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 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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
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
without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
and_o temptation_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o people_n be_v this_o from_o a_o stupid_a senselessness_n or_o desperate_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o we_o or_o we_o or_o want_v of_o natural_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n or_o near_a relation_n no_o sure_o with_o what_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n with_o what_o heart-breaking_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o christian_a friend_n many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o come_v away_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n bring_v so_o many_o shiploads_a of_o his_o people_n through_o so_o many_o danger_n as_o upon_o eagle's_n wing_n with_o so_o much_o safety_n from_o year_n to_o year_n the_o fatherly_a â—are_n of_o our_o god_n in_o feed_v and_o clothing_n so_o many_o in_o a_o wilderness_n give_v such_o healthfulness_n and_o great_a increase_n of_o posterity_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n erect_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o in_o so_o few_o year_n bring_v to_o that_o state_n that_o scarce_o the_o like_a can_v be_v see_v in_o any_o of_o our_o english_a colony_n in_o the_o rich_a place_n of_o this_o america_n after_o many_o more_o year_n stand_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v carry_v the_o spirit_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o people_n through_o all_o their_o toilsome_a labour_n want_n difficulty_n loss_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o contentation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o singular_a pity_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n that_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o a_o people_n so_o unworthy_a so_o sinful_a that_o by_o murmur_n of_o many_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o promise_n oppression_n and_o other_o evil_n which_o be_v find_v among_o we_o have_v so_o dishonour_v his_o majesty_n expose_v his_o work_n here_o to_o much_o scandal_n and_o obloquy_n for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o own_v we_o and_o rather_o correct_v we_o in_o mercy_n than_o cast_v we_o off_o in_o displeasure_n and_o scatter_v we_o in_o this_o wilderness_n which_o give_v we_o cause_n with_o mich._n 7._o to_o say_v who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o our_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n even_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n though_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o many_o weakness_n and_o want_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o god_n to_o have_v be_v to_o we_o a_o god_n of_o many_o mercy_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o sweet_a peace_n which_o he_o have_v take_v away_o from_o so_o many_o nation_n yet_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o god_n house_n the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sweet_a unity_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n and_o minister_n increase_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n christian_a government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o many_o other_o mercy_n we_o enjoy_v but_o especial_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n to_o many_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o these_o but_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v persuade_v it_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o object_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o that_o state_n and_o people_n by_o who_o law_n and_o unkind_a usage_n we_o be_v drive_v out_o into_o a_o wilderness_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o desertor_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o hand_n with_o who_o excuse_v we_o if_o we_o now_o speak_v plain_o it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o easy_a unto_o many_o of_o we_o to_o have_v suffer_v then_o to_o have_v adventure_v hither_o upon_o the_o wilderness_n sorrow_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v meet_v withal_o though_o we_o must_v confess_v the_o lord_n have_v sweeten_v it_o beyond_o our_o thought_n and_o utmost_a expectation_n of_o prudent_a man_n but_o pass_v by_o this_o we_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a in_o remove_v that_o apprehension_n that_o we_o be_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v better_a we_o have_v be_v drive_v so_o far_o into_o this_o wilderness_n as_o never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o more_o concern_v our_o affection_n to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o a_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v best_o know_v to_o god_n so_o we_o think_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o man_n not_o only_o here_o by_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o it_o and_o sometime_o solemn_a seeking_n of_o god_n about_o it_o but_o also_o we_o have_v give_v some_o testimony_n thereof_o both_o by_o private_a letter_n and_o the_o public_a motion_n of_o some_o of_o god_n eminent_a servant_n among_o we_o tend_v that_o way_n we_o conceive_v two_o thing_n special_o in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o public_a reformation_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o remove_v the_o first_o be_v our_o practice_n wherein_o we_o seem_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o receive_v to_o our_o church_n only_o visible_a saint_n and_o believer_n this_o we_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n do_v evidence_n this_o to_o all_o that_o we_o think_v reformation_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o purge_v out_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a but_o also_o in_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o such_o profaneness_n and_o sinfulness_n as_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v the_o lord_n weary_a of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n isaiah_n 1_o and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n to_o desire_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o some_o be_v of_o large_a extent_n herein_o than_o other_o this_o hinder_v not_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a this_o day_n have_v discover_v what_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n can_v light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n agree_v together_o popish_a episcopal_a enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o all_o godliness_n and_o reformation_n cleave_v together_o in_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o neither_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n do_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v this_o reformation_n whereby_o any_o shall_v just_o from_o our_o example_n stand_v off_o from_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o public_a work_n it_o be_v true_a where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n relation_n but_o a_o people_n be_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a constitute_v of_o church_n reformation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o first_o constitution_n this_o be_v our_o case_n but_o where_o corrupt_a church_n such_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o congregation_n of_o england_n general_o to_o be_v be_v to_o be_v reform_v there_o we_o conceive_v that_o such_o congregation_n shall_v be_v call_v by_o able_a minister_n unto_o repentance_n for_o former_a evil_n and_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n renew_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v such_o as_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v exclude_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v purge_v out_o if_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o same_o what_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v have_v say_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o this_o our_o profession_n we_o can_v say_v nor_o do_v we_o justify_v but_o we_o know_v nothing_o that_o have_v come_v from_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o godly_a reformer_n or_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v attain_v with_o toleration_n of_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reformation_n thereof_o with_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n therein_o if_o indeed_o that_o can_v be_v obtain_v but_o man_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v they_o as_o paul_n separate_v the_o disciple_n so_o we_o see_v no_o other_o remedy_n the_o faithful_a have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o second_o stumble_v block_n may_v be_v our_o
oft_o to_o bewail_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o lament_v the_o sad_a distance_n and_o sharp_a contention_n between_o such_o near_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o conjoin_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o reformation_n and_o oh_o that_o our_o dear_a brethren_n will_v bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a here_o and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a request_n and_o expostulation_n into_o their_o bosom_n we_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o impute_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o belove_a brethren_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o to_o rip_v up_o private_a fail_n and_o make_v they_o public_a but_o when_o pulpit_n and_o press_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o distance_n in_o judgement_n but_o also_o alienation_n of_o affection_n when_o there_o be_v such_o strain_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a tenant_n as_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v such_o enlarge_n of_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o wound_n can_v never_o be_v heal_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n pour_v on_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o salt_n of_o savoury_a speech_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o smooth_a and_o soft_a word_n to_o calm_v and_o pacify_v spirit_n already_o provoke_v yea_o when_o there_o want_v not_o some_o that_o seek_v all_o private_a letter_n they_o can_v gather_v up_o and_o search_v every_o corner_n to_o discover_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o seem_a fail_n of_o brethren_n when_o contention_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o such_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n who_o faithful_a labour_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o great_a service_n and_o use_v they_o may_v be_v of_o in_o time_n to_o come_v may_v worthy_o plead_v for_o a_o room_n in_o the_o bosom_n and_o inmost_a affection_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o the_o country_n because_o of_o some_o difference_n in_o some_o point_n of_o discipline_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n dishonour_n or_o true_a love_n to_o his_o country_n good_a can_v forbear_v from_o tear_n or_o hold_v his_o peace_n that_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o utter_v his_o grief_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o say_v who_o begin_v this_o fray_n or_o who_o have_v most_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o wisdom_n the_o lord_n give_v every_o man_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v fail_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o own_o and_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o pardon_v one_o another_o weakness_n neither_o do_v we_o hereby_o blame_v love_v and_o candid_a debate_v of_o difference_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o say_v thus_o much_o to_o all_o for_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v with_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o desire_v according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n what_o ever_o their_o distance_n of_o judgement_n from_o we_o may_v be_v what_o dear_a brethren_n be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n no_o physician_n to_o heal_v this_o wound_n alas_o how_o be_v it_o now_o so_o wide_a and_o deep_a that_o at_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o world_n so_o small_a or_o scarce_o any_o at_o all_o when_o the_o prelate_n petition_v for_o their_o government_n because_o the_o reformer_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o agree_v upon_o one_o form_n it_o be_v profess_v that_o in_o six_o point_n whereof_o some_o be_v now_o the_o great_a bone_n of_o contention_n all_o do_v agree_v and_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v this_o bare_a word_n to_o put_v off_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n or_o do_v the_o author_n speak_v without_o ground_n at_o adventure_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v so_o but_o what_o the_o common_a adversary_n will_v think_v and_o speak_v it_o will_v grieve_v a_o godly_a heart_n to_o consider_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v the_o breach_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a it_o rejoice_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v that_o ingenuous_a christian_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n in_o that_o ever_o honour_a brother_n mr._n herle_n who_o bring_v the_o distance_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o such_o a_o narrow_a as_o if_o one_o plaster_n more_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v heal_v it_o oh_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o of_o that_o peace_n make_v spirit_n what_o heart_n burn_n and_o contention_n have_v be_v prevent_v we_o think_v also_o that_o meâ—ke_v apologetic_a narration_n give_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o close_v with_o brethren_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o concur_v in_o but_o what_o contrary_a entertainment_n it_o find_v we_o lament_v to_o consider_v and_o be_v it_o now_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o can_v live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n oh_o the_o policy_n and_o undermine_a faculty_n of_o the_o jesuitical_a generation_n who_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n in_o this_o division_n oh_o the_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o god_n dear_a saint_n oh_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a counsel_n that_o for_o holy_a end_n leave_v his_o own_o to_o such_o temptation_n and_o yet_o know_v how_o and_o will_v assure_o improve_v all_o this_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o name_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o give_v his_o servant_n once_o a_o season_n to_o sing_v together_o this_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n in_o triumph_n over_o all_o their_o enemy_n but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n past_o help_n and_o remedy_n shall_v we_o think_v alas_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v until_o they_o have_v devour_v each_o other_o better_a for_o we_o to_o say_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o censure_v and_o slight_v of_o all_o god_n forbid_v have_v we_o venture_v thus_o far_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o presume_v a_o little_a further_o oh_o that_o we_o be_v worthy_a and_o fit_a to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o mollify_v this_o sore_a or_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v speak_v by_o such_o poor_a creature_n any_o word_n in_o season_n to_o help_v at_o least_o a_o little_a in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o will_v not_o dear_a brethren_n make_v this_o long_a epistle_n more_o tedious_a by_o present_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v your_o heart_n to_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o further_a this_o bless_a work_n of_o public_a reformation_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v such_o a_o opportunity_n into_o your_o hand_n as_o never_o be_v the_o like_a and_o god_n know_v whether_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v if_o this_o be_v slip_v we_o be_v persuade_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o do_v secret_o suggest_v argument_n enough_o unto_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o oft_o hear_v such_o whisper_n as_o these_o be_v they_o not_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v â—ot_n the_o lord_n receive_v they_o do_v they_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o reject_v or_o judge_v they_o have_v we_o not_o our_o ignorances_n and_o frailty_n what_o be_v there_o no_o consolation_n in_o christ_n no_o comfort_n of_o love_n no_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v we_o not_o hope_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o stand_v at_o such_o distance_n here_o shall_v we_o thus_o suffer_v peace_n to_o go_v from_o we_o and_o not_o follow_v and_o pursue_v it_o shall_v we_o lose_v the_o blessing_n of_o peacemaker_n shall_v we_o by_o such_o difference_n thus_o gratify_v satan_n jesuit_n prelate_n etc._n etc._n and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n by_o weaken_v our_o own_o be_v we_o not_o in_o the_o highway_n to_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o expose_v all_o to_o ruin_v be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o that_o be_v one_o in_o the_o orthodox_n truth_n to_o join_v heart_n and_o hand_n to_o pray_v and_o preach_v and_o write_v as_o one_o to_o stop_v the_o floodgate_n of_o error_n and_o abomination_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v open_a to_o the_o drown_n of_o many_o soul_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o many_o of_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v contend_v about_o some_o matter_n of_o order_n which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n yet_o must_v give_v way_n
believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16._o 1._o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o suâ—h_v a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o samâ—_n and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o â—â—ld_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appear_v first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v
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