v in_o public_a before_o all_o the_o church_n though_o never_o so_o many_o now_o to_o press_v all_o to_o make_v their_o declaration_n before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n &_o yet_o to_o accept_v of_o some_o weak_a one_o do_v of_o it_o more_o private_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o contradiction_n here_o he_o make_v two_o objection_n objection_n 1_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n know_v the_o fitness_n of_o such_o i._n e._n as_o be_v examine_v in_o private_a answ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o godly_a man_n who_o they_o betrust_v with_o their_o trial_n who_o though_o they_o have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o determine_v yet_o make_v such_o report_n to_o the_o church_n as_o they_o accept_v the_o church_n proceed_v to_o admit_v they_o â—bject_n â—bject_n why_o be_v this_o favour_n show_v to_o some_o not_o to_o other_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v partial_a contrary_n to_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o answ_n partiality_n be_v to_o respect_v the_o person_n not_o the_o cause_n here_o the_o cause_n be_v respect_v not_o the_o person_n or_o the_o person_n for_o the_o cause_n some_o being_n more_o weak_a and_o fearful_a we_o rather_o tender_v as_o jacob_n will_v not_o overdrive_v the_o feable_a sort_n of_o ewe_n and_o lamb_n lest_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v art_n 9_o he_o report_v that_o infant_n of_o parent_n that_o be_v no_o member_n be_v account_v to_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n with_o the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o heathen_n etc._n etc._n
and_o write_v in_o the_o margin_n cold_a comfort_n to_o christstian_a parent_n and_o cold_a charity_n to_o their_o infant_n â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 1._o it_o be_v cold_a comfort_n indeed_o if_o that_o he_o say_v be_v true_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o though_o such_o infant_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n there_o yet_o he_o know_v we_o account_v they_o and_o their_o parent_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o england_n witness_v our_o writing_n in_o print_n discourse_n of_o covenant_n pag._n 36._o etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o much_o forget_v himself_o to_o say_v we_o account_v they_o to_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o to_o say_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o heathen_n be_v a_o most_o uncharitable_a and_o groundless_a censure_n unworthy_a of_o his_o pen_n or_o our_o practice_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v before_o the_o lord_n forgive_v he_o such_o hard_a speech_n for_o his_o quotation_n ans_fw-fr to_o 33._o q._n 20._o 21._o and_o ans_fw-fr to_o 9_o pos_fw-la 61._o 62_o if_o they_o will_v afford_v he_o the_o least_o word_n or_o show_v for_o either_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o will_v take_v the_o blame_n for_o ever_o let_v any_o please_v to_o peruse_v they_o but_o he_o forget_v the_o law_n in_o israel_n of_o amerce_v and_o stripe_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o a_o virgin_n of_o israel_n i_o must_v mind_v he_o of_o it_o answer_v to_o chap._n viii_o this_o chapter_n be_v spend_v especial_o the_o margin_n in_o invective_n against_o the_o strictness_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n that_o restrain_v man_n that_o they_o can_v have_v elbow_n room_n and_o be_v at_o loose_a end_n when_o they_o please_v i_o will_v gather_v the_o strength_n of_o all_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n into_o some_o objection_n and_o very_o brief_o answer_v they_o object_n a_o member_n say_v he_o can_v remove_v from_o a_o church_n without_o our_o consent_n seek_v and_o obtain_v art_n 1._o â—ns_n â—ns_n it_o cross_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o covenant_n in_o the_o world_n for_o to_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v this_o engagement_n so_o solemn_a so_o sacred_a so_o deliberate_a be_v loose_v at_o pleasure_n by_o a_o man_n removal_n when_o &_o whither_o he_o please_v &_o it_o may_v be_v also_o not_o without_o apparent_a sin_n without_o acquaint_v the_o church_n withal_o &_o get_v approbation_n from_o they_o the_o church_n may_v be_v partial_a in_o their_o own_o cause_n may_v not_o some_o of_o other_o church_n object_n 2_o be_v consult_v withal_o rather_o than_o this_o pag._n 32._o marg._n shall_v a_o man_n infringe_v this_o covenant_n answ_n deprive_v the_o church_n of_o her_o proper_a right_n and_o lay_v she_o under_o blame_n of_o partiality_n upon_o a_o mere_a supposal_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v partial_a let_v this_o church_n be_v first_o consult_v withal_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o she_o and_o if_o it_o appear_v she_o be_v indeed_o partial_a then_o let_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v in_o which_o be_v never_o yet_o deny_v any_o member_n and_o i_o hope_v never_o will_v be_v but_o what_o need_v a_o man_n consult_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o if_o his_o reason_n be_v secret_a object_n 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o whole_a answ_n reason_n speak_v the_o whole_a aught_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o case_n extraordinary_a where_o the_o ground_n of_o removal_n may_v not_o safe_o be_v divulge_v to_o all_o as_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v possible_a so_o to_o happen_v let_v the_o party_n but_o intimate_v so_o much_o to_o the_o church_n and_o desire_v that_o some_o two_o ot_fw-mi three_o faithful_a man_n be_v entrust_v and_o what_o hinder_v if_o the_o church_n covenant_n bind_v so_o fast_o than_o as_o the_o disciple_n say_v of_o marriage_n object_n 4_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o touch_v this_o covenant_n pag._n 32._o 1._o a_o gracious_a sp_z irit_n count_v it_o no_o bondage_n but_o freedom_n answ_n to_o be_v constant_o under_o the_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel_n duty_n and_o such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o covenant_n ah_o 21.5.6_o ex._n 21.5.6_o let_v none_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o but_o all_o be_v as_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o law_n that_o may_v have_v go_v out_o free_a yet_o love_v his_o master_n well_o choose_v rather_o to_o abide_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o 2._o yet_o it_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a and_o steadfast_o bend_v to_o depart_v the_o church_n never_o hold_v he_o against_o his_o will_n though_o she_o see_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o his_o reason_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n so_o easy_o to_o be_v dissolve_v but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o his_o reason_n he_o go_v away_o tacit_o accuse_v object_n 5_o slander_v yea_o virtual_o cast_v out_o and_o curse_v sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v accuse_v slanderous_a and_o curse_a language_n ans_fw-fr 19_o deut_n 22._o â—_o 19_o not_o fit_a for_o a_o sober_a &_o grave_a man_n by_o that_o law_n in_o israel_n w._n r._n will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v amercy_v and_o stripe_v for_o this_o defamation_n what_o will_v he_o have_v they_o do_v when_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o departure_n must_v they_o needs_o act_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v when_o they_o be_v not_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v a_o brother_n haply_o run_v into_o evil_n or_o danger_n by_o such_o a_o removal_n all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v through_o indulgence_n to_o suspend_v their_o vote_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v neither_o accuse_v or_o slander_v he_o much_o less_o curse_v he_o or_o cast_v he_o out_o these_o be_v word_n fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o retraction_n and_o repentance_n if_o man_n be_v once_o â—â—tred_v into_o covenant_n he_o be_v so_o rivet_v into_o it_o that_o he_o can_v hardly_o object_n 6_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o it_o but_o must_v continue_v in_o it_o though_o perhaps_o against_o his_o conscience_n ibid._n answ_n to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v any_o godly_a church-member_n that_o repent_v of_o this_o churchway_n &_o desire_v upon_o that_o ground_n to_o make_v a_o retreat_n 2._o if_o any_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n as_o you_o say_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n in_o it_o and_o shall_v after_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n use_v solemn_o profess_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o in_o conscience_n proceed_v on_o in_o those_o way_n i_o know_v no_o church_n that_o will_v detain_v he_o object_n 7_o how_o shall_v this_o man_n thus_o dismiss_v without_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v receive_v into_o any_o other_o church_n answer_n answer_n how_o many_o line_n do_v he_o spend_v to_o no_o purpose_n about_o untie_v this_o knot_n and_o when_o he_o can_v unloose_v it_o ☞_o ☞_o for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o our_o practice_n there_o he_o fall_v out_o extreme_o with_o we_o and_o our_o way_n as_o harsh_a and_o rigid_a i_o have_v read_v of_o harpia_n a_o lame_a woman_n in_o seneca_n who_o still_o complain_v of_o the_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n that_o make_v she_o limp_v but_o faw_fw-we not_o her_o own_o lameness_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v application_n but_o unloose_v his_o knot_n by_o tell_v he_o though_o a_o church_n can_v see_v cause_n enough_o to_o commend_v such_o a_o person_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o to_o another_o church_n for_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o as_o be_v not_o clear_a in_o it_o themselves_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n in_o the_o general_a they_o may_v and_o do_v use_v to_o commend_v he_o for_o his_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o prudence_n conceal_v any_o suppose_a error_n or_o infirmity_n in_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o testimony_n he_o be_v receive_v and_o so_o need_v not_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o heathen_a answer_v to_o chap._n ix_o the_o first_o thing_n meet_v we_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o here_o he_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n ☞_o ☞_o that_o we_o in_o new-england_n conceive_v man_n may_v be_v true_a christian_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o church_n estate_n or_o no._n but_o chap._n 7._o art_n 1._o he_o affirm_v absolute_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v account_v by_o we_o profane_a and_o wicked_a answer_n
of_o error_n deliver_v before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o people_n &_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o minister_n etc._n etc._n all_o this_o be_v his_o own_o addition_n then_o for_o the_o other_o cite_v author_n answer_n to_o 32_o q._n 78_o he_o deal_v more_o gross_o with_o he_o then_o the_o former_a who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n pointblank_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o bold_o give_v he_o up_o for_o a_o author_n his_o word_n be_v these_o we_o never_o know_v any_o minister_n that_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n thus_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o propound_v question_n and_o such_o call_n upon_o they_o be_v far_o from_o we_o some_o think_v the_o people_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o ask_v a_o question_n upon_o very_o urgent_a and_o weighty_a cause_n none_o judge_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o necessary_a but_o if_o not_o meek_o and_o wise_o carry_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o such_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v seldom_o use_v in_o any_o in_o most_o church_n near_o true_a it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o opinion_n some_o be_v bold_a in_o this_o kind_n but_o these_o man_n be_v long_o since_o go_v the_o synod_n and_o sermon_n have_v reprove_v this_o disorder_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v now_o live_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o another_o in_o these_o congregation_n and_o not_o hear_v any_o man_n open_v his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n these_o the_o author_n word_n ☞_o ☞_o now_o good_a reader_n do_v we_o the_o favour_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n whether_o these_o word_n cite_v by_o he_o make_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o where_o be_v 1_o giving_z leave_n 2_o a_o course_n of_o give_v leave_n 3_o to_o any_o 4_o to_o object_n and_o urge_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o 6_o which_o be_v horrible_o gross_a to_o implead_v the_o minister_n of_o error_n at_o the_o first_o dash_n and_o that_o open_o before_o all_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o his_o own_o cite_a author_n tell_v he_o the_o contrary_a 1_o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o often_o but_o seldom_o 2_o not_o many_o question_n but_o a_o question_n 3_o not_o upon_o sleight_n but_o weighty_a and_o very_a urgent_a ground_n 4_o not_o rash_o and_o bold_o but_o wise_o and_o meek_o 5_o and_o this_o not_o peremptory_o conclude_v of_o by_o all_o but_o some_o only_o think_v they_o have_v a_o liberty_n 6_o and_o not_o that_o it_o be_v now_o so_o much_o do_v but_o be_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o bold_a opinionist_n who_o be_v now_o chase_v away_o long_o ago_o see_v what_o a_o vast_a gulf_n betwixt_o the_o author_n and_o w._n r._n now_o for_o he_o to_o read_v over_o distinct_o all_o these_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n for_o that_o answer_n be_v write_v to_o himself_o from_o godly_a man_n in_o new-england_n yet_o to_o produce_v it_o as_o a_o proof_n for_o his_o art_n and_o the_o marg._n which_o in_o common_a sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o i_o stand_v amaze_v at_o it_o and_o wonder_v with_o what_o face_n he_o can_v print_v it_o or_o have_v do_v it_o how_o he_o can_v let_v his_o book_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o fire_n thus_o long_o yet_o further_o note_n our_o narratour_n undertake_v to_o relate_v only_o such_o church-course_n as_o be_v general_o by_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n practise_v as_o pag._n 1._o title_n how_o then_o can_v he_o with_o honesty_n bring_v in_o this_o ask_v of_o question_n among_o such_o kind_n of_o general_a church_n course_n of_o we_o whereas_o his_o author_n plain_o say_v this_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v not_o generally_n practise_v nor_o by_o all_v the_o church_n but_o seldom_o in_o any_o church_n and_o in_o most_o church_n never_o at_o all_o and_o that_o one_o may_v live_v as_o he_o say_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o another_o in_o our_o congregation_n and_o not_o here_o any_o man_n open_v his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n what_o will_v not_o w._n r._n bold_o attempt_v against_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o their_o church_n that_o cite_v these_o very_a word_n i_o have_v relate_v to_o prove_v such_o church_n course_n in_o new-england_n as_o be_v general_o practise_v among_o we_o answer_v to_o chap._n xiiii_o to_o marg._n on_o the_o title_n some_o say_v he_o grow_v rich_a of_o the_o word_n independent_a some_o utter_o renounce_v it_o yet_o most_o own_a it_o answer_n if_o the_o word_n be_v right_o take_v as_o in_o answer_n to_o 32._o q._n 46._o it_o be_v expound_v for_o one_o church_n that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o or_o in_o subjection_n to_o a_o presbytery_n but_o as_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o govern_v herself_o according_a to_o his_o law_n then_o all_o accord_n to_o it_o but_o if_o the_o word_n independent_a be_v abusive_o take_v as_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o vulgar_a for_o such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v neither_o subject_n to_o magistracy_n nor_o regard_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n but_o be_v a_o conceit_a and_o selfe-sufficient_a people_n that_o stand_v only_o on_o their_o own_o leg_n then_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v rich_a of_o a_o word_n that_o may_v render_v we_o odious_a without_o cause_n to_o marg._n of_o 1_o art_n that_o we_o have_v store_n of_o imperative_fw-it church_n who_o may_v command_v yea_o compel_v both_o member_n and_o minister_n to_o act_v ans_fw-fr another_o slander_n without_o ground_n or_o proof_n or_o truth_n which_o i_o leave_v here_o upon_o record_n god_n our_o conscience_n and_o our_o brethren_n bear_v we_o witness_n how_o tender_a our_o church_n be_v but_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o act_v without_o light_n much_o more_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v both_o which_o very_a word_n though_o the_o thing_n require_v be_v lawful_a be_v odious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n most_o fit_o become_v the_o synagogue_n of_o antichrist_n have_v he_o a_o licence_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o art_n 2._o we_o hold_v our_o church_n power_n absolute_a and_o imperial_a answ_n all_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o church-power_n be_v that_o it_o be_v ministerial_a which_o be_v far_o from_o absolute_a and_o imperial_a word_n fit_a for_o emperor_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o charge_v it_o on_o his_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n either_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v or_o else_o vindicate_v we_o as_o become_v a_o honest_a christian_n to_o do_v and_o for_o his_o two_o print_a author_n cite_v for_o we_o can_v come_v at_o his_o private_a letter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o word_n or_o show_v of_o ground_n from_o they_o to_o maintain_v his_o speech_n let_v i_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o for_o i_o here_o avouch_v the_o contrary_a under_o my_o hand_n to_o art_n 3._o and_o marg._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o representation_n of_o church_n absent_a and_o all_o authoritative_a deputation_n of_o messenger_n to_o act_v for_o they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 1._o the_o reader_n may_v well_o see_v it_o be_v his_o own_o say_n not_o we_o for_o he_o bring_v no_o proof_n but_o from_o barrow_n and_o johnson_n who_o can_v well_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n for_o our_o church_n way_n in_o new-england_n because_o they_o never_o come_v there_o yea_o be_v in_o their_o grave_n both_o or_o one_o long_v before_o ever_o we_o have_v a_o be_v in_o new-england_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o we_o hold_v a_o church_n may_v delegate_v some_o man_n and_o send_v they_o forth_o in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n with_o authority_n to_o act_v for_o they_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a business_n of_o trust_n as_o act._n 15.2_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v bold_o now_o twice_o or_o thrice_o affirm_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o cap._n 2._o art_n 3._o marg._n yet_o some_o tell_v we_o say_v he_o that_o mr._n p._n and_o mr._n w._n be_v send_v hither_o by_o the_o church_n to_o negotiate_v for_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o some_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o be_v a_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n able_a to_o instruct_v other_o you_o know_v you_o may_v not_o blemish_v your_o brethren_n and_o slâ—nder_a church_n upon_o such_o poor_a and_o weak_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v report_v i_o be_o inform_v some_o tell_v we_o and_o yet_o how_o oft_o in_o your_o book_n have_v you_o use_v this_o course_n of_o deal_n towards_o your_o bretbren_n and_o their_o church_n some_o tell_v we_o indeed_o be_v warrant_n enough_o for_o people_n that_o have_v no_o other_o business_n to_o make_v three_o farthing_n book_n of_o and_o thereby_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o tale_n but_o oh_o far_o be_v