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 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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 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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
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
wicked_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n make_v his_o boast_n that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n he_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n with_o peter_n he_o can_v err_v he_o be_v head_n and_o spouse_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mahomet_n brag_v also_o that_o he_o be_v that_o great_a prophet_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o apostle_n of_o both_o testament_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v well_o content_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o holy_a prophet_n and_o a_o most_o worthy_a creature_n yea_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o sowl_v of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n conceive_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o he_o will_v in_o no_o case_n grant_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o that_o he_o die_v here_o for_o man_n redemtion_n both_o these_o two_o mainteyner_n of_o mischief_n allow_v moses_n law_n the_o psalter_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o gospel_n yea_o they_o commend_v they_o advance_v they_o sing_v they_o read_v they_o honour_v they_o etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v they_o have_v their_o own_o filthy_a law_n prefer_v above_o they_o the_o pope_n his_o execrable_a decree_n and_o mahomet_n his_o wicked_a alkoran_n else_o will_v they_o murder_v man_n without_o measure_n thus_o though_o they_o outward_o appear_v very_o virtuous_a yet_o be_v they_o the_o malignant_a minister_n of_o satan_n deny_v the_o lord_n which_o have_v redeem_v they_o by_o these_o may_v we_o measure_n their_o inferior_a merchant_n have_v their_o livery_n &_o mark_n i_o may_v allege_v many_o more_o especial_o of_o the_o martyr_n in_o england_n which_o die_v in_o this_o testimony_n against_o that_o false_a whore_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o god_n word_n do_v condemn_v she_o as_o before_o be_v manifest_v the_o 6._o point_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o letter_n we_o have_v learned_a 38._o that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a to_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n yet_o here_o when_o difference_n have_v arisen_a about_o our_o common_a faith_n and_o can_v not_o among_o ourselves_o be_v compose_v they_o will_v not_o desire_v nor_o consent_n to_o have_v desire_v the_o help_n of_o our_o sister_n church_n at_o leyden_n although_o it_o be_v instant_o urge_v by_o many_o member_n that_o their_o assistance_n shall_v be_v have_v with_o this_o they_o join_v the_o 9_o out_o of_o the_o print_a copy_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o former_a against_o this_o they_o except_v 1._o that_o though_o for_o some_o reason_n they_o absteyn_v from_o desire_v it_o or_o send_v for_o they_o or_o give_v their_o consent_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o they_o be_v content_a to_o permit_v it_o which_o be_v not_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o the_o print_a copy_n object_v &c_n &c_n 1_o cor._n 7.6_o deut._n 24.1_o i_o answer_v the_o scripture_n on_o which_o we_o ground_v that_o article_n be_v act._n 15._o chap._n 1._o cor._n 14.33.36_o show_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o duty_n than_o a_o permission_n for_o when_o dissension_n have_v arisen_a in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o 15.2_o ordain_v that_o some_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n about_o the_o question_n and_o the_o messenger_n be_v 3._o send_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n and_o 4._o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n who_o 25._o come_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n &_o after_o discuss_v and_o agreement_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n what_o have_v etc._n seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o they_o and_o paul_n show_v a_o reason_n of_o such_o mutual_a intercourse_n when_o he_o say_v come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o from_o you_o either_o come_v it_o unto_o you_o only_o 1_o cor._n 14.36_o wherefore_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n as_o unto_o we_o and_o consider_v the_o practice_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n heretofore_o and_o our_o profession_n to_o walk_v according_a it_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a answer_n to_o say_v they_o will_v permit_v of_o it_o if_o other_o do_v it_o as_o moses_n 24.1_o permit_v the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n for_o 19.8_o the_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o as_o paul_n speak_v a_o thing_n 7.6_o by_o permission_n not_o by_o commandment_n for_o we_o think_v those_o apostolical_a practice_n act._n 15._o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o commandment_n unto_o we_o philip._n 3.17_o and_o our_o confession_n note_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n even_o by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a by_o this_o all_o may_v see_v how_o weak_a a_o defence_n they_o make_v for_o their_o proceed_n their_o reason_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o other_o church_n &_o we_o be_v in_o peace_n together_o &_o if_o by_o this_o occasion_n the_o peace_n shall_v be_v break_v they_o shall_v not_o say_v they_o send_v for_o they_o i_o answer_v this_o exception_n will_v lie_v against_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o may_v have_v be_v object_v by_o the_o contentious_a at_o antiochia_n act._n 15._o and_o will_v be_v colour_n to_o cut_v off_o all_o use_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o of_o our_o former_a profession_n 2._o that_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n be_v in_o the_o same_o error_n with_o we_o who_o desire_v their_o help_n i_o answer_v this_o also_o may_v the_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n have_v object_v as_o colourable_o against_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o &_o it_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o cut_v of_o all_o help_n from_o other_o church_n yea_o if_o any_o heresy_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n contrary_a to_o their_o former_a faith_n they_o may_v thus_o except_v against_o all_o church_n unless_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n with_o they_o 3_o three_o they_o allege_v former_a experience_n with_o other_o i_o answer_v we_o never_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o like_a m._n smyth_n in_o deed_n leave_v the_o truth_n and_o broach_v his_o heresy_n against_o the_o translate_a scripture_n will_v needs_o publish_v it_o in_o our_o church_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o raise_v up_o a_o new_a error_n as_o do_v he_o a_o other_o thing_n to_o mainteyn_a the_o ancient_a faith_n as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o leyden_n with_o we_o so_o that_o which_o they_o four_a allege_v be_v but_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o will_v make_v be_v their_o error_n never_o so_o new_a &_o they_o that_o urge_v circumcision_n act._n 15._o can_v plead_v the_o ancient_a practice_n in_o israel_n far_o better_o than_o these_o our_o opposite_n can_v do_v for_o the_o power_n of_o their_o eldership_n 4_o their_o next_o exception_n about_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o some_o to_o that_o church_n a_o copy_n whereof_o be_v desire_v but_o not_o grant_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o occasion_n take_v by_o that_o accident_n but_o they_o know_v that_o before_o that_o letter_n be_v write_v they_o signify_v their_o unwillingnes_n to_o entreat_v their_o help_n and_o now_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o have_v get_v a_o show_n to_o hold_v they_o off_o 2._o for_o the_o letter_n mention_v i_o do_v think_v it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v have_v send_v it_o and_o so_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v though_o they_o show_v reason_n of_o their_o not_o do_v it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o have_v since_o that_o time_n send_v they_o a_o copy_n 5._o they_o next_o object_n my_o own_o subscribe_v of_o those_o letter_n to_o leyden_n &c_n &c_n &_o ask_v whether_o i_o deny_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o article_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o i_o have_v sundry_a time_n signify_v in_o public_a my_o mind_n that_o their_o help_n shall_v be_v desire_v in_o the_o end_n if_o we_o can_v not_o agree_v but_o we_o will_v first_o use_v all_o mean_n among_o ourselves_o &_o so_o i_o never_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n who_o refuse_v absolute_o to_o desire_v their_o help_n &_o this_o they_o well_o know_v second_o i_o subscribe_v those_o letter_n because_o i_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o foresay_a letter_n shall_v have_v be_v send_v as_o before_o i_o signify_v three_o for_o the_o last_o letter_n which_o to_o my_o remembrance_n i_o consent_v to_o they_o know_v i_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v it_o till_o some_o word_n which_o imply_v a_o absolute_a denial_n of_o request_v their_o help_n be_v put_v out_o and_o change_v four_o when_o no_o mean_n among_o ourselves_o can_v end_v the_o strife_n they_o know_v how_o i_o both_o entreat_v they_o to_o consent_v they_o may_v be_v send_v for_o &_o when_o they_o will_v not_o myself_o go_v and_o obtain_v their_o come_n in_o deed_n i_o be_v loath_a to_o trouble_v they_o without_o urgent_a cause_n &_o with_o my_o brethren_n
shall_v be_v charge_v by_o 2._o or_o 3._o witness_n with_o heresy_n blasphemy_n or_o the_o like_a crime_n and_o complaint_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n mr._n johnson_n in_o this_o his_o 47._o answer_n confess_v that_o the_o church_n he_o will_v be_v ask_v whither_o woman_n and_o child_n or_o no_o may_v depose_v all_o her_o officer_n joint_o persist_v in_o transgression_n though_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o mince_v the_o matter_n too_o small_a in_o say_v they_o may_v depose_v or_o refuse_v they_o &_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o again_o refuse_v they_o whereas_o to_o depose_v and_o to_o separate_v from_o or_o refuse_v be_v very_o divers_a for_o 1._o to_o separate_v from_o the_o eldership_n require_v no_o power_n but_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v do_v by_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n upon_o just_a occasion_n so_o can_v deposition_n be_v upon_o any_o occasion_n but_o by_o the_o church_n for_o which_o deposition_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n a_o man_n will_v think_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v needful_a and_o that_o by_o it_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v pass_v out_o beside_o the_o church_n in_o depose_v her_o officer_n do_v not_o separate_v herself_o from_o they_o to_o speak_v proper_o but_o they_o from_o she_o well_o to_o take_v the_o least_o liberty_n he_o will_v give_v the_o people_n if_o they_o may_v separate_v from_o all_o their_o officer_n persist_v in_o transgression_n than_o they_o must_v receive_v the_o complaint_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v orderly_o bring_v and_o by_o sufficient_a witness_n against_o they_o and_o must_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o matter_n now_o if_o it_o argue_v power_n to_o receive_v a_o complaint_n of_o sin_n against_o one_o brother_n and_o to_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o and_o so_o to_o censure_v he_o by_o excommunication_n if_o there_o be_v cause_n do_v it_o not_o also_o argue_v power_n to_o receav_v a_o complaint_n of_o sin_n against_o all_o the_o officer_n to_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o and_o so_o to_o censure_v they_o as_o their_z be_v cause_n by_o deposition_n but_o what_o now_o shall_v the_o elder_n do_v account_v themselves_o innocent_a and_o wrougful_o accuse_v whilst_o the_o church_n thus_o examine_v thing_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o shall_v they_o surcease_v their_o government_n and_o fail_v the_o church_n in_o so_o great_a a_o â—eed_n and_o will_v m._n johnson_n so_o practice_v or_o be_v they_o not_o now_o to_o do_v a_o special_a work_n of_o their_o government_n not_o only_o in_o preserve_v order_n but_o in_o direct_v instruct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n by_o the_o wood_n of_o god_n in_o her_o whole_a proceeding_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o judge_v of_o sin_n and_o power_n to_o suppress_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o government_n for_o the_o right_a use_n and_o order_v of_o the_o same_o another_o thing_n the_o officer_n which_o be_v judge_v do_v govern_v and_o the_o bodâ—_n of_o the_o church_n which_o judge_v they_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o see_v this_o difference_n even_o in_o the_o lordly_a government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o our_o own_o land_n than_o the_o which_o none_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o be_v more_o excellent_a when_o a_o malefactor_n come_v to_o be_v arraign_v at_o the_o assize_n or_o session_n he_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o his_o country_n a_o competent_a company_n where_o all_o can_v possible_o pass_v upon_o he_o which_o they_o call_v the_o jury_n who_o power_n and_o sentence_n be_v of_o such_o force_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o can_v proceed_v against_o it_o either_o for_o the_o quit_n or_o condemn_v of_o the_o person_n and_o yet_o the_o bench_n govern_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o the_o jury_n be_v by_o they_o according_a to_o law_n to_o be_v govern_v i_o wish_v the_o elder_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v will_v allow_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a liberty_n at_o their_o sit_v as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v at_o their_o spiritual_a session_n or_o rather_o that_o they_o will_v better_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v as_o minister_n to_o 5._o stand_v and_o serve_v and_o not_o as_o lord_n to_o sit_v and_o judge_v last_o when_o a_o army_n be_v send_v against_o the_o king_n and_o their_o own_o enemy_n the_o government_n be_v in_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n but_o so_o be_v not_o all_o the_o power_n for_o fight_v with_o and_o subdue_a of_o their_o and_o their_o king_n enemy_n neither_o be_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o army_n with_o banner_n in_o the_o officer_n alone_o for_o the_o the_o subdue_a of_o christ_n and_o their_o enemy_n sin_n and_o satan_n though_o the_o government_n be_v thus_o may_v the_o difference_n plain_o be_v see_v betwixt_o power_n and_o government_n in_o the_o open_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o 135._o because_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o a_o main_a ground_n of_o our_o controversy_n 2._o our_o opposite_n do_v much_o insult_v over_o we_o as_o speak_v contradiction_n when_o we_o yield_v the_o officer_n all_o the_o government_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o all_o the_o power_n 3._o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v much_o mislead_v and_o carry_v away_o through_o want_n of_o discern_v this_o difference_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o thing_n and_o affirm_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n among_o man_n only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n which_o he_o confuse_o call_v government_n as_o he_o say_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n 5._o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n rule_v and_o reign_v in_o and_o over_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n bind_v their_o conscience_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n i_o know_v man_n can_v only_o minister_v this_o power_n whither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n as_o they_o speak_v but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o power_n be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o another_o thing_n that_o man_n can_v only_o minister_v it_o for_o man_n may_v be_v the_o minister_n only_o of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v kingly_a and_o lordly_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o over_o man_n as_o this_o be_v so_o the_o saint_n can_v only_o minister_v their_o kingly_a power_n by_o participation_n of_o christ_n amnoynt_v as_o one_o special_a grace_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o now_o in_o lay_v down_o the_o thing_n wherewith_o he_o charge_v i_o he_o alter_v my_o word_n misinterpret_v my_o meaning_n and_o conceal_v that_o which_o i_o have_v write_v and_o he_o read_v in_o my_o book_n for_o the_o explain_v of_o the_o same_o and_o first_o he_o say_v i_o have_v teach_v that_o the_o people_n be_v as_o king_n one_o over_o another_o that_o i_o advance_v they_o one_o over_o another_o as_o king_n and_o above_o their_o governor_n intitle_v they_o with_o kingly_a &_o lordly_a power_n that_o be_v government_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o outward_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o in_o these_o place_n or_o any_o other_o advance_v the_o people_n one_o over_o another_o much_o less_o over_o their_o officer_n in_o the_o outward_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o i_o do_v every_o where_o profess_v the_o officer_n the_o governor_n and_o the_o people_n the_o govern_v by_o they_o neither_o do_v i_o any_o where_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n be_v king_n or_o as_o king_n one_o over_o another_o as_o he_o charge_v i_o i_o say_v in_o one_o place_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o king_n for_o themselves_o alone_o 226._o but_o for_o their_o brethren_n also_o as_o they_o be_v not_o priest_n only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o their_o brethren_n and_o in_o another_o place_n 133._o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o king_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o every_o other_o member_n as_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o a_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o king_n one_o for_o another_o and_o one_o to_o another_o but_o not_o one_o over_o another_o much_o less_o over_o the_o officer_n for_o government_n in_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o the_o church_n the_o plain_n and_o simple_a truth_n than_o be_v whatsoever_o man_n either_o mistake_n of_o ignorance_n or_o suggest_v of_o a_o evil_a mind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o call_v the_o saint_n king_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o government_n as_o though_o they_o be_v to_o order_n