modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o 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make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
church-government_n and_o church-covenant_n discuss_v in_o a_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n in_o new-england_a to_o two_o and_o thirty_o question_n send_v over_o to_o they_o by_o divers_a minister_n in_o england_n to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n therein_o together_o with_o a_o apology_n of_o the_o say_a elder_n in_o new-england_n for_o church-covenant_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o also_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o nine_o position_n about_o church-government_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o those_o point_n london_n print_v by_o r._n o._n and_o g._n d._n for_o benjamin_n allen_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o pope_n head-al_o 1643._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o will_v meet_v with_o divers_a censure_n the_o profane_a and_o ignorant_a loathe_v christ_n and_o any_o thing_n concern_v he_o the_o formalist_n account_v such_o truth_n troublesome_a that_o may_v engage_v he_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v the_o tyme_v such_o light_n as_o this_o yea_o doubtless_o this_o pamphlet-glutâ—ed_n age_n will_v so_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o lay_v it_o by_o but_o because_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o sword_n will_v not_o be_v sheathe_v which_o be_v now_o draw_v till_o church-work_n be_v better_a know_v and_o more_o countenance_v and_o since_o safety_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n psa_n 27._o 3_o 4_o 5._o i_o can_v not_o but_o help_v on_o this_o which_o attend_v and_o practise_v may_v prove_v our_o security_n next_o to_o christ_n these_o be_v either_o sudden_a answer_n to_o our_o doubt_v and_o inquire_v brethren_n or_o some_o satisfaction_n render_v about_o our_o so_o much_o slight_v church-covenant_n which_o we_o can_v not_o but_o think_v may_v come_v to_o view_v for_o the_o present_a stay_n to_o some_o faithful_a soul_n that_o call_v for_o light_n and_o intend_v to_o use_v it_o well_o for_o other_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o we_o must_v bear_v their_o hard_a thought_n among_o thâ—se_a usual_a load_n of_o scandal_n that_o man_n of_o our_o judgement_n must_v carry_v especial_o if_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n draw_v they_o forth_o to_o public_a observation_n nor_o do_v we_o purpose_v god_n help_v we_o to_o succumb_v under_o calumny_n be_v the_o livery_n of_o quiet_a time_n than_o these_o let_v we_o be_v vile_a still_o so_o god_n and_o his_o ark_n may_v be_v more_o glorious_a yet_o this_o i_o do_v profess_v for_o myself_o and_o brethren_n that_o as_o we_o have_v not_o be_v deal_v with_o nor_o convince_v of_o any_o offence_n so_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o over_o look_v these_o barking_n of_o black_a mouth_n and_o wish_v a_o good_a comment_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o text_n of_o our_o plain_a meaning_n the_o only_a way_n i_o know_v to_o reach_v god_n mind_n in_o worship_n will_v be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n yea_o to_o love_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v condemn_v our_o practice_n and_o person_n also_o who_o have_v not_o observe_v that_o the_o first_o step_n to_o error_n be_v the_o decline_a the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o it_o â‚_o hence_o popery_n beget_v she_o first_o brat_n and_o have_v nurse_v it_o up_o with_o thesame_a milk_n we_o will_v earnest_o desire_v that_o none_o will_v call_v that_o unsensonable_a or_o unreasonable_a which_o god_n seem_v even_o now_o to_o call_v for_o at_o the_o call_n of_o this_o synod_n and_o will_v carry_v so_o much_o reason_n with_o it_o as_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n will_v own_v more_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n to_o our_o brethren_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o show_v who_o send_v we_o these_o 32._o question_n no_o other_o deal_n will_v we_o have_v from_o our_o brethren_n not_o consent_v with_o we_o some_o river_n have_v be_v note_v to_o differ_v in_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o water_n yet_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n let_v jesus_n christ_n be_v lift_v up_o by_o we_o all_o let_v we_o love_v he_o whilst_o we_o dispute_v about_o he_o presbytery_n and_o independency_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n fellowship_n now_o look_v at_o since_o we_o hope_v episcop_n 〈…〉_z out_o and_o will_v be_v bury_v without_o expectation_n of_o another_o resurrection_n we_o be_v much_o charge_v with_o what_o we_o own_v not_o viz_o independency_n when_o as_o we_o know_v not_o any_o church_n reform_v more_o look_v at_o sister_n church_n for_o help_v then_o we_o do_v only_o we_o can_v have_v rule_n yet_o discover_v from_o any_o friend_n or_o enemy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o canon_n or_o power_n of_o any_o other_o church_n under_o their_o council_n we_o be_v we_o need_v not_o tell_v the_o wise_a whence_o tyranny_n grow_v in_o church_n and_o how_o common_a wealth_n get_v their_o pressure_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n these_o be_v our_o sigh_n and_o hearty_a wish_n that_o self_n may_v be_v conquer_v in_o this_o poor_a nation_n which_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o these_o truth_n know_v good_a reader_n we_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o whistle_v thou_o out_o of_o any_o know_v good_a way_n of_o god_n common_o question_n and_o answer_n clear_v up_o the_o way_n when_o other_o treatise_n leave_v we_o to_o darkness_n read_v they_o and_o what_o we_o say_v for_o a_o church-covenant_n it_o may_v save_v charge_n and_o time_n in_o read_v other_o book_n remember_v we_o strive_v not_o here_o for_o masterye_n but_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n wherein_o if_o thou_o know_v we_o fail_v candidus_n imperti_fw-la if_o we_o agree_v let_v we_o work_v by_o our_o platform_n and_o may_v thy_o soul_n flourish_v as_o a_o green_a heath_n or_o water_a garden_n so_o pray_v thy_o hearty_a h._n peter_n the_o xxxii_o question_n state_v 1_o whether_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o english_a there_o by_o estimation_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o unadmit_v to_o any_o congregation_n among_o you_o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o 2._o what_o thing_n do_v you_o hold_v to_o be_v essential_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n 3._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o hold_v all_o visible_a believer_n to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o not_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o accept_v in_o all_o congregation_n wheresoever_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o be_v so_o know_v and_o ought_v if_o they_o desire_v and_o be_v not_o otherwise_o unfit_a of_o right_a to_o be_v permit_v to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n there_o so_o far_o as_o they_o personal_o concern_v themselves_o although_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o fix_v member_n in_o particular_a covenant_n either_o with_o that_o congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o with_o any_o other_o 4._o whether_o you_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v they_o that_o be_v so_o baptise_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v right_a at_o lest_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o if_o they_o so_o deserve_v by_o excommunication_n 5._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v child_n under_o age_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o and_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o parent_n so_o as_o thenceforth_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a without_o any_o other_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o year_n and_o how_o long_o do_v you_o count_v they_o under_o age_n 6._o whether_o do_v not_o you_o admit_v orphan_n under_o age_n with_o and_o in_o their_o guardian_n 7._o whether_o do_v you_o admit_v or_o refuse_v child_n under_o age_n only_o accord_v to_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o their_o near_a parent_n or_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v they_o if_o any_o of_o their_o next_o ancestor_n before_o their_o parent_n be_v believer_n 8._o whether_o do_v you_o require_v of_o all_o person_n of_o age_n who_o you_o admit_v member_n of_o any_o church_n 1._o a_o public_a vocal_a declaration_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n 2._o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n 3._o a_o express_a verbal_a covenant_v to_o walk_v with_o
and_o with_o 6._o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v capable_a as_o namely_o to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o parent_n be_v once_o admit_v their_o child_n be_v thereupon_o baptize_v if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v afore_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 2._o but_o whether_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o privilege_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n be_v another_o question_n of_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n yet_o to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v one_o way_n or_o other_o 3._o but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o we_o will_v say_v it_o seem_v by_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o as_o count_v it_o altogether_o unsafe_a that_o idiot_n frantic_v or_o person_n open_o ungracious_a and_o profane_a shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n whereby_o we_o mean_v only_o a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n or_o a_o new_a profess_v of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v adulti_fw-la for_o otherwise_o we_o do_v confess_v child_n that_o be_v bear_v when_o their_o parent_n be_v church_n member_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n gen._n 17._o 7._o 12._o and_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v it_o to_o they_o but_o notwithstanding_o their_o birthright_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n though_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a for_o without_o this_o it_o can_v so_o well_o be_v discern_v what_o fitness_n be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church_n privilege_n as_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o and_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o such_o way_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n member_n if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n and_o shall_v be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n against_o they_o of_o their_o unfitnesse_n for_o church_n privilege_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o open_o break_v that_o rule_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o when_o they_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o who_o when_o other_o do_v examine_v they_o they_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o give_v answer_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o or_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v any_o such_o matter_n wherefore_o in_o this_o point_n we_o can_v but_o full_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n as_o zepporus_n write_v to_o admit_v child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o to_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o such_o child_n who_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v neither_o 7._o of_o they_o believer_n and_o sanctify_a be_v count_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o faederal_o holy_a but_o unclean_a what_o ever_o their_o other_o ancestor_n have_v be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o we_o baptise_v they_o not_o if_o you_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o limit_v this_o faederall_a sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o the_o child_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v believer_n we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o therein_o but_o for_o the_o present_a as_o we_o believe_v we_o speak_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o our_o light_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v one_o degree_n beyond_o the_o next_o parent_n we_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v go_v two_o and_o if_o two_o why_o not_o 3._o 4_o 20_o 100_o or_o 1000_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v all_o child_n to_o baptism_n who_o ancestor_n within_o a_o thousand_o generation_n have_v be_v believer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o we_o may_v by_o this_o reason_n baptise_v the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o of_o all_o the_o indian_n and_o barbarian_n in_o the_o country_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v have_v some_o believe_a ancestor_n within_o less_o than_o a_o 1000_o generation_n it_o be_v far_o from_o so_o much_o since_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 8._o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o col._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o thereupon_o we_o count_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a mean_n whereby_o god_n may_v help_v we_o to_o discern_v whether_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n be_v person_n so_o qualify_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o first_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v concern_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o quaery_n second_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o take_v a_o trial_n what_o measure_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o know_v that_o without_o knowledge_n man_n can_v well_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o will_v prevent_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o the_o creep_a in_o of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n
the_o title_n of_o the_o 21._o be_v de_fw-fr paritate_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la where_o he_o open_v and_o explain_v and_o by_o many_o argument_n and_o testimony_n confirm_v what_o we_o hold_v of_o the_o independency_n and_o parity_n of_o church_n to_o which_o learned_a discourse_n of_o he_o we_o refer_v you_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o there_o 15._o shall_v be_v a_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o every_o church_n â—it_n 1_o 5._o act_n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o who_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 5._o â—7_n and_o unto_o who_o so_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a and_o submit_v themselves_o heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o therefore_o a_o government_n mere_o popular_a or_o democraticall_a which_o divine_v and_o orthodox_n writer_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o morillius_n and_o such_o like_a be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n and_o we_o believe_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n second_o nevertheless_o a_o government_n mere_o aristocratical_a wherein_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o elder_n as_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o entermedle_v by_o way_n of_o power_n therein_o such_o a_o government_n we_o conceive_v also_o to_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o infringe_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o censure_v of_o offender_n even_o minister_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n must_v admonish_v archippus_n of_o his_o duty_n col._n 4._o 17._o master_n parker_n you_o know_v have_v 22._o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o her_o officer_n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o and_o master_n baine_n say_v if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n by_o election_n to_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o so_o power_n of_o institute_v he_o then_o of_o destitute_v also_o instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la diocese_n trial_o p._n 88_o and_o again_o no_o reason_n evince_v the_o pope_n though_o a_o general_a pastor_n subject_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n ecumenical_a but_o the_o same_o prove_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o we_o may_v add_v and_o a_o congregationall_a minister_n subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n pag._n 89._o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v then_o may_v sheep_n censure_v the_o shepherd_n child_n their_o father_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o similitude_n hold_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n natural_a parent_n be_v no_o way_n child_n nor_o in_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o their_o child_n but_o spiritual_a father_n be_v so_o father_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v child_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o shepherd_n be_v no_o way_n sheep_n but_o minister_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 2._o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v absolute_o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o spiritual_a parent_n and_o pastor_n be_v no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o do_v according_o behave_v themselves_o p._n 89._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o more_o aâ—_n large_a be_v this_o objection_n answer_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o p._n 78._o 79._o and_o again_o if_o their_o own_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v wherein_o other_o have_v such_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o person_n who_o belong_v not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n p._n 89._o so_o that_o all_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o see_v the_o officer_n themselves_o if_o they_o offend_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n even_o paul_n himself_o though_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n without_o the_o church_n but_o send_v to_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o blame_v they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o soon_o 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n reprove_v pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v balaamite_n nicholaitan_n and_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n among_o they_o and_o call_v on_o they_o for_o reformation_n herein_o rev._n 2._o send_v his_o epistle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a congregation_n as_o appear_v rev._n 1._o 11._o and_o also_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o those_o epistle_n where_o the_o word_n be_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o corrupt_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o they_o a_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o all_o now_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n argue_v some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n as_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o argue_v some_o remissness_n therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n be_v require_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o all_o of_o the_o angel_n alone_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o spring_v up_o among_o they_o as_o appear_z by_o their_o behaviour_n &_o practice_n when_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a have_v set_v up_o the_o altar_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n jos_n 22._o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n gather_v themselves_o together_o at_o shilo_n to_o go_v up_o to_o war_n against_o they_o v_o 12._o and_o when_o phineas_n and_o ten_o prince_n with_o he_o be_v send_v to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o about_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n that_o send_v they_o v_o 13_o 14._o and_o when_o they_o deliver_v their_o message_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o trespass_n be_v this_o etc._n etc._n v_o 16._o which_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n alone_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v abuse_n reform_v and_o redress_v which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o when_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o caâ—mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n â—is_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v count_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o bring_v a_o plague_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n v_o 1._o and_o god_n say_v to_o joshua_n not_o the_o elâ—ers_n have_v sin_v but_o israel_n have_v sin_v and_o they_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o they_o have_v steal_v of_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o put_v it_o among_o their_o own_o stuff_n v_o 11._o and_o for_o this_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n josh_n 22._o 20._o now_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o have_v perish_v alone_o but_o wrath_n must_v fall_v upon_o they_o all_o and_o why_o shall_v his_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n if_o the_o care_n of_o prevent_v it_o and_o timely_o suppress_v the_o same_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n have_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o upon_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n alone_o doubtless_o the_o just_a lord_n who_o say_v every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6._o 5._o will_v not_o have_v bring_v wrath_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o achans_n sin_n if_o such_o government_n as_o may_v have_v prevent_v or_o timely_o reform_v the_o same_o have_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n alone_o and_o before_o this_o time_n all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n alone_o be_v command_v to_o put_v leper_n and_o unclean_a person_n out_o of_o the_o camp_n numb_a 5._o 1_o 2._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o exercise_n
how_o approvable_a the_o man_n may_v be_v and_o what_o discipline_n it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o shall_v we_o in_o such_o general_a word_n as_o be_v there_o express_v promise_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o word_n we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v bind_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n of_o papist_n or_o arminian_n or_o familist_n or_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o something_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a and_o yet_o we_o pray_v you_o hearty_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o conceive_v of_o we_o in_o this_o passage_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o such_o comparison_n as_o if_o yourselves_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o our_o conscience_n far_o above_o the_o best_a 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we_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o which_o cause_n among_o other_o we_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v that_o he_o may_v send_v you_o hither_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o if_o you_o be_v here_o there_o will_v be_v such_o agreement_n between_o you_o and_o we_o that_o either_o you_o will_v approve_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o practice_v or_o that_o we_o shall_v approve_v of_o what_o you_o may_v show_v we_o to_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o such_o a_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o yet_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o sister-church_n but_o rather_o of_o blessing_n the_o lord_n when_o that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o you_o and_o we_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n i_o will_v turn_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n that_o they_o may_v all_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o gal._n 5._o 10._o phil._n 3._o 15._o this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o posit_n 1._o &_o 2._o send_v unto_o you_o 32._o the_o last_o year_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen._n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer_n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_n or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o self-righteousnesse_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rome_n 2._o 29._o and_o israelites_n gal._n 6._o 16._o joh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v antitype_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5._o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_a but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concern_v which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o import_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_n
must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n 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they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n &_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num_fw-la 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o out_o live_v joshua_n josh_n 24_o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v 2_o into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n answer_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o becâ—me_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esâ—â—_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob._n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeâ—_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezek_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n josh_n 5._o 3._o 7._o they_o being_n not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o 3_o not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concern_v watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o as_o be_v answer_n show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v of_o god_n leu._n 19_o 17._o deut._n 29_o 8._o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_n 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o proselyte_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o like_o as_o
title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n jer._n 2._o 2._o &_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharoahs_n daughter_n psal_n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n cant._n 6_o 9_o 1._o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o viz_o the_o whole_a company_n answer_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o &_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o hundred_o 2._o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n jer._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o answ_n cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n but_o 3_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa_n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n &_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n do_v give_v up_o herself_o unto_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n owe_v one_o unto_o another_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o marriage-covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o covenant_n require_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v these_o duty_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o macedonia_n that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v also_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v proper_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20_o 8._o amos_n 1._o 9_o because_o there_o the_o engagement_n be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n fellow-member_n and_o fellow-helper_n and_o not_o as_o to_o one_o head_n or_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o marriage-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n though_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o be_v promise_v in_o their_o covenant_n with_o one_o another_o and_o also_o in_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o brief_a thus_o they_o promise_v unto_o christ_n duty_n to_o he_o and_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o he_o and_o so_o their_o covenant_n be_v a_o marriage-covenant_n with_o christ_n they_o promise_v also_o to_o one_o another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o brotherly_a covenant_n another_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o also_o prove_v that_o a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o covenant_n be_v the_o title_n of_o a_o city_n or_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 87._o 3._o &_o 48_o 1._o 8._o &_o 122._o 3._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o the_o argument_n lie_v thus_o if_o a_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n than_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n but_o every_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n forealledge_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o every_o city_n be_v unite_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la or_o right_a of_o city_n privilege_n by_o some_o covenant_n or_o oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o city_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o man_n become_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v 3_o and_o restore_v a_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v which_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n a_o new_a with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 15_o 10._o &_o 29._o 10._o &_o neh._n 9_o 38._o &_o 10._o 28_o 29._o jer._n 50._o 4_o 5._o the_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v thus_o if_o a_o church_n decay_a be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o reform_v by_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o erect_v at_o the_o first_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v because_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n thus_o christ_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o marriage_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o and_o thus_o paul_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v on_o the_o decline_a church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o reformation_n bid_v she_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v her_o first_o work_n rev._n 2._o 5._o now_o the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n above_o allege_a that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o
and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o any_o body_n corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o forgive_v and_o receive_v in_o penitent_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a 4._o nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o 5._o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal_n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o &_o 1_o &_o 14._o 23._o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n officer_n answer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o he_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o she_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v 6._o between_o member_n and_o not_o
come_v up_o but_o of_o late_a must_v first_o prove_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o hold_v their_o peace_n white_a way_n 44._o 1._o and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o church-covenant_n second_o and_o yet_o they_o that_o search_v the_o story_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o time_n and_o age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n may_v find_v some_o testimony_n of_o church-covenant_n in_o those_o day_n for_o instance_n justine_n martyr_n in_o his_o apol._n 2._o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o general_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o time_n that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n nor_o his_o child_n neither_o but_o they_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v three_o question_n abrenuntio_n whereto_o he_o answer_v abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la whereto_o his_o answer_n be_v credo_fw-la and_o spondes_fw-la to_o which_o he_o answer_v spondes_fw-la so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o open_a declaration_n of_o his_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o a_o open_a bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n or_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o three_o but_o much_o need_v not_o to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o point_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v scripture_n antiquity_n to_o be_v sufficient_a though_o after_o time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v if_o church-covenant_n be_v so_o necessary_a than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n 10._o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n they_o that_o have_v know_v those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o their_o answ_n write_n and_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o synod_n and_o otherwise_o but_o also_o by_o live_v among_o they_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o their_o order_n do_v report_n otherwise_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v combine_v together_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n use_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o child_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z lâ—e_z ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la atatem_fw-la inque_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la catecheticâ_fw-la profectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la totâ_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicae_fw-la edant_fw-la per_fw-la parent_n aut_fw-la qui_fw-la parentum_fw-la loco_fw-la sunt_fw-la jussû_fw-fr ministri_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la conspectum_fw-la producti_fw-la quòdque_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la confession_n per_fw-la dei_fw-la gratiam_fw-la perstare_fw-la ac_fw-la juxta_fw-la illam_fw-la vitam_fw-la instituere_fw-la insuper_fw-la etiam_fw-la disciplina_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la ultrò_fw-la ac_fw-la spout_v suâ_fw-la subjicere_fw-la seize_v velint_fw-la spondeant_fw-la atque_fw-la stipulentur_fw-la polit._n eccles_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o proficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o and_o if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n with_o child_n come_v to_o age_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n or_o more_o that_o the_o same_o course_n shall_v be_v hold_v with_o man_n of_o year_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o so_o the_o same_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a confederation_n have_v these_o word_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n so_o may_v they_o be_v combine_v of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n 〈◊〉_d illa_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quam_fw-la in_o symbolo_fw-la profit_n nunc_fw-la apostolico_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la hic_fw-la requirit_fw-la &_o vult_fw-la quam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la membrorum_fw-la &_o confoederationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n do_v require_v and_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o bind_n of_o they_o together_o by_o covenant_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 3_o c._n 8._o p_o 721._o to_o these_o testimony_n of_o zâ—ppâ—râ—â—_n those_o word_n may_v be_v add_v of_o mr._n parker_n our_o own_o countryman_n a_o man_n of_o singular_a note_n for_o learning_n and_o holiness_n who_o also_o himself_o live_v sometime_o beyond_o sea_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o end_v his_o day_n so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o give_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o testimony_n he_o have_v so_o good_a mean_n full_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o those_o church_n now_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o solennis_n forma_fw-la absque_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la alicujus_fw-la communionem_fw-la nullus_fw-la ritè_fw-la recipitur_fw-la of_o a_o solemn_a form_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v right_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v these_o word_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la reformatarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la in_o lapsis_fw-la restituendis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o extraâ—eis_fw-la iâ—ò_fw-la quibuscunque_fw-la recipiendis_fw-la qui_fw-la ad_fw-la habitandum_fw-la alicubi_fw-la confident_a etsi_fw-la fortè_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la illius_fw-la loci_fw-la quo_fw-la ante_fw-la commoâ—_n abantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la hanc_fw-la formam_fw-la admissi_fw-la prius_fw-la fuerant_fw-la examinat_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la plebs_fw-la consentit_fw-la cuique_fw-la testes_fw-la vita_fw-la sua_fw-la secum_fw-la adfert_fw-la vel_fw-la testimonia_fw-la salâ—em_fw-la publicatur_fw-la nomen_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la competentis_fw-la pro_fw-la conâ—ioâ—e_fw-la admonetur_fw-la cuique_fw-la siquid_fw-la habeat_fw-la quod_fw-la excipiat_fw-la ut_fw-la denunciet_a presbyteris_fw-la si_fw-mi nihil_fw-la contrà _fw-la adferatur_fw-la admittitur_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la solerni_fw-la pactione_n cum_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la spondet_fw-la verò_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la se_fw-la ambulaturum_fw-la prout_fw-la sanctam_fw-la illam_fw-la communionem_fw-la decet_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la illius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la subjacere_fw-la velle_fw-la se_fw-la fratribus_fw-la illius_fw-la communionis_fw-la invigilaturum_fw-la juxta_fw-la christi_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la matth._n 18._o 17._o ut_fw-la praeveniantur_fw-la sanentur_fw-la que_fw-la scandala_fw-la &_o illi_fw-la ad_fw-la studium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la operum_fw-la provehantur_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n not_o only_o in_o restore_v such_o as_o have_v fall_v but_o in_o admit_v of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o all_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o do_v sit_v down_o in_o any_o place_n for_o habitation_n though_o perhaps_o they_o have_v be_v former_o admit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v former_o dwell_v the_o presbytery_n do_v examine_v the_o people_n do_v consent_n every_o man_n bring_v with_o he_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n or_o at_o leastwise_o testimony_n the_o name_n of_o each_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o member_n be_v publish_v in_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o be_v admonish_v if_o he_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o the_o party_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o presbytery_n if_o nothing_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o than_o indeed_o he_o be_v admit_v but_o yet_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v walk_v as_o become_v that_o holy_a fellowship_n that_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o that_o church_n that_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o
17._o that_o offence_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o heal_v etc._n etc._n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3_o cap._n 16._o §_o 4._o pag._n 171_o 172._o much_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o that_o place_n allege_v sundry_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n of_o reform_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v determine_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o church_n but_o by_o this_o way_n of_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o other_o that_o have_v live_v among_o they_o may_v have_v be_v eye-witness_n that_o this_o be_v their_o usual_a practice_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n if_o church_n 11._o must_v be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n do_v not_o this_o doctrine_n blot_v out_o all_o those_o congregation_n out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o church_n for_o what_o ever_o covenant_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o other_o part_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o english_a have_v none_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n ansâ—_n be_v more_o implicit_a and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o in_o their_o material_n or_o in_o want_n of_o explicit_a combine_v of_o pure_a matter_n or_o many_o of_o their_o way_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o defend_v yet_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o with_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n lib_n 3._o cap._n 16._o §_o 1._o pag._n 167._o non_fw-mi abo_v ea_fw-la realis_fw-la &_o substantialis_fw-la quanquam_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la parâ—rat_fw-la implicita_fw-la coitio_fw-la in_fw-la foedus_fw-la eaque_fw-la voluntaria_fw-la professio_fw-la fidei_fw-la substantialis_fw-la quâ_fw-la deo_fw-la gratia_fw-la essentiam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la idque_fw-la visibilis_fw-la hacusque_fw-la sartam_fw-la tectam_fw-la in_o angliâ_fw-la conservavit_fw-la that_o be_v there_o want_v not_o that_o real_a and_o substantial_a come_n together_o or_o agree_v in_o covenant_n though_o more_o implicate_v then_o be_v meet_v and_o that_o substantial_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o england_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v utter_o without_o a_o covenant_n be_v these_o first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o while_n after_o as_o master_n fox_n show_v at_o large_a act._n &_o mon._n lib._n 2._o beginning_n pag_n 137._o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostie_a from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a master_n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tertullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o niâ—â—phorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o britain_n and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_a that_o the_o english_a church_n be_v then_o constitute_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n because_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n asore_n christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n before_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o christian_a congregation_n in_o england_n be_v in_o those_o time_n combine_v by_o covenant_n than_o eternity_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o interposition_n of_o many_o corruption_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o after_o time_n that_o can_v disannul_v the_o same_o except_o when_o man_n wilful_o break_v covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o obstinacy_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o they_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n remain_v which_o have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o church_n to_o this_o day_n though_o the_o mixture_n of_o manifold_a corruption_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n more_o implicit_a than_o be_v meet_v second_o because_o there_o want_v no_o good_a record_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o selden_n history_n of_o tithe_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o former_a time_n in_o england_n it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o oblation_n where_o themselves_o please_v now_o this_o pay_v of_o tithe_n be_v account_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n or_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o &_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n be_v also_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n and_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n â—â—_o be_v not_o the_o precinct_n of_o parish_n that_o do_v limit_v man_n in_o those_o day_n but_o their_o own_o choice_n three_o those_o question_n and_o answer_v minister_v at_o baptism_n speak_v of_o before_o viz._n doâ—st_v thou_o renounce_v i_o do_v renounce_v do_v thou_o believe_v i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v i_o do_v promise_n as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o other_o place_n so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o england_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o sundry_a corruption_n now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o have_v make_v personal_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v at_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o parent_n which_o course_n indeed_o afterward_o do_v grow_v into_o a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o a_o good_a order_n if_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a profession_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a prince_n do_v but_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v not_o tolerate_v within_o his_o dominion_n any_o open_a idolatry_n or_o the_o open_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o baptize_v person_n but_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o likewise_o when_o he_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o countenance_n also_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v willing_o bend_v thereunto_o ezra_n 1._o 1._o 3._o &_o 7._o 13._o and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o freeness_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n communion_n because_o one_o duty_n can_v oppose_v nor_o contradict_v another_o and_o suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_n of_o some_o to_o come_v in_o for_o member_n who_o be_v unfit_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o other_o who_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n desire_v it_o when_o the_o israelite_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o go_v a_o mix_a multitude_n with_o they_o many_o go_n with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o israelites_n indeed_o exod._n 12._o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mordecay_n and_o hesther_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n and_o respect_n est_fw-la 8._o 17._o and_o so_o join_v to_o they_o not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n nor_o of_o any_o sincere_a heart_n towards_o god_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o favour_n or_o â—eare_z of_o man_n yet_o this_o force_a or_o sein_v join_v of_o some_o can_v not_o hinder_v those_o that_o be_v israelites_n indeed_o from_o be_v israelite_n nor_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v no_o jew_n no_o church-member_n and_o the_o
our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o they_o that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o hereafter_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n when_o jehojada_n make_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n 2_o king_n 11._o 17._o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o they_o all_o both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o king_n promise_v but_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n righteous_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n so_o rule_v now_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o they_o and_o of_o they_o to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o as_o god_n require_v in_o his_o covenant_n both_o of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o another_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o this_o place_n of_o deut._n 29._o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o church-covenant_n 4_o in_o these_o day_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o what_o soever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_n also_o as_o will_n afterward_o appear_v 2._o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o pregnant_a place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o unlawful_a for_o whatsoever_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a paedagogie_n but_o be_v of_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a equity_n the_o same_o bind_v we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n though_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o marry_v his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o necessary_a for_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v sabbath-breaking_a blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n unto_o infant_n or_o to_o admit_v woman_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v speak_v little_a in_o these_o case_n only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v direction_n and_o light_n about_o they_o lev_n 18._o &_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o &_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o &_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 6._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v all_o according_a to_o moral_a equity_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o express_o for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n for_o that_o a_o company_n shall_v be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o body_n in_o way_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n by_o way_n of_o mutual_a free_a covenant_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a or_o agreeable_a to_o moral_a equity_n nay_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n that_o freeman_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o authority_n or_o power_n over_o free_a man_n without_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o voluntary_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o another_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o be_v deut._n 26._o 16_o 17_o 18._o with_o deut._n 27._o 9_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v these_o statute_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n take_v heed_n and_o hearken_v o_o israel_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v become_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n this_o scripture_n plain_o show_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o here_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o that_o avouch_v of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o god_n be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o 2._o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n together_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n 26._o 18._o &_o 27._o 9_o 3_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o thereby_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n ver_fw-la 9_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n so_o ezech._n 16._o 8._o prove_v the_o same_o likewise_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o thou_o became_v my_o here_o also_o be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o man_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o personal_a but_o of_o a_o company_n for_o it_o be_v with_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o which_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v multiply_v as_o the_o bud_n of_o the_o field_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o do_v prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o therefore_o not_o mean_v only_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o become_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n likewise_o ezek._n 20._o 37._o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v first_o mention_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n second_o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 30._o 39_o three_o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o bond_n because_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o a_o people_n be_v bind_v and_o tie_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o one_o church_n all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n by_o which_o a_o company_n be_v so_o combine_v and_o unite_v as_o that_o they_o become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v also_o observable_a how_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o this_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n by_o which_o phrase_n as_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n well_o observe_v be_v mean_v trial_n and_o probation_n draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o cattle_n who_o go_v among_o their_o sheep_n or_o other_o cattle_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o therewith_o point_v out_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n holy_a use_n as_o leu._n 27._o 32._o and_o so_o hereby_o be_v note_v that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o he_o will_v first_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n of_o due_a trial_n and_o probation_n and_o then_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o god_n or_o meet_v matter_n for_o his_o church_n shall_v solemn_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o covenant_n shall_v be_v the_o bond_n that_o shall_v combine_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o together_o into_o one_o that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n shall_v all_o become_v one_o body_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o