request_v our_o help_n therein_o and_o that_o the_o elder_n will_v no_o way_n aporove_v thereof_o but_o will_v only_o permit_v our_o come_n either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o at_o their_o request_n wherein_o they_o also_o certify_v we_o how_o some_o of_o they_o have_v charge_v the_o exposition_n of_o these_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18_o 17._o tell_v the_o elder_n with_o some_o other_o particular_n thereupon_o depend_v to_o be_v error_n and_o so_o be_v to_o prove_v their_o charge_n and_o therefore_o earnest_o request_v we_o to_o help_v in_o that_o great_a business_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v maintain_v and_o not_o by_o their_o weakness_n injury_v and_o the_o innocent_a condemn_v and_o that_o we_o will_v help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o thus_o earnest_o request_v our_o help_n be_v because_o m._n ainsworth_n be_v so_o spare_v in_o oppose_v of_o mr_n johnsons_n new_a doctrine_n though_o always_o mislike_v it_o as_o 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offence_n and_o minister_v occasion_n of_o further_a strife_n which_o phrase_n also_o we_o reprove_v in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v amiss_o profess_v notwithstanding_o they_o have_v no_o evil_a meaning_n in_o it_o but_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o provoke_v we_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o supply_v their_o inability_n against_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v now_o for_o our_o withhold_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n though_o since_o that_o time_n for_o their_o importunity_n we_o send_v it_o they_o as_o also_o for_o our_o purpose_n of_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o end_n thereof_o we_o will_v here_o insert_v what_o we_o write_v unto_o they_o in_o two_o several_a letter_n thereabouts_o for_o the_o former_a thus_o if_o the_o letter_n whereof_o you_o desire_v a_o copy_n may_v further_o your_o common_a peace_n or_o procure_v good_a to_o any_o we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v your_o desire_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v the_o least_o evil_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v hold_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o party_n offend_v ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o discover_v their_o sin_n and_o loath_a will_v we_o be_v either_o to_o minister_v matter_n of_o further_a scan_n among_o you_o or_o that_o any_o register_n of_o unkindness_n shall_v come_v unto_o you_o from_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o only_a cause_n why_o we_o refuse_v to_o send_v this_o letter_n as_o they_o require_v wherein_o if_o we_o fail_v as_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n so_o to_o think_v yet_o be_v it_o the_o error_n of_o our_o love_n and_o great_a desire_n of_o their_o peace_n about_o our_o come_n we_o thus_o write_v our_o purpose_n therefore_o be_v according_a to_o the_o request_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o have_v move_v we_o and_o our_o duty_n to_o send_v or_o come_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o oppose_v any_o person_n or_o to_o mainteyn_a any_o charge_n of_o error_n but_o by_o all_o other_o brotherly_a mean_n to_o help_v forward_o your_o holy_a peace_n if_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v which_o how_o precious_a it_o be_v unto_o we_o we_o hope_v to_o manifest_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n than_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o endeavour_v both_o with_o god_n and_o yourselves_o of_o which_o our_o come_n we_o pray_v you_o to_o accept_v and_o to_o appoint_v we_o some_o such_o time_n as_o seem_v to_o you_o most_o convenient_a wherealso_n we_o shall_v satisfy_v you_o to_o the_o utmost_a both_o touch_v the_o letter_n and_o other_o particular_n in_o all_o equity_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o apparent_a sin_n these_o thing_n notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o approve_v but_o only_o permit_v of_o our_o come_n as_o man_n use_v to_o permit_v of_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o which_o in_o deed_n they_o can_v not_o hinder_v and_o so_o we_o come_v unto_o they_o first_o of_o ourselves_o and_o afterward_o at_o the_o request_n of_o m._n ainsworth_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v and_o so_o inforâ—mâ—_n ourselves_o upon_o they_o for_o the_o deliver_n of_o the_o church_n message_n do_v reprove_v what_o we_o judge_v evil_a in_o they_o and_o that_o we_o confess_v with_o some_o vehemency_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o motion_n make_v by_o mr._n johnson_n for_o the_o free_a dismission_n of_o such_o member_n with_o they_o unto_o we_o as_o can_v not_o there_o walk_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n there_o lie_v no_o other_o cause_n against_o they_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v mutual_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n we_o signify_v as_o he_o write_v that_o we_o little_o think_v they_o have_v be_v so_o inclinable_a to_o peace_n &_o that_o if_o we_o have_v so_o think_v we_o will_v have_v carry_v ourselves_o otherweise_v towards_o they_o than_o we_o do_v and_o good_a cause_n have_v we_o so_o to_o speak_v for_o neither_o be_v the_o same_o carriage_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o man_n prosecute_a their_o purpose_n and_o persuasion_n with_o all_o violence_n and_o extremity_n and_o towards_o they_o which_o manifest_a christian_a moderation_n in_o the_o same_o neither_o have_v we_o before_o or_o have_v we_o since_o find_v the_o like_a peaceable_a inclination_n in_o they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o then_o manifest_v which_o how_o great_a grief_n it_o have_v be_v unto_o we_o and_o how_o it_o have_v even_o wound_v our_o very_a heart_n he_o only_o know_v which_o see_v the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o put_v their_o tear_n in_o his_o bottle_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o proceed_v the_o motion_n make_v by_o mr_n johnson_n for_o a_o peaceable_a dismission_n be_v by_o the_o church_n there_o receive_v with_o general_a assent_n unto_o which_o the_o church_n also_o at_o leyden_n condescend_v and_o so_o send_v back_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o further_a ratification_n of_o it_o and_o for_o some_o other_o purpose_n tend_v to_o the_o establish_n of_o peace_n among_o they_o whereupon_o it_o be_v also_o the_o second_o time_n by_o they_o confirm_v always_o in_o deed_n with_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o that_o if_o either_o they_o or_o we_o mind_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v so_o signify_v which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o but_o reverse_v the_o agreement_n of_o themselves_o without_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o change_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o reason_n thereof_o afterward_o indeed_o they_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o their_o purpose_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o former_a letter_n by_o themselves_o publish_v desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o our_o consideration_n about_o it_o as_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v full_o agree_v upon_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o often_o than_o
be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o among_o they_o verse_n 4.5.13_o he_o do_v not_o purpose_n that_o the_o elder_n shall_v deliver_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o public_o &_o the_o people_n private_o all_o being_n gather_v together_o for_o that_o business_n when_o he_o will_v have_v they_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leven_fw-mi that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o passover_n with_o unleavened_a bread_n verse_n 7.8_o he_o mean_v not_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v purge_v the_o leven_a and_o keep_v the_o feast_n public_o &_o the_o church_n private_o neither_o do_v the_o type_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o israel_n teach_v they_o such_o a_o thing_n no_o nor_o the_o judge_n of_o malefactor_n in_o israel_n for_o when_o the_o magistrate_n give_v sentence_n of_o death_n and_o the_o people_n stone_v wicked_a person_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n the_o ruler_n fact_n be_v not_o then_o public_a and_o the_o people_n private_a the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o not_o thus_o to_o distinguish_v nor_o reason_n itself_o but_o that_o the_o execution_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a judgement_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o 1._o cor._n 5._o to_o all_o the_o church_n blame_v their_o neglect_n of_o the_o censure_n even_o as_o in_o 1._o cor._n 11._o he_o write_v to_o all_o reprove_v their_o abuse_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherefore_o if_o man_n will_v they_o may_v misapply_v this_o distinction_n to_o all_o church_n action_n as_o to_z sacrament_n prayer_n election_n of_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a make_v they_o public_a in_o the_o elder_n and_o private_a in_o the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o so_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v also_o in_o other_o case_n give_v all_o lay_v man_n but_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o chapt_n they_o use_v to_o speak_v and_o the_o minister_n only_o a_o public_a we_o find_v not_o that_o christian_a people_n be_v more_o exclude_v from_o be_v public_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o actor_n with_o their_o minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o priesthood_n and_o pprophecy_n and_o we_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o pastor_n himself_o if_o he_o consent_v not_o with_o the_o church_n in_o cast_v out_o such_o a_o incestuous_a person_n may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o private_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o a_o other_o man_n but_o by_o such_o popish_a distinction_n the_o clergy_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o laity_n and_o so_o the_o people_n by_o degree_n turn_v out_o of_o al._n and_o what_o now_o do_v these_o our_o opposite_n allow_v the_o people_n if_o they_o see_v their_o elder_n to_o corrupt_a judgement_n &_o therefore_o do_v dissent_n from_o they_o they_o make_v it_o but_o the_o dissent_n of_o particular_a person_n judgement_n from_o the_o public_a of_o what_o sex_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n when_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o except_v touch_v ecclesiastical_a proceed_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v they_o say_v as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n they_o mean_v i_o trow_v as_o the_o elder_n themselves_o shall_v see_v cause_n and_o so_o if_o a_o church_n have_v 3._o or_o 4._o officer_n and_o they_o corrupt_v with_o heresy_n or_o other_o vice_n the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o any_o person_n be_v can_v pass_v no_o public_a ecclesiastical_a judgement_n upon_o they_o by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o for_o their_o private_a judgement_n or_o censure_n the_o elder_n themselves_o will_v regard_v it_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prelacy_n which_o the_o elder_n will_v usurp_v i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v but_o of_o these_o thing_n see_v after_o in_o this_o treatise_n pag._n 22_o 23._o 3._o come_v we_o to_o reproach_n &_o disgrace_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v among_o the_o papist_n how_o they_o disdeyn_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v meddle_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n they_o complayn_n of_o they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n unrulynes_n disobedience_n unto_o government_n they_o say_v 11._o the_o protestant_n reason_n as_o chore_n dathan_n and_o abyram_n do_v num_fw-la 16._o when_o they_o rebel_v against_o moses_n &_o aaron_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n say_v that_o there_o need_v here_o in_o the_o church_n no_o head_n to_o govern_v it_o because_o christ_n be_v always_o with_o it_o and_o do_v not_o those_o wicked_a man_n say_v the_o papist_n in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o moses_n &_o aron_n use_v the_o same_o reason_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n let_v it_o suffice_v you_o that_o all_o the_o multitude_n be_v holy_a &_o they_o have_v god_n present_a with_o they_o and_o why_o then_o take_v you_o upon_o yourselves_o the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o who_o will_v say_v have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o ruler_n god_n be_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o very_a same_o reproach_n do_v our_o opposite_n now_o cast_v upon_o we_o advance_v the_o elder_n disgrace_v the_o people_n 37.39_o by_o intimate_v their_o simplicity_n &_o error_n charge_v we_o as_o oppugner_n of_o government_n and_o abuse_v against_o we_o the_o example_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n as_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v with_o grief_n tell_v we_o we_o go_v upon_o their_o ground_n and_o the_o like_a for_o which_o we_o wish_v they_o may_v find_v repentance_n and_o mercy_n with_o the_o lord_n lest_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n as_o moses_n then_o do_v upon_o the_o levite_n for_o unto_o they_o 16.9.10_o it_o seem_v a_o small_a thing_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o israel_n to_o take_v they_o near_o unto_o himself_o to_o do_v the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n &_o to_o stand_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o seek_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n also_o so_o these_o our_o opposer_n be_v not_o content_a with_o their_o office_n to_o be_v 1.1_o separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v and_o minister_v before_o and_o unto_o the_o congregation_n but_o will_v needs_o be_v the_o congregation_n itself_o and_o take_v more_o authority_n than_o be_v give_v they_o from_o 3.27_o heaven_n whereof_o see_v after_o in_o this_o book_n pag._n 17.21.22.23_o etc._n etc._n 4._o what_o enmity_n and_o persecution_n the_o papist_n have_v raise_v against_o the_o withstander_n of_o their_o heresy_n i_o need_v not_o speak_v all_o nation_n have_v feel_v of_o their_o cruelty_n neither_o will_v i_o here_o mention_v our_o opposite_a brethren_n hard_a measure_n to_o we_o but_o that_o themselves_o have_v print_v and_o seek_v to_o defend_v it_o &_o cease_v not_o still_o to_o prosecute_v their_o purpose_n against_o we_o although_o themselves_o have_v late_o profess_v practise_v &_o public_o maintain_v the_o truth_n which_o now_o they_o oppugn_v and_o persecute_v and_o bring_v innovation_n into_o the_o church_n will_v needs_o obtrude_v their_o error_n upon_o our_o conscience_n either_o in_o judgement_n or_o in_o practice_n or_o in_o both_o yea_o break_v the_o peace_n which_o themselves_o have_v devise_v agree_v unto_o and_o confirm_v because_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o agree_v to_o the_o undo_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o will_n as_o be_v after_o manifest_v in_o this_o treatise_n pag._n 123_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n herein_o towards_o we_o their_o account_n will_v be_v heavy_a but_o my_o prayer_n shall_v be_v against_o their_o evil_n 5._o whereas_o many_o treatise_n have_v be_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o mainteyn_v these_o our_o opposer_n answer_v they_o not_o neither_o yet_n be_v they_o silent_a nor_o will_v give_v rest_n unto_o other_o but_o urge_v and_o provoke_v more_o write_v stil._n for_o the_o church_n power_n now_o in_o controversy_n our_o apology_n 62.63_o bring_v nine_o reason_n these_o have_v answer_v only_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o six_o draw_v from_o mat._n 18.17_o all_o the_o other_o they_o let_v stand_v and_o yet_o what_o clamour_n have_v we_o hear_v because_o their_o exception_n against_o that_o one_o be_v not_o by_o we_o refute_v so_o in_o our_o other_o article_n of_o difference_n the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o our_o apology_n and_o other_o book_n they_o pass_v by_o without_o answer_n if_o they_o can_v make_v any_o colourable_a exception_n they_o spare_v it_o not_o otherwise_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n they_o fall_v to_o ask_v of_o question_n seek_v if_o they_o can_v to_o ensnare_v we_o of_o which_o thing_n the_o reader_n may_v see_v after_o in_o this_o book_n pag._n 45_o etc._n etc._n &_o 51._o etc._n etc._n &_o 59_o etc._n etc._n &_o 23_o etc._n
church_n the_o church_n what_o shall_v be_v answer_v before_o the_o magistrate_n we_o with_o signification_n as_o before_o that_o we_o will_v rather_o suffer_v wrong_a then_o sue_v at_o law_n yet_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o of_o seek_v for_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o if_o in_o so_o do_v the_o church_n right_o be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o then_o some_o certain_a appoint_v shall_v answer_v for_o the_o same_o 3._o those_o our_o brethren_n before_o they_o go_v to_o the_o judge_n entreat_v the_o help_n of_o the_o burgemaster_n the_o chief_n of_o the_o city_n who_o labour_v by_o persuasion_n with_o our_o opposite_n to_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o good_a man_n choose_v by_o both_o side_n but_o they_o still_o peremptory_o refuse_v 4._o when_o it_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o judge_n they_o also_o at_o first_o both_o persuade_v unto_o and_o nominate_v two_o indifferent_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o case_n but_o when_o our_o opposer_n come_v before_o they_o they_o refuse_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o arbitrement_n the_o judge_n the_o second_o time_n appoint_v they_o with_o a_o mulct_n or_o forfeit_v upon_o those_o that_o refuse_v their_o arbitrement_n but_o our_o adverse_a party_n persist_v in_o their_o refusal_n as_o before_o and_o urge_v sentence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o plead_v that_o they_o which_o build_v on_o another_o man_n ground_n be_v by_o law_n to_o loose_v their_o build_n which_o plea_n they_o make_v because_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o ground_n be_v make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o one_o man_n only_o now_o among_o they_o who_o name_n be_v use_v but_o in_o trust_n for_o any_o other_o may_v have_v have_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_o be_v prove_v before_o the_o magistrate_n by_o sufficient_a witness_n now_o unto_o these_o arbiter_n appoint_v do_v our_o brethren_n willing_o refer_v the_o cause_n and_o to_o they_o inquire_v of_o the_o difference_n be_v those_o article_n exhibit_v which_o it_o seem_v those_o libeler_n or_o their_o scribe_n by_o some_o mean_n that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o procure_v a_o copy_n of_o and_o so_o print_v they_o what_o cause_n now_o have_v these_o our_o opposer_n to_o find_v such_o fault_n with_o our_o give_v out_o those_o article_n which_o we_o be_v constrain_v by_o themselves_o to_o do_v unless_o we_o shall_v have_v suffer_v the_o truth_n to_o have_v be_v tread_v down_o they_o rather_o have_v cause_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o stiff_a &_o refractory_a carriage_n who_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o good_a counsel_n give_v they_o by_o our_o brethren_n by_o arbiter_n or_o by_o magistrate_n till_o law_n force_v they_o thereunto_o and_o so_o have_v occasion_v many_o way_n our_o common_a adversary_n to_o rejoice_v 3._o but_o we_o have_v not_o say_v the_o 17._o advertisement_n as_o we_o ought_v handle_v and_o justify_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o we_o separate_v which_o be_v annex_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o but_o have_v go_v about_o also_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o other_o matter_n so_o 31._o after_o they_o urge_v again_o this_o point_n that_o we_o leave_v the_o treatise_n unanswered_a which_o be_v purposely_o write_v upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o argument_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o handle_v and_o justify_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o we_o separate_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o much_o dispute_v before_o we_o leave_v they_o and_o this_o for_o they_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n practice_v act._n 1â—_n 8.9_o and_o now_o we_o be_v by_o their_o importunacie_n call_v to_o handle_v and_o justify_v they_o before_o the_o world_n in_o writing_n which_o whither_o we_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o sequel_n shall_v show_v to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o they_o which_o have_v go_v about_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o other_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o themselves_o in_o effect_n acknowledge_v and_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v do_v defend_v they_o but_o their_o declaration_n against_o we_o in_o the_o treat_n on_o mat._n 18._o be_v defective_a and_o the_o 7._o point_n they_o article_n etc._n now_o against_o we_o be_v superfluous_a and_o injurious_o wrest_v against_o we_o as_o our_o answer_n to_o they_o shall_v manifest_v the_o controversy_n in_o deed_n begin_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o but_o so_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o time_n past_o anabaptist_n begin_v controversy_n upon_o mat._n 28.19_o who_o have_v reason_v both_o from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o scripture_n against_o the_o baptise_n of_o infant_n so_o these_o opposite_n from_o mat_n 18.17_o and_o all_o other_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v bring_v reason_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n in_o judge_v sin_v &_o sinner_n we_o former_o 65._o profess_v the_o church_n there_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o people_n joint_o they_o now_o strive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o elder_n only_o we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v either_o the_o name_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v have_v and_o we_o never_o think_v they_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o styrr_n for_o a_o name_n or_o title_n we_o hold_v therefore_o to_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n for_o judge_v of_o they_o that_o be_v within_o 1._o cor._n 5.4.12.13_o of_o this_o when_o we_o press_v they_o they_o first_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o rightful_a power_n to_o excommunicate_v though_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o people_n but_o not_o the_o able_a power_n even_o as_o david_n have_v rightful_a power_n to_o put_v joab_n to_o death_n but_o be_v not_o able_a because_o other_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o 2._o sam._n 3.39_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v external_a man_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o outward_a force_n but_o in_o the_o spiritual_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n not_o so_o god_n word_n by_o which_o they_o administer_v be_v not_o in_o bond_n 2_o tim._n 2.9_o but_o if_o one_o man_n only_o have_v the_o power_n from_o christ_n he_o may_v use_v it_o 1.9.10_o against_o all_o the_o world_n so_o upon_o better_a consideration_n a_o week_n after_o they_o affirm_v the_o elder_n to_o have_v both_o rightful_a power_n and_o able_a power_n to_o excommunicate_v though_o without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o thus_o be_v full_a power_n put_v in_o the_o elder_n hand_n &_o of_o the_o people_n they_o say_v their_o power_n and_o right_n be_v as_o in_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o be_v ask_v what_o that_o be_v answer_v be_v make_v it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v so_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v leave_v to_o seek_v their_o right_a where_o they_o can_v find_v it_o the_o elder_n have_v enough_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o seek_v for_o as_o paul_n to_o dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n from_o their_o error_n in_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n show_v they_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o the_o same_o as_o etc._n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a than_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v vain_a than_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v also_o vain_a etc._n etc._n so_o i_o hold_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o show_v the_o people_n the_o consequence_n of_o the_o former_a error_n which_o though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v small_a yet_o be_v it_o as_o a_o strong_a fort_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o country_n which_o if_o the_o enemy_n win_v the_o whole_a land_n be_v soon_o lose_v for_o if_o all_o the_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n then_o our_o church_n which_o be_v first_o gather_v and_o constitute_v do_v receiv_o in_o and_o cast_v out_o member_n without_o elder_n be_v not_o plant_v by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n neither_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o set_v up_o elder_n if_o they_o can_v not_o again_o upon_o desert_n depose_v they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o brethren_n much_o less_o can_v they_o judge_v their_o elder_n and_o here_o come_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o popish_a baptism_n and_o of_o receive_v the_o ministry_n from_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o the_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o our_o opposite_n be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v drive_v unto_o for_o defence_n of_o their_o error_n and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o this_o church_n they_o say_v a_o error_n in_o the_o do_n overthrow_v not_o the_o action_n for_o isaak_n err_v in_o blessing_n jaakob_n in_o stead_n of_o esau_n yet_o the_o action_n do_v stand_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o person_n
imply_v authority_n &_o that_o it_o be_v proportionable_o answerable_a to_o the_o take_v away_o by_o death_n &c_n &c_n that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a use_n of_o the_o key_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o force_n hereof_o be_v such_o as_o thereby_o a_o man_n be_v not_o only_o cast_v out_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n but_o be_v cut_v off_o &_o exclude_v from_o all_o church_n upon_o earth_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o baptism_n we_o be_v enter_v into_o communion_n with_o all_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o thing_n compare_v together_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n elder_n may_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n give_v judiciarie_n sentence_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v answerable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o israel_n that_o give_v sentence_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n 2._o that_o the_o elder_n may_v also_o by_o authority_n in_o particular_a deliver_v a_o man_n to_o satan_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v proportionable_o answerable_a to_o the_o take_v away_o by_o death_n which_o in_o israel_n themselves_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n thus_o do_v the_o elder_n now_o challenge_v by_o proportion_n in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o belong_v both_o to_o magistrate_n and_o people_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o because_o they_o fear_v the_o 5.26_o people_n they_o shape_v they_o this_o deceitful_a proportion_n that_o their_o avoid_v the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v the_o execute_n or_o put_v in_o execution_n as_o they_o ambiguous_o speak_v of_o the_o sentence_n answerable_a to_o the_o people_n ston_a of_o a_o malefactor_n in_o israel_n how_o fit_o let_v all_o that_o have_v understand_v judge_n for_o whether_o the_o people_n avoid_v he_o or_o not_o the_o man_n be_v judge_v and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o one_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o minister_n whether_o the_o people_n keep_v company_n with_o he_o or_o not_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o a_o man_n behead_v in_o israel_n be_v sure_o dead_a whether_o the_o people_n refrain_v from_o touch_v he_o or_o no._n 2._o again_o they_o give_v no_o more_o to_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n then_o to_o the_o people_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v the_o excommunicate_v person_n as_o well_o as_o they_o 3._o yea_o they_o give_v hereby_o their_o people_n no_o more_o power_n than_o the_o pope_n do_v to_o his_o mark_a servant_n for_o he_o also_o will_v have_v the_o people_n avoid_v such_o as_o he_o do_v excommunicate_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o boast_a right_a and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v as_o much_o in_o the_o great_a bondage_n of_o popery_n as_o now_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v thus_o blindfold_a by_o propertion_n but_o they_o tell_v the_o people_n 34._o that_o if_o any_o can_v except_v against_o the_o elder_n proceed_n they_o shall_v be_v hear_v i_o answer_v first_o before_o who_o and_o unto_o who_o shall_v any_o man_n except_o against_o the_o elder_n be_v it_o not_o before_o and_o unto_o the_o elder_n themselves_o and_o be_v it_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o case_n in_o israel_n when_o any_o complain_v of_o wrong_n in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o city_n there_o be_v a_o 19.8.10_o high_a court_n to_o control_v unruly_a elder_n and_o to_o help_v the_o oppress_v but_o now_o 2._o or_o 3._o elder_n in_o a_o church_n bear_v themselves_o upon_o their_o forge_a authority_n from_o mat._n 18.17.20_o may_v be_v lawless_a and_o who_o shall_v let_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n second_o how_o shall_v the_o people_n except_v when_o by_o these_o man_n doctrine_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o hear_n and_o decide_v of_o the_o controversy_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o just_a blame_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o except_v against_o a_o matter_n which_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v discuss_v three_o when_o the_o party_n accuse_v shall_v except_v against_o the_o elder_n proceed_n as_o common_o he_o will_v do_v for_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o have_v sin_v he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v the_o people_n now_o require_v to_o hear_v the_o case_n debate_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o he_o nay_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o treatise_n on_o math._n 18._o say_v 16._o but_o where_o have_v the_o lord_n appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o further_a proceed_n beyond_o that_o of_o the_o elder_n &_o governor_n for_o hear_v the_o brethren_n cause_n and_o judge_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o elder_n also_o be_v the_o church_n officer_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v examine_v admonish_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o do_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o let_v the_o man_n except_o what_o he_o will_v the_o judgm_n t_o be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o lo_o have_v do_v it_o the_o church_n have_v do_v it_o because_o the_o elder_n have_v do_v it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o the_o man_n except_o never_o so_o much_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n foreshow_v of_o judge_n that_o be_v 3.3_o wolf_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n and_o latter_a day_n abundant_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o when_o a_o naboth_n be_v condemn_v by_o wicked_a elder_n if_o any_o except_o on_o his_o behalf_n they_o will_v 2d_o take_v he_o in_o a_o snare_n that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n perhaps_o he_o shall_v hear_v it_o say_v by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o speak_v &_o be_v you_o one_o of_o the_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 1â—_n of_o matthew_n for_o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o also_o that_o shall_v except_v and_o can_v easy_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o contentious_a person_n or_o a_o oppugner_n of_o government_n and_o cast_v he_o likeweise_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o a_o man_n sometime_o be_v as_o good_a take_v a_o lion_n by_o the_o paw_n as_o except_v against_o the_o elder_n proceed_n next_o follow_v their_o many_o question_n and_o other_o matter_n impute_v unto_o we_o wherein_o we_o observe_v how_o when_o argument_n fail_v they_o for_o their_o own_o cause_n they_o seek_v to_o darken_v the_o truth_n by_o cast_v cloud_n before_o the_o reader_n eye_n 1._o first_o they_o ask_v whither_o in_o jsrael_n the_o lord_n abridge_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n and_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v no_o but_o these_o man_n that_o by_o wrest_a proportion_n give_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o power_n that_o magistrate_n priest_n and_o people_n have_v in_o israel_n do_v abridge_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n as_o before_o be_v manifest_v and_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o it_o see_v there_o be_v diverse_a governor_n in_o israel_n as_o the_o 18._o priest_n and_o levite_n in_o the_o temple_n the_o 4.20_o minister_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o 1â—_n elder_n or_o magistrate_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o these_o also_o divers_a and_o of_o unequal_a power_n as_o before_o 16._o be_v show_v i_o ask_v of_o they_o again_o whither_o now_o the_o eldership_n of_o every_o church_n be_v proportionable_a in_o power_n and_o government_n unto_o all_o those_o governor_n and_o if_o not_o unto_o all_o unto_o which_o of_o they_o 2._o second_o they_o ask_v whither_o the_o people_n have_v any_o more_o right_a and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n government_n now_o than_o the_o people_n of_o jsrael_n have_v in_o those_o day_n i_o answer_v they_o shall_v not_o seek_v to_o entangle_v by_o ambiguity_n of_o term_n first_o we_o give_v not_o to_o the_o people_n government_n as_o before_o 10._o i_o have_v show_v but_o a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o 28.20_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n touch_v his_o prophetical_a priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n by_o the_o elder_n teach_v guide_v and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o goverm_n t_o in_o israel_n be_v diverse_a by_o magistrate_n in_o the_o gate_n by_o priest_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o minister_n in_o the_o synagogue_n to_o the_o magistracy_n all_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a 13.1_o now_o as_o they_o be_v then_o for_o it_o be_v a_o 2.13_o humane_a ordinance_n tend_v to_o civil_a peace_n and_o concern_v all_o man_n whither_o within_o the_o church_n or_o without_o indifferent_o the_o external_a priesthood_n of_o israel_n be_v accomplish_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o abolish_v heb._n 7._o
say_v 35._o let_v all_o the_o congregation_n stone_v he_o and_o 36._o all_o the_o congregation_n bring_v he_o without_o the_o host_n and_o stone_v he_o now_o by_o m._n johnsons_n own_o grant_n they_o who_o the_o judge_n condemn_v do_v die_v 19_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v see_v the_o congregation_n here_o to_o mean_v both_o elder_n and_o people_n so_o in_o the_o other_o place_n num._n 27.2_o when_o they_o stand_v before_o moses_n and_o eleazar_n the_o priest_n and_o before_o the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n this_o distribution_n of_o the_o person_n together_o with_o the_o place_n the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v show_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o be_v not_o mean_v beside_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n josua_n be_v there_o ordain_v over_o the_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v gather_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o be_v the_o congregation_n num._n 27.16.17.19.20_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o when_o one_o scripture_n mention_v the_o elder_n jos._n 20.4_o and_o a_o other_o the_o congregation_n num_fw-la 32.12_o jos._n 20.6_o we_o shall_v not_o restreyn_n it_o to_o the_o lesser_a but_o let_v the_o scripture_n have_v the_o large_a sense_n unless_o apparent_a reason_n do_v urge_v a_o restreynt_a which_o be_v not_o here_o but_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o they_o be_v to_o die_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n conscience_n require_v the_o people_n to_o hear_v their_o cause_n try_v also_o see_v the_o law_n charge_v every_o one_o 23.7_o thou_o shall_v not_o slay_v the_o innocent_a and_o the_o righteous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o they_o to_o trust_v their_o judge_n which_o so_o often_o and_o so_o many_o way_n corrupt_v judgement_n 3.3_o as_o all_o the_o prophet_n do_v complayn_v it_o be_v therefore_o a_o evil_a argument_n to_o say_v in_o israel_n by_o one_o scripture_n man_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n &_o by_o a_o other_o to_o the_o congregation_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n also_o for_o by_o such_o wrest_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o passover_n because_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v speak_v to_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n that_o every_o man_n take_v to_o he_o a_o lamb_n exod._n 12_o 3._o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v moses_n call_v all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n say_v choose_v out_o &_o take_v for_o every_o of_o your_o howshold_n a_o lamb_n exod._n 12_o 21._o therefore_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o other_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o this_o service_n again_o it_o be_v command_v exod_n 19_o 3_o 5._o tell_v the_o child_n of_o jsrael_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o keep_v my_o covenant_n you_o shall_v be_v my_o chief_a treasure_n etc._n etc._n afterward_o it_o be_v say_v moses_n call_v 19.7_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o propose_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o now_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o elder_n only_o who_o see_v not_o the_o weakness_n of_o such_o consequent_n and_o that_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o name_v but_o the_o principal_a of_o a_o company_n and_o yet_o to_o include_v other_o with_o they_o notwithstanding_o between_o israel_n and_o we_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n the_o one_o that_o church_n minister_v now_o have_v not_o such_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n then_o for_o this_o be_v forbid_v mat._n 20_o 25._o where_o christ_n say_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v domination_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o and_o 1._o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n not_o as_o have_v domination_n over_o his_o heritage_n the_o other_o be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o national_a church_n &_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o priest_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v for_o the_o whole_a realm_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o the_o daily_a judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o require_v so_o of_o they_o as_o now_o it_o be_v of_o we_o who_o be_v but_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o public_a administration_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n yea_o even_o in_o their_o most_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o can_v not_o do_v as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o passover_n etc._n in_o their_o private_a house_n because_o all_o the_o thowsand_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o eat_v it_o in_o one_o room_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o eat_v the_o passover_n now_o i_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o etc._n the_o public_a church_n and_o not_o otherwhere_o whereas_o therefore_o they_o next_o except_v that_o the_o people_n be_v 600._o thousand_o man_n and_o will_v we_o have_v they_o to_o think_v that_o they_o come_v together_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o sin_v etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v no_o neither_o all_o the_o elder_n for_o i_o have_v before_o show_v there_o be_v divers_a officer_n for_o several_a cause_n and_o boaz_n take_v but_o 4.2_o ten_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o hear_v his_o cause_n the_o elder_n also_o do_v meet_v by_o themselves_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o be_v 21.18_o they_o to_o do_v now_o second_o for_o this_o exception_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o can_v not_o come_v to_o hear_v and_o judge_v they_o shall_v mind_v how_o the_o same_o lie_v against_o the_o execution_n when_o god_n say_v of_o the_o blasphemer_n 14.14_o let_v all_o the_o congregation_n stone_v he_o will_v they_o say_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n come_v together_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o themselves_o grant_v this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o come_v to_o hear_v his_o cause_n try_v as_o to_o come_v and_o stone_n he_o and_o care_v of_o equity_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o the_o last_o as_o before_o be_v show_v next_o they_o except_v against_o our_o expound_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n to_o be_v the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o christ_n this_o they_o say_v be_v not_o sound_a because_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v this_o their_o reason_n be_v unsufficient_a for_o i_o can_v so_o except_v against_o the_o exposition_n almost_o of_o any_o scripture_n by_o show_v a_o diverse_a use_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n when_o th'apostle_n prove_v christ_n excellency_n above_o the_o angel_n because_o 1.4.5_o of_o his_o name_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n may_v allege_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v also_o call_v 2.1_o son_n of_o god_n yea_o holy_a 14.1_o man_n have_v the_o like_a title_n but_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n well_o i_o will_v not_o stâ—ive_v with_o they_o about_o the_o phrase_n although_o in_o some_o place_n they_o may_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n oppose_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n as_o mat._n 11.11_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o of_o 5.17_o new_a heaven_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o will_v i_o distinguish_v and_o call_v the_o jewish_a church_n the_o old_a heaven_n as_o that_o which_o be_v 12.26.27_o shake_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o new_a heaven_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n usual_o speak_v as_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n mat._n 3.2_o &_o 4.17_o now_o when_o the_o disciple_n ask_v jesus_n 2._o who_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_fw-mi may_v be_v reason_n of_o their_o demand_n touch_v the_o christian_a church_n then_o to_o be_v plant_v but_o to_o ask_v such_o a_o thing_n about_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o see_v little_a reason_n they_o know_v already_o the_o state_n of_o it_o and_o who_o be_v chief_n therein_o second_o christ_n answer_n lead_v we_o hereto_o for_o there_o be_v great_a expectation_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a worldly_a state_n christ_n tell_v they_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o 4._o convert_v and_o humble_a soul_n to_o enter_v into_o that_o many_o scandal_n and_o offence_n shall_v arise_v herein_o both_o from_o 7._o the_o world_n and_o from_o man_n corruption_n 8._o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o etc._n
also_o show_v like_o reason_n of_o our_o dislike_n it_o be_v both_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o practice_v sin_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o righteousness_n with_o the_o left_a &_o no_o likelihood_n of_o our_o peace_n but_o of_o grief_n and_o daily_a dissension_n 6._o touch_v the_o motion_n make_v by_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n for_o come_v first_o to_o the_o elder_n as_o church_n governor_n &c._n &c._n and_o for_o admonition_n be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o alteration_n practise_v and_o agree_v upon_o whereupon_o these_o our_o opposite_n now_o observe_v against_o we_o for_o not_o yield_v thereto_o how_o great_o we_o oppugn_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o elder_n hear_v and_o judge_v of_o cause_n etc._n etc._n this_o right_o weigh_v will_v show_v how_o great_o we_o be_v by_o they_o abuse_v for_o first_o it_o be_v such_o a_o course_n as_o neither_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n will_v bind_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o neither_o do_v these_o our_o opposite_n or_o we_o think_v it_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n second_o they_o tell_v we_o not_o wherefore_o we_o desire_v they_o in_o their_o next_o to_o tell_v we_o whether_o themselves_o will_v sincere_o have_v practise_v these_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intendment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n that_o motion_v they_o three_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o admonition_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v find_v out_o and_o by_o m._n johnson_n himself_o public_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v therein_o close_o imply_v and_o yield_v unto_o they_o when_o upon_o despise_v the_o admonition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o party_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v this_o be_v thus_o manifest_v with_o what_o conscience_n can_v we_o yield_v to_o practice_v error_n privy_o bring_v in_o under_o hand_n and_o deny_v to_o practice_v the_o same_o thing_n public_o profess_v will_v not_o all_o man_n and_o even_o they_o themselves_o have_v blame_v we_o for_o such_o dissimulation_n four_o for_o come_v to_o the_o elder_n first_o as_o governor_n we_o do_v then_o and_o do_v now_o yield_v it_o the_o brethren_n duty_n in_o doubt_n so_o to_o come_v for_o counsel_n &_o advise_v but_o for_o to_o bind_v all_o man_n in_o most_o manifest_a sin_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v judge_v to_o come_v first_o to_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o so_o to_o lay_v it_o on_o the_o brethren_n as_o for_o not_o do_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o yet_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v not_o the_o order_n of_o god_n we_o tell_v they_o this_o will_v be_v to_o deal_v worse_o than_o the_o pharisee_n when_o none_o of_o we_o walk_v in_o that_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n but_o leave_v that_o will_v establish_v our_o own_o tradition_n and_o cast_v out_o man_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o these_o weighty_a reason_n they_o overpass_v and_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n how_o great_o we_o oppugn_v god_n ordinance_n touch_v the_o elder_n when_o we_o but_o oppugn_v the_o elder_n tradition_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v advance_v above_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n next_o follow_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o former_a agreement_n with_o we_o nor_o have_v spiritual_a fellowship_n as_o they_o write_v with_o we_o in_o such_o estate_n &_o walk_v 1._o because_o they_o can_v not_o find_v warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v if_o they_o acknowledge_v no_o warrant_n find_v for_o our_o peaceable_a part_n here_o nor_o dismiss_v to_o a_o other_o church_n what_o remain_v but_o either_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o their_o error_n which_o for_o the_o reason_n foreshow_v we_o may_v not_o or_o else_o part_v from_o they_o as_o we_o do_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o division_n be_v in_o they_o both_o by_o broach_v error_n and_o refuse_v peace_n 2._o their_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o refuse_v as_o they_o say_v disobey_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v to_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v the_o question_n between_v we_o second_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v with_o we_o as_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o it_o than_o they_o grant_v we_o that_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o leave_v spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o which_o depart_v from_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o and_o persecute_v the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o themselves_o once_o walk_v with_o we_o howbeit_o if_o we_o will_v have_v live_v at_o leyden_n all_o have_v be_v peace_n be_v it_o more_o lawful_a trow_v we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o and_o disobey_v the_o truth_n there_o then_o at_o amsterdam_n 3._o their_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o refuse_v to_o continue_v communion_n with_o they_o though_o we_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o protestation_n in_o our_o difference_n of_o judgement_n i_o answer_v this_o have_v be_v first_o offer_v by_o we_o to_o they_o and_o they_o refuse_v it_o as_o before_o they_o grant_v it_o come_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n if_o any_o weight_n be_v in_o it_o second_o we_o have_v show_v sundry_a reason_n from_o scripture_n why_o we_o may_v not_o so_o walk_v &_o have_v never_o yet_o hear_v from_o they_o any_o like_a reason_n to_o warrant_v we_o to_o protest_v against_o a_o synful_a practice_n and_o yet_o to_o practice_v it_o daily_o if_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mouth_n condemn_v we_o 3.20_o god_n be_v great_a 4._o their_o 4._o reason_n be_v because_o some_o of_o we_o profess_v we_o will_v not_o deal_v in_o cause_n by_o way_n of_o protestation_n neither_o when_o we_o be_v with_o they_o nor_o from_o they_o i_o answer_v first_o the_o different_a mind_n of_o some_o few_o be_v not_o of_o weight_n to_o break_v the_o agreement_n with_o we_o al._n second_o this_o may_v have_v fall_v out_o also_o occasional_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o leyden_n where_o they_o will_v have_v have_v peace_n with_o we_o so_o it_o be_v our_o live_n in_o this_o city_n that_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o only_a true_a cause_n why_o they_o stand_v not_o to_o their_o agreement_n the_o other_o be_v but_o pretence_n 5._o their_o 5._o reason_n be_v because_o we_o go_v not_o from_o one_o church_n &_o pastor_n to_o another_o so_o to_o live_v and_o remain_v but_o purpose_v when_o we_o have_v join_v unto_o they_o present_o to_o return_v and_o live_v here_o in_o this_o town_n apart_o from_o they_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v in_o deed_n that_o which_o trouble_v they_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v we_o in_o the_o same_o city_n by_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v promise_v we_o all_o shall_v live_v and_o remain_v there_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apparent_a undo_n of_o we_o and_o our_o family_n and_o be_v not_o these_o love_a brethren_n that_o have_v rather_o we_o and_o our_o family_n shall_v be_v undoon_v than_o they_o will_v want_v of_o their_o will_n for_o what_o reason_n much_o less_o necessity_n can_v they_o show_v why_o we_o must_v go_v from_o one_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o a_o other_o and_o may_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o place_n and_o state_n wherein_o god_n have_v call_v we_o with_o as_o many_o officer_n already_o among_o ourselves_o as_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n have_v and_o one_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o tell_v we_o afterward_o 87._o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o go_v to_o another_o church_n &_o pastor_n carry_v weight_n of_o reason_n with_o it_o belike_o because_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n that_o say_v it_o for_o word_n of_o god_n show_v they_o none_o that_o bind_v man_n to_o go_v to_o another_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o no_o teacher_n but_o forbid_v they_o to_o remain_v in_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o no_o pastor_n especial_o when_o without_o the_o apparent_a undo_n of_o man_n &_o their_o family_n they_o can_v not_o remove_v their_o habitation_n 6._o their_o 6._o reason_n be_v because_o by_o such_o walk_n of_o we_o great_a reproach_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o with_o much_o dishonur_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v it_o 17.1_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o come_v yet_o great_a reproach_n as_o we_o always_o fear_v be_v come_v by_o their_o refuse_v peace_n with_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v upon_o unlawful_a &_o unreasonable_a condition_n then_o will_v have_v be_v by_o our_o peaceable_a part_n which_o we_o often_o and_o instant_o desire_v 7._o their_o last_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o think_v there_o shall_v always_o be_v somewhat_o in_o such_o case_n use_v as_o whereby_o the_o lord_n may_v work_v upon_o our_o conscience_n