immediate_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n but_o be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n mediate_o and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n ordain_v and_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_o require_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o the_o church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n yet_o both_o the_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o also_o the_o institute_v form_n and_o order_n of_o church-society_n have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o order_n government_n form_n of_o visible_a church-society_n to_o which_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n do_v belong_v can_v just_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o any_o respect_n of_o reason_n or_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o only_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n institute_v the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o such_o society_n to_o who_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o hence_o the_o argument_n for_o a_o national_a form_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a draw_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n procession_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n falls_z flat_a to_o the_o ground_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v then_o be_v in_o family_n only_o now_o as_o it_o be_v about_o abraham_n time_n propos_fw-fr 6._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o great_a dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o to_o what_o church_n the_o actual_a administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n belong_v do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n unity_n visibility_n or_o any_o other_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o the_o true_a state_n lie_v here_o concern_v the_o nature_n order_n form_n of_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o christ_n jesus_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v reduce_v his_o visible_a member_n unto_o for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n and_o therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly-learned_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o conceive_v many_o large_a dispute_n in_o this_o question_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o issue_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o intend_v for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n as_o mr._n ball_n say_v be_v one_o that_o have_v part_v visibiles_fw-la be_v a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o totum_fw-la genericum_fw-la in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n as_o species_n specialissimae_fw-la of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o general_a which_o respect_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o sense_n we_o free_o consent_v unto_o but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la as_o some_o contend_v though_o we_o conceive_v in_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o entangle_v in_o their_o own_o logical_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o can_v get_v out_o without_o break_v they_o and_o fly_v to_o theological_a consideration_n yet_o we_o say_v what_o if_o that_o also_o be_v attain_v 3_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n also_o the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la 4_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v also_o by_o such_o dispute_n that_o the_o key_n and_o officer_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v first_o to_o this_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_v we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o what_o our_o brethren_n contend_v for_o be_v by_o all_o this_o obtain_v for_o first_o if_o the_o universal_a number_n of_o visible_a believer_n be_v one_o totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v one_o institute_v and_o political_a society_n that_o can_v enjoy_v visible_a communion_n together_o in_o visible_a worship_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o more_o hard_a to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o govern_v as_o one_o totum_fw-la second_o what_o though_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o they_o and_o constitute_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o one_o political_a body_n before_o they_o combine_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n three_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v first_o give_v the_o key_n ordinance_n promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o christ_n first_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o what_o else_o soever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o christ_n look_v at_o this_o catholic_n church_n first_o as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a he_o ordain_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o cause_n for_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n so_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o priority_n the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a as_o visible_a for_o christ_n no_o doubt_n first_o intend_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v all_o ordain_v rather_o then_o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o contain_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o key_n and_o institute_v ordinance_n belong_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o invisible_a church_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la can_v be_v that_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n belong_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n quâ_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la catholic_n can_v be_v this_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o intention_n be_v last_o in_o execution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o christ_n propound_v this_o end_n to_o himself_o to_o gather_v edify_v perfect_a sanctify_v save_v his_o catholic_n church_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o &_o 5._o 26._o and_o therefore_o institute_n all_o ordinance_n as_o mean_n to_o far_o and_o attain_v this_o great_a design_n but_o in_o execution_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o give_v the_o key_n and_o ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n to_o any_o form_n of_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o institute_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o will_v prove_v the_o least_o society_n soon_o than_o a_o great_a and_o see_v our_o brethren_n otherwise_o mind_v make_v much_o use_n of_o simile_n in_o this_o dispute_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o illustrate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o a_o similitude_n partly_o to_o make_v our_o conceiving_n the_o more_o plain_a to_o all_o who_o edification_n we_o seek_v and_o partly_o to_o discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o many_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o because_o similia_fw-la arguunt_fw-la fidemque_fw-la faciunt_fw-la as_o he_o say_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o right_o apply_v we_o will_v therefore_o propound_v it_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n the_o similitude_n be_v this_o genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o as_o the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n and_o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o catholic_n number_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o power_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o such_o consequence_n will_v follow_v as_o our_o brethren_n deduce_v from_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o
may_v ordinary_o be_v have_v or_o give_v to_o such_o as_o set_v loose_a from_o all_o society_n the_o apostle_n have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v general_a pastor_n over_o all_o person_n believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz_o that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o 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to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o
to_o this_o objection_n be_v speak_v before_o only_o we_o marvel_v why_o you_o say_v they_o must_v first_o partake_v of_o seal_n when_o as_o act_v 2._o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o day_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n by_o baptism_n reply_n such_o as_o for_o lack_v of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n can_v join_v in_o such_o estate_n ere_fw-we be_v disperse_v by_o persecution_n or_o destitute_a of_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n may_v for_o a_o time_n seek_v the_o seal_n in_o other_o society_n answ_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o such_o as_o may_v come_v to_o any_o society_n to_o desire_v seal_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o join_v viz._n to_o that_o society_n the_o two_o other_o instance_n be_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v still_o to_o hold_v their_o right_n in_o a_o church_n society_n the_o thing_n be_v grant_v by_o we_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n 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the_o faith_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o want_v god_n ordinance_n answ_n first_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o profession_n in_o the_o letter_n thus_o to_o join_v we_o with_o mr._n robinson_n as_o another_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o may_v dislodge_v their_o thought_n of_o separation_n in_o we_o as_o we_o be_v hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o this_o reply_n we_o think_v will_v not_o so_o close_o join_v we_o with_o such_o they_o will_v have_v we_o part_v from_o and_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n unless_o they_o do_v much_o forget_v themselves_o second_o when_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o hand_n shall_v not_o rash_o be_v lay_v on_o any_o man_n and_o deacon_n the_o low_a office_n shall_v be_v prove_v and_o then_o minister_v be_v find_v blameless_a yea_o he_o say_v and_o these_o also_o prove_v imply_v that_o other_o also_o shall_v be_v so_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o what_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o either_o robinson_n or_o ourselves_o speak_v if_o our_o meaning_n and_o his_o be_v but_o charitable_o take_v if_o his_o word_n be_v overzealous_a to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o do_v otherwise_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o three_o for_o the_o delay_n of_o ordinance_n if_o both_o these_o be_v take_v together_o in_o most_o case_n it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o where_o god_n afford_v able_a and_o fit_a man_n for_o office_n but_o if_o some_o delay_n be_v and_o that_o a_o church_n want_v some_o ordinance_n and_o can_v by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n enjoy_v they_o which_o be_v rare_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o forbear_v some_o ordinance_n a_o while_n then_o miscarry_v in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n upon_o which_o the_o follow_a comfort_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o demand_n follow_v be_v answer_v in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o we_o hope_v not_o with_o word_n but_o proof_n especial_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n in_o the_o first_o consideration_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o such_o christian_n may_v as_o easy_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n for_o a_o time_n as_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o sit_v loose_a from_o it_o for_o transient_a member_n we_o disallow_v not_o reply_n if_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v for_o good_a i_o fear_v we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v that_o ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o answ_n if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o in_o that_o latitude_n we_o intend_v they_o we_o see_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o all_o true_a church_n then_o for_o people_n first_o to_o choose_v their_o minister_n &_o then_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o ancient_a reformer_n it_o be_v true_a many_o corruption_n have_v be_v in_o many_o true_a church_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o oft_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n but_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o argue_v a_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o such_o church_n but_o convince_v only_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o so_o in_o
a_o treatise_n of_o liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball._n by_o thomas_n shephard_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o emanuel-colledge_n in_o cambridge_n and_o late_a pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la turtul_n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33._o 16._o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discuss_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v
knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o moderate_a also_o and_o we_o humble_o wish_v that_o the_o moderate_a do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a ere_o long_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a encouragement_n upon_o your_o ground_n answ_n if_o you_o will_v needs_o account_v not_o join_v in_o that_o stint_v impose_v liturgy_n to_o be_v a_o moderate_a separation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o have_v witness_v against_o such_o separation_n yea_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o that_o corrupt_a worship_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a of_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o with_o shame_n before_o the_o lord_n may_v confess_v it_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n since_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v ever_o conceive_v that_o the_o separation_n witness_v against_o both_o by_o yourselves_o and_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n the_o ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n their_o separation_n from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n their_o endeavour_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o purity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o we_o have_v always_o approve_v and_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o separation_n more_o moderate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n but_o whether_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o indeed_o one_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n which_o you_o and_o we_o have_v need_n reject_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n and_o no_o long_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o grow_a endeavour_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o more_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o too_o rash_o brand_v with_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o separation_n and_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o degenerate_v into_o the_o rigid_a separation_n we_o think_v you_o need_v not_o fear_v it_o upon_o our_o principle_n no_o more_o then_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o nonconformist_n and_o you_o know_v what_o they_o infer_v upon_o those_o principle_n now_o just_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v in_o england_n it_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o drive_v many_o to_o separation_n not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o further_a reformation_n so_o you_o may_v fear_v the_o too_o too_o much_o conformity_n of_o minister_n to_o humane_a imposition_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o will_v more_o dangerous_o alienate_v godly_a mind_n from_o your_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o drive_v to_o separation_n then_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n proper_a to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n and_o other_o reason_n use_v by_o himself_o common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o letter_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o separation_n rigid_a and_o moderate_a only_o if_o you_o will_v a_o separation_n from_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n which_o latter_a be_v all_o we_o profess_v 2_o those_o reason_n which_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n will_v we_o suppose_v be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n thus_o far_o that_o the_o prayer_n preach_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v unlawful_a because_o offer_v in_o a_o false_a church_n by_o a_o false_a ministry_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o separatist_n in_o the_o world_n because_o none_o it_o be_v say_v none_o plead_v against_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n as_o unlawful_a because_o offer_v up_o in_o a_o false_a church_n be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o this_o learned_a author_n shall_v not_o read_v or_o observe_v the_o same_o exceed_v frequent_o in_o the_o separatist_n write_n take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o the_o first_o page_n of_o mr._n smith_n against_o bernard_n in_o his_o parallel_n censure_n and_o observation_n his_o word_n pag._n 9_o be_v these_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o erroneous_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o real_a idol_n and_o the_o prayer_n they_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v from_o that_o false_a constitution_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o constitution_n and_o pag._n 10._o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o offer_v up_o service_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church_n of_o a_o false_a constitution_n and_o pag._n 13._o tell_v i_o mr._n bernard_n can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n true_a baptism_n true_a faith_n true_a prayer_n true_a preach_v and_o administer_a the_o supper_n true_a excommunication_n in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v false_o constitute_v do_v the_o lord_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o jeroboam_n so_o page_n 14._o a_o church_n false_o constitute_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n neither_o be_v their_o action_n ecclesiastical_a as_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o again_o a_o false_a ministry_n worship_n government_n may_v be_v in_o a_o true_a church_n through_o ignorance_n and_o the_o like_a but_o a_o true_a ministry_n worship_n government_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o false_a church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o recite_v more_o testimony_n aliquando_fw-la bone_fw-la dormitat_fw-la homerus_fw-la a_o good_a memory_n may_v sometime_o fall_v asleep_a and_o not_o see_v that_o which_o be_v sometime_o most_o obvious_a and_o visible_a but_o what_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n as_o their_o
needless_a to_o search_v all_o record_n and_o to_o compare_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o rite_n of_o these_o with_o former_a time_n we_o read_v of_o very_a few_o form_n use_v for_o 300._o year_n some_o short_a one_o they_o have_v which_o be_v retain_v yet_o in_o our_o liturgy_n with_o many_o more_o and_o those_o form_n they_o have_v not_o impose_v nor_o stint_v which_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n of_o this_o until_o about_o the_o year_n 406._o and_o there_o we_o read_v in_o the_o milevitâ—n_a council_n that_o no_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o compose_v of_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n or_o approve_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ignorant_a ministry_n of_o those_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a 12._o time_n as_o chemnitius_n observe_v ne_fw-fr forte_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la ignorantiam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la minus_fw-la studium_fw-la sit_fw-la compositum_fw-la if_o the_o roman_a bishop_n do_v multiply_v as_o indeed_o they_o do_v excessive_o unless_o their_o own_o admirer_n err_v gross_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o long_o it_o be_v ere_o the_o church_n in_o other_o place_n submit_v to_o their_o power_n so_o that_o this_o comparison_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v to_o conclude_v though_o we_o say_v not_o that_o all_o church_n since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n be_v so_o miserable_o decay_v that_o the_o faithful_a may_v not_o without_o sin_n communicate_v with_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o communicate_v in_o many_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n without_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n themselves_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v and_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v and_o we_o believe_v will_v have_v abstain_v from_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o yea_o after_o all_o mean_v use_v to_o purge_v they_o out_o and_o not_o prevail_v they_o ought_v and_o will_v have_v withdraw_v themselves_o to_o more_o pure_a church_n or_o erect_v such_o among_o themselves_o reply_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n conceive_v or_o stint_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v not_o his_o private_a prayer_n but_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o you_o will_v not_o say_v the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o join_v with_o their_o pastor_n therein_o if_o ought_v be_v amiss_o for_o matter_n manner_n or_o both_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n so_o impose_v and_o so_o clog_v as_o be_v before_o show_v and_o such_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n have_v something_o amiss_o but_o you_o may_v put_v the_o case_n so_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o people_n to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n also_o as_o if_o the_o 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share_n in_o those_o shred_n of_o prayer_n respond_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o mr._n cartwright_n judgement_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o make_v a_o man_n seem_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n and_o therefore_o his_o personal_a actual_a conformity_n must_v needs_o carry_v guilt_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o than_o simple_a presence_n in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o understanding_n second_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v know_v or_o not_o know_v before_o hand_n as_o appear_v plain_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29._o where_o we_o see_v if_o a_o man_n come_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o know_v not_o they_o eat_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o idol_n nor_o that_o any_o take_v offence_n he_o may_v eat_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n but_o if_o he_o know_v such_o thing_n he_o may_v not_o eat_v beside_o public_a sinful_a action_n of_o minister_n be_v either_o 1_o accidental_a &_o occasional_a or_o 2_o know_v &_o appoint_v in_o a_o state_v service_n now_o the_o frailty_n of_o a_o minister_n which_o accidental_o fall_v in_o and_o be_v not_o know_v before_o nor_o be_v any_o part_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o service_n unto_o which_o man_n that_o come_v do_v or_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v call_v hinder_v not_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prae_fw-la se_fw-la far_o by_o their_o presence_n to_o attend_v and_o observe_v they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v know_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o which_o and_o with_o which_o the_o imposer_n call_v other_o to_o join_v as_o in_o a_o state_v service_n to_o god_n the_o use_n of_o which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a frailty_n in_o god_n minister_n not_o yet_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a thereof_o yet_o for_o those_o to_o communicate_v herein_o who_o know_v such_o evil_n have_v sure_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n because_o in_o this_o action_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o only_a communion_n by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o communion_n of_o action_n public_a prayer_n be_v the_o common_a action_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n towards_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prayer_n by_o any_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n but_o there_o will_v be_v some_o humane_a frailty_n attend_v on_o it_o if_o therefore_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v communion_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v reject_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o never_o join_v in_o any_o prayer_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v not_o such_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o cast_v off_o then_o keep_v this_o case_n stand_v not_o in_o tolerate_v fault_n in_o another_o as_o the_o reply_n make_v it_o but_o in_o actual_a join_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o wherein_o he_o that_o join_v be_v involve_v and_o therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v corruption_n that_o may_v be_v tolerate_v or_o not_o in_o another_o yet_o if_o sin_n they_o may_v not_o be_v practise_v and_o so_o join_v in_o with_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o case_n you_o put_v of_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n obstinate_a in_o error_n till_o he_o may_v be_v convince_v be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n for_o we_o must_v not_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o error_n no_o not_o a_o hour_n though_o we_o may_v tolerate_v he_o a_o month_n reply_n have_v not_o christian_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o humane_a frailty_n lesson_v you_o dear_a brethren_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o have_v or_o can_v be_v object_v true_o against_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o we_o answ_n the_o lord_n have_v lesson_v we_o to_o tolerate_v and_o bear_v with_o many_o humane_a frailty_n not_o only_o in_o one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o our_o dear_a brethren_n abroad_o but_o to_o join_v with_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o conformity_n to_o know_v and_o gross_a corruption_n in_o worship_v god_n or_o to_o stoop_v so_o low_a to_o the_o insolent_a tyranny_n of_o usurp_a prelate_n as_o to_o bear_v on_o our_o back_n their_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o we_o confess_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a and_o now_o we_o hope_v never_o to_o go_v to_o that_o school_n again_o to_o learn_v the_o same_o reply_n and_o why_o such_o corruption_n shall_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o humane_a frailty_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o a_o godly_a minister_n make_v use_n of_o a_o book_n in_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v lawful_a for_o matter_n and_o manner_n the_o corruption_n of_o he_o that_o use_v it_o according_a to_o his_o judgement_n from_o what_o cause_n can_v it_o spring_v but_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o frailty_n answ_n first_o the_o learned_a reply_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o
to_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o with_o zeal_n and_o detestation_n a_o minister_n godly_a and_o able_a will_v use_v any_o part_n of_o it_o with_o offence_n etc._n etc._n we_o suppose_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v and_o leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o godly_a may_v lawful_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o call_v back_o your_o sharp_a censure_n of_o such_o withdraw_a as_o you_o conclude_v this_o passage_n withal_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v appeal_v to_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o minister_n and_o their_o late_a and_o godly_a directory_n herein_o reply_n five_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scruple_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o no_o society_n under_o heaven_n for_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n which_o hold_v all_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_a form_n unlawful_a say_v with_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n if_o they_o give_v too_o little_a honour_n to_o it_o as_o conceive_v the_o other_o lawful_a or_o sinful_o limit_v themselves_o to_o one_o stint_a form_n though_o conceive_v at_o first_o by_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o must_v in_o treat_v the_o christian_a reader_n still_o to_o carry_v in_o mind_n with_o what_o tenderness_n we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o upon_o what_o consideration_n we_o dare_v not_o whole_o excuse_v and_o clear_v such_o join_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o think_v these_o reason_v will_v be_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v take_v so_o as_o to_o justify_v such_o rigid_a principle_n as_o these_o be_v we_o hearty_o join_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o such_o advance_n of_o small_a difference_n will_v indeed_o bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n and_o we_o be_v far_o we_o hope_v from_o any_o such_o meaning_n if_o our_o answer_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o passage_n give_v just_a advantage_n to_o such_o separation_n we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v satisfy_v the_o ingenuous_a and_o christian_a reader_n reply_n six_o we_o have_v credible_o hear_v that_o you_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n without_o acknowledge_v of_o their_o error_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o member_n or_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n though_o you_o profess_v you_o approve_v not_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o if_o in_o godly_a wisdom_n you_o can_v see_v ground_n to_o join_v with_o they_o we_o marvel_n you_o shall_v be_v so_o timorous_a in_o this_o particular_a answ_n although_o in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n that_o reject_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o church_n and_o their_o minister_n as_o no_o true_a minister_n yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o such_o there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n whence_o we_o grant_v it_o may_v follow_v that_o we_o can_v have_v communion_n in_o god_n worship_n with_o man_n of_o several_a judgement_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v just_o timorous_a of_o join_v or_o approve_v other_o to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n etc._n etc._n we_o think_v these_o thing_n have_v not_o the_o same_o face_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v peaceable_o with_o we_o we_o can_v well_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o we_o have_v also_o with_o other_o that_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a of_o the_o church_n and_o way_n of_o it_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o approve_v their_o opinion_n nor_o conform_v to_o any_o of_o their_o corrupt_a practice_n reply_n seven_o if_o to_o administer_v in_o a_o stint_a form_n be_v scandalous_a to_o such_o as_o separate_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v not_o give_v and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v in_o their_o error_n the_o truth_n be_v not_o prejudice_v needless_a scruple_n occasion_v etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o this_o be_v from_o the_o question_n for_o we_o dispute_v of_o your_o liturgy_n not_o of_o any_o liturgy_n or_o stint_v form_n 2_o take_v in_o the_o case_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n as_o before_o declare_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v scandal_n may_v be_v give_v at_o least_o we_o put_v the_o case_n of_o a_o scandal_n real_o give_v 3_o how_o far_o a_o man_n in_o some_o case_n of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n may_v do_v a_o thing_n the_o rather_o for_o such_o reason_n though_o other_o take_v offence_n we_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o if_o for_o meat_n or_o by_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n as_o another_o account_n unclean_a we_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o brother_n stumble_v etc._n etc._n rom._n 14_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o how_o dangerous_a then_o to_o use_v such_o corrupt_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o when_o a_o weak_a brother_n stumble_v at_o they_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o judge_n we_o doubt_v it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n prescribe_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o chap._n iii_o 3_o position_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n 4_o that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n reply_n what_o be_v here_o premise_a to_o prevent_v mistake_n do_v seem_v more_o to_o raise_v then_o to_o abate_v scruple_n you_o refuse_v not_o all_o communion_n with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o church-member_n and_o so_o much_o they_o profess_v who_o former_o have_v go_v for_o and_o profess_v themselves_o separatist_n from_o our_o assembly_n you_o do_v not_o appropriate_v these_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_v only_o to_o member_n of_o your_o own_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o mean_v only_o that_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n be_v true_a for_o substance_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v confess_v of_o rome_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n your_o judgement_n be_v against_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a church_n answ_n we_o see_v not_o how_o such_o scruple_n can_v be_v raise_v without_o great_a mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n our_o expression_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o distinct_a for_o 1_o what_o if_o some_o separatist_n admit_v private_a communion_n with_o such_o yet_o they_o reject_v your_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o null_n which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v refuse_v also_o such_o private_a communion_n 2_o we_o marvel_n how_o you_o can_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o mistake_n as_o to_o suppose_v we_o only_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o church_n when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o concern_v those_o we_o admit_v to_o the_o seal_n which_o plain_o show_v we_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n 3_o concern_v fellowship_n with_o those_o church_n we_o may_v admit_v member_n of_o they_o to_o the_o seal_n with_o we_o when_o we_o can_v always_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o administration_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o sinful_a corruption_n wherein_o we_o must_v have_v actual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o yourselves_o will_v not_o join_v in_o case_n you_o must_v kneel_v at_o the_o lords-supper_n 4_o concern_v the_o dilemma_n we_o answer_v 1_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o cross_v to_o this_o profession_n for_o such_o as_o come_v recommend_v from_o foreign_a church_n and_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v we_o do_v receive_v and_o such_o as_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o all_o relation_n to_o english_a church_n and_o live_v among_o we_o we_o have_v look_v at_o as_o scatter_a stone_n till_o they_o join_v some_o where_o in_o a_o church_n and_o themselves_o general_o so_o judge_v of_o themselves_o but_o if_o any_o will_v hold_v to_o their_o membership_n in_o england_n and_o come_v orderly_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o we_o have_v not_o noâ—_n shall_v not_o under_o that_o notion_n refuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o exclude_v
not_o the_o english_a church_n out_o of_o the_o number_n and_o herein_o we_o deal_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o then_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n reply_n all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v so_o you_o deny_v not_o church_n privilege_n to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a nor_o the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o such_o as_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o question_v nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolable_a according_a to_o order_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v according_a too_o order_n to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n true_a visible_a christian_n or_o know_v recommend_v christian_n former_o member_n of_o visible_a church_n among_o we_o and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o put_v such_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o your_o church_n order_n answ_n 1_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n will_v hold_v to_o what_o here_o be_v grant_v we_o hope_v this_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o issue_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v after_o this_o order_n allow_v bind_v only_o in_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o dispense_v sacrament_n but_o christian_n be_v leave_v at_o a_o loose_a end_n in_o respect_n of_o combine_v themselves_o unto_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o 2_o we_o have_v not_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v say_v to_o have_v plentiful_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n table_n seales_n and_o covenant_n 3_o concern_v the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n too_o much_o liberty_n be_v take_v as_o in_o other_o case_n for_o neither_o in_o the_o position_n or_o in_o our_o answer_n do_v we_o limit_v the_o question_n to_o member_n in_o our_o church_n order_n as_o here_o it_o be_v call_v but_o express_o extend_v the_o same_o to_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o through_o error_n or_o humane_a frailty_n defective_a in_o matter_n of_o order_n yea_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n as_o in_o the_o answer_n be_v say_v 2._o concern_v such_o as_o come_v over_o and_o be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o seal_n it_o be_v not_o because_o we_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o be_v member_n of_o your_o church_n know_v or_o recommend_v christian_n as_o you_o say_v for_o if_o any_o godly_a man_n remain_v a_o member_n in_o any_o true_a church_n with_o you_o or_o elsewhere_o come_v so_o recommend_v or_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o church_n we_o never_o under_o that_o notion_n refuse_v any_o but_o give_v such_o other_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v shall_v ready_o receive_v they_o as_o we_o always_o profess_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v still_o call_v for_o attendance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n in_o its_o right_a term_n viz._n whether_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n or_o themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n not_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o until_o they_o be_v such_o chap._n iu._n reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n but_o if_o you_o understand_v a_o congregationall_a assembly_n the_o seal_n be_v never_o appropriate_v to_o it_o answ_n 1_o our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o any_o such_o universal_a church_n as_o institute_v and_o political_a wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v which_o reason_n you_o answer_v not_o but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n in_o our_o sense_n pag._n 21._o and_o if_o no_o such_o church_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v administer_v as_o we_o prove_v than_o the_o cause_n itself_o be_v yield_v and_o the_o seal_n must_v belong_v to_o particular_a church_n 2._o see_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o this_o question_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n to_o what_o church_n the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o open_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o because_o we_o affect_v and_o study_v peace_n with_o truth_n we_o shall_v free_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a effectual_o call_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o visible_a believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o one_o body_n to_o he_o he_o govern_v protect_a instruct_v all_o as_o his_o visible_a body_n second_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v appear_v the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o three_o we_o grant_v that_o all_o true_a believer_n wherever_o they_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o here_o we_o must_v first_o distinguish_v of_o these_o benefit_n of_o christ_n whereof_o some_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a inward_a and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o christ_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o justification_n sanctification_n adoption_n access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n some_o be_v outward_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n be_v outward_a and_o visible_a mean_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v also_o extend_v to_o hypocrite_n be_v visible_a believer_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o can_v be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n immediate_o nor_o ordinary_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 2._o we_o distinguish_v of_o right_a to_o these_o outward_a benefit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v either_o remote_a call_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o near_o and_o immediate_a call_v jus_o in_o râ—_n right_a to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o now_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o grant_v all_o visible_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o seal_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la visibili_fw-la now_o here_o lie_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o all_o these_o outward_a visible_a privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o immediate_o enjoy_v of_o the_o faithful_a or_o whether_o not_o the_o remote_a right_n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o sure_o to_o who_o one_o of_o these_o be_v give_v all_o be_v give_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n reason_n and_o use_v of_o all_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n discipline_n all_o be_v outward_a ordinance_n privilege_n mean_n of_o grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o christ_n have_v give_v one_o he_o have_v give_v all_o but_o we_o must_v confess_v however_o you_o call_v this_o a_o new_a church_n way_n it_o be_v new_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o much_o of_o late_a of_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o administration_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n belong_v we_o be_v yet_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o baynes_n parker_n and_o cartwright_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v against_o papist_n and_o prelate_n maintain_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o institute_v catholic_n national_n or_o provincial_n church_n but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n both_o for_o the_o reason_n allege_v in_o our_o answer_n as_o also_o for_o the_o impossibility_n thereof_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n
be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 1_o object_n if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o firâ—â—_n order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a 2_o object_n if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o ephes_n 1._o 22._o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o who_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o general_n may_v and_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o convene_v let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o all_o political_a
particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v terâ—ullian_n mar._n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16_o 40._o &_o 17._o 5._o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practiâ—â—_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2._o 41._o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o
baptize_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n for_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n can_v choose_v a_o minister_n to_o baptize_v they_o answ_n we_o see_v here_o still_o how_o unaware_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o position_n itself_o break_v forth_o for_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v full_o yield_v and_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o place_n allude_v to_o act_n 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o the_o position_n be_v yield_v also_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n admit_v believer_n into_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v former_o deny_v and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o choose_v elder_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v full_o yield_v reply_n a_o company_n of_o convert_v unbaptise_v aught_o to_o desire_v baptism_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o elect_v one_o among_o themselves_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o scripture_n that_o any_o society_n of_o unbaptised_a do_v first_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v you_o can_v produce_v one_o example_n or_o other_o proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o one_o man_n teach_v the_o gospel_n ministerial_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o of_o a_o society_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n but_o they_o be_v baptize_v person_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n out_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v they_o be_v first_o baptize_v into_o church_n fellowship_n before_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n remain_v enjoy_v from_o they_o other_o ordinance_n as_o act._n 2._o and_o so_o have_v no_o officer_n choose_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n immediate_o for_o they_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o they_o must_v choose_v officer_n if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o no_o need_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v usual_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_n arise_v out_o of_o popery_n in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v such_o church_n can_v partake_v of_o no_o ordinance_n without_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o yet_o this_o vary_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n pattern_n neither_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o believer_n differ_v when_o paul_n find_v about_o twelve_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n act._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v into_o a_o constitute_v church_n as_o be_v probable_a be_v call_v on_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o way_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o baptise_v they_o again_o with_o water_n but_o only_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o 5._o with_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o no_o vary_a from_o the_o rule_n in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o like_a be_v our_o case_n now_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o here_o you_o urge_v than_o those_o former_a assertion_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n page_n 23._o and_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o he_o lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o want_v of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n if_o these_o be_v so_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n may_v be_v a_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n though_o they_o want_v baptism_n 3._o though_o no_o such_o example_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n choose_v a_o pastor_n among_o themselves_o can_v be_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thereof_o apostle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o baptize_v they_o yet_o why_o in_o absence_n of_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n may_v they_o not_o choose_v some_o other_o baptize_v christian_n who_o come_v into_o some_o far_a remote_a country_n of_o infidel_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o show_v a_o example_n of_o presbyter_n hold_v a_o synod_n or_o ordain_v of_o elder_n without_o apostle_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o suppose_v you_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o such_o thing_n 4_o if_o a_o example_n of_o one_o unbaptise_v that_o preach_v &_o baptize_v ministerial_o will_v satisfy_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n may_v answer_v your_o demand_n for_o whether_o he_o baptize_v himself_o or_o be_v baptize_v by_o some_o other_o at_o first_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n do_v baptize_v but_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o example_n scripture_n ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o case_n be_v they_o rule_v example_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o and_o we_o reason_n thus_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n profess_v christ_n have_v liberty_n from_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n but_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n in_o a_o combine_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v choose_v their_o officer_n reply_n the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v also_o right_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o faithful_a alone_o but_o their_o guide_v and_o officer_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v two_o or_o three_o believer_n link_v in_o a_o society_n be_v such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n do_v belong_v but_o that_o right_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n answ_n the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o proposition_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o former_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v guide_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o therein_o but_o not_o to_o limit_v they_o who_o to_o choose_v but_o when_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o guide_n as_o by_o death_n and_o other_o way_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o shall_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o choose_v if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v to_o who_o the_o right_a fall_n they_o may_v take_v what_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o other_o they_o want_v but_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o limitation_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o number_n of_o two_o or_o three_o we_o contend_v not_o but_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n gather_v be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n be_v in_o such_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o when_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o our_o minister_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o church_n no_o say_v dr._n field_n for_o the_o people_n elect_v they_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o separate_v from_o wicked_a minister_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n who_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la plebs_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n also_o from_o ocham_n who_o say_v si_fw-mi papa_n &_o maxim_n celebres_fw-la episcopi_fw-la incidunt_fw-la in_o haeresin_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la devoluta_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n either_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o choose_v other_o or_o consent_v to_o their_o impiety_n field_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o place_n be_v little_a to_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o scruple_v by_o we_o and_o what_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o therefore_o here_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o reply_n proposi_fw-la 4._o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n fellowship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a right_o understand_v for_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o can_v join_v themselves_o together_o in_o church_n estate_n answ_n
practice_n be_v as_o the_o separation_n as_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o from_o you_o in_o these_o consideration_n answ_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o concurrence_n with_o the_o separation_n upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v not_o say_v nor_o can_v we_o apprehend_v that_o neither_o our_o flat_a negation_n of_o the_o position_n nor_o our_o reference_n to_o mr._n parker_n as_o concur_v with_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v here_o impute_v unto_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o the_o officer_n do_v therein_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n if_o our_o profession_n may_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o satisfy_v we_o do_v free_o and_o hearty_o profess_v to_o the_o contrary_a affirm_v that_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o transact_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n who_o minister_v in_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o community_n whereby_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n they_o dissent_v from_o they_o still_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v respectful_o towards_o they_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o mr._n parker_n and_o fenner_n give_v as_o much_o to_o the_o church_n in_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o in_o any_o of_o our_o public_a write_n but_o see_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o learned_a author_n from_o this_o particular_a question_n about_o excommunication_n to_o that_o beat_a controversy_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o general_a and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o whereby_o we_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v ourselves_o herein_o we_o shall_v brief_o glean_v up_o some_o few_o of_o our_o scatter_a apprehension_n as_o may_v most_o concern_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1_o there_o be_v divers_a key_n that_o be_v diverse_o distribute_v to_o several_a subject_n in_o respect_n of_o execution_n and_o therefore_o the_o question_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o state_v and_o what_o key_n be_v deny_v to_o the_o people_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o officer_n and_o what_o to_o some_o officer_n not_o to_o other_o shall_v have_v be_v show_v before_o argument_n be_v press_v 2_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n to_o com._n which_o belong_v office_n and_o democracy_n to_o which_o belong_v privilege_n hence_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v twofold_a 1_o official_a official_a power_n 2_o fraternal_a the_o first_o belong_v to_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o to_o the_o fraternity_n thereof_o 3_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o power_n to_o act_v with_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n ministerial_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o which_o office_n while_o the_o minister_n act_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n proper_o ecclesiastical_a because_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o hence_o in_o those_o church_n act_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o he_o but_o common_a in_o some_o case_n to_o the_o fraternity_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o office-authority_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o like_a act_n material_o do_v by_o other_o ex._n gr_n any_o brother_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v 1_o thes_n 5._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 13._o titus_n a_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o with_o all_o authority_n titus_n 2._o 15._o some_o able_a and_o gift_a though_o not_o in_o office_n may_v occasional_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n yet_o not_o with_o a_o office-authority_n but_o a_o officer_n preach_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o so_o also_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n wherein_o though_o the_o fraternity_n have_v a_o power_n whether_o in_o consent_v or_o otherwise_o yet_o they_o act_v obediential_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o guide_n declare_v the_o rule_n go_v before_o they_o in_o example_n and_o command_v they_o if_o need_v be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o officer_n act_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o room_n they_o stand_v and_o hence_o we_o think_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fraternity_n without_o officer_n shall_v cast_v out_o any_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o may_v be_v dispense_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o it_o be_v no_o official_a act_n 2_o fraternal_a power_n in_o public_a church_n act_n be_v a_o joint_a power_n of_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n in_o some_o sense_n &_o in_o some_o case_n to_o open_v &_o shut_v which_o power_n be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o several_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a joint_o for_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o combine_v and_o so_o to_o receive_v other_o into_o the_o communion_n so_o by_o like_a reason_n to_o shut_v out_o offender_n from_o their_o communion_n but_o thus_o they_o do_v fraternal_o not_o official_o and_o as_o they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o election_n of_o officer_n to_o they_o so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o fraternal_a power_n due_a order_n be_v attend_v to_o shut_v they_o out_o when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o common_a receive_v rule_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o have_v only_o brief_o set_v down_o both_o to_o wash_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o popular_a government_n from_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o all_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o minister_n or_o nothing_o leave_v they_o but_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o sit_v mere_o as_o a_o moderator_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v and_o also_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v here_o in_o the_o reply_n we_o grant_v therefore_o the_o first_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o only_o there_o be_v give_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n which_o officer_n shall_v execute_v the_o same_o reply_n 2_o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n which_o they_o do_v not_o answ_n this_o reason_n be_v answer_v before_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o tenant_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v the_o official_a power_n be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o community_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o add_v we_o shall_v consider_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o reply_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n as_o for_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o authority_n itself_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a subject_n nor_o derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o gift_n absolute_a that_o it_o may_v reside_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a parker_n pol._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o answ_n 1_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n we_o now_o dispute_v not_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o officer_n we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n
for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1_o 1._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28._o 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v see_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n â—â—_o its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o
promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v answ_n we_o be_v still_o enforce_v to_o clear_v our_o answer_n from_o mistake_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o answer_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o position_n affirmative_o and_o in_o practice_n require_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v the_o case_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v first_o mind_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o add_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o scruple_n and_o first_o the_o answer_n say_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o brethren_n shall_v not_o forsake_v fellowship_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o removall_n approve_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o position_n affirm_v for_o first_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o taâ—ke_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busiebody_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o 9_o and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a like_o counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o
these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_a upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o a_o power_n to_o themselves_o so_o page_n next_o 80._o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o command_v that_o no_o member_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o congregation_n whither_o he_o go_v on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n to_o what_o end_n be_v this_o insert_v if_o not_o to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o practice_n among_o we_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o occasional_o be_v absent_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n see_v a_o few_o line_n after_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_n herself_o etc._n etc._n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n and_o immediate_o after_o we_o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o religious_a exercise_n shall_v be_v profane_v by_o unseasonable_a dispute_n but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o fear_n conceive_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n viz._n if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o that_o before_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o seem_v robinson_n in_o case_n of_o some_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n will_v have_v some_o censure_n pass_v to_o prevent_v pollution_n of_o a_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o ground_n sufficient_a again_o in_o the_o same_o page_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v thick_o sow_v herein_o say_v he_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v unity_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o seek_v a_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n â—s_v be_v show_v before_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a profession_n of_o the_o answer_n that_o we_o promise_v no_o new_a duty_n but_o only_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o saint_n in_o church_n order_n much_o less_o do_v we_o set_v up_o new_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o as_o if_o all_o these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o leaf_n be_v two_o little_a page_z next_z 81._o we_o have_v a_o whole_a catalogue_n gather_v together_o from_o other_o place_n and_o this_o that_o by_o lay_v thing_n together_o the_o odium_fw-la raise_v may_v stick_v the_o deep_a for_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v but_o to_o press_v custom_n expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v authority_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o intermeddle_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o that_o upon_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o to_o debar_v know_v christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n as_o settle_a member_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n against_o light_n to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n concern_v all_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o approve_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o true_o weak_a enough_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o discourse_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o author_n for_o thus_o he_o add_v this_o be_v that_o we_o can_v approve_v and_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v thus_o brief_o present_v in_o one_o view_v not_o to_o dishonour_v the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a author_n who_o memory_n we_o honour_v two_o thing_n we_o charitable_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o remove_v over_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o first_o we_o consider_v his_o spirit_n may_v be_v over_o grieve_v and_o provoke_v to_o this_o harshness_n by_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o many_o christian_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a liturgy_n in_o which_o cause_n he_o stand_v too_o far_o engage_v and_o suppose_v new-england_n way_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o more_o sharp_a second_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o reply_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o less_o blamable_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v now_o publish_v and_o the_o harshness_n thereof_o may_v do_v much_o hurt_n we_o be_v press_v to_o clear_v ourselves_o wherein_o if_o any_o thing_n reflect_v upon_o the_o author_n or_o publisher_n we_o can_v avoid_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o write_v thus_o as_o if_o we_o will_v whole_o justify_v ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o particular_a miscarriage_n that_o happy_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o may_v have_v happen_v we_o have_v much_o cause_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n and_o abase_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dust_n before_o man_n for_o all_o the_o weakness_n sin_n error_n and_o miscarriage_n that_o have_v be_v find_v among_o we_o in_o one_o kind_n and_o another_o only_o this_o we_o may_v profess_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n that_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n we_o have_v seek_v after_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o frame_v of_o discipline_n as_o we_o can_v conceive_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o help_n of_o the_o best_a reformer_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o evil_n discover_v unto_o we_o but_o bewail_v our_o great_a defect_n in_o all_o reply_n and_o here_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v here_o all_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v uncredible_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a thing_n especial_o in_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v their_o material_n and_o because_o the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n step_v somewhat_o out_o of_o his_o way_n to_o call_v we_o to_o give_v answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n especial_o in_o this_o present_a turn_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o glad_o accept_v of_o this_o occasion_n to_o declare_v ourselves_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o we_o may_v to_o the_o two_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n qu._n first_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n at_o there_o admission_n thereunto_o answ_n 1._o second_o whether_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n hereof_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v express_v ourselves_o in_o these_o particular_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n first_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o what_o may_v keep_v a_o church_n already_o constitute_v from_o be_v account_v no_o church_n