Selected quad for the lemma: child_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
child_n	congregation_n	israel_n	levite_n	2,274	5	12.0256	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A88943	Church-government and church-covenant discussed, in an answer of the elders of the severall churches in New-England to two and thirty questions, sent over to them by divers ministers in England, to declare their judgments therein. Together with an apologie of the said elders in New-England for church-covenant, sent over in answer to Master Bernard in the yeare 1639. As also in an answer to nine positions about church-government. And now published for the satisfaction of all who desire resolution in those points.	Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. Apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670.	1643 (1643)	Wing M1270; Thomason E106_8; Thomason E106_9; ESTC R18913	104,756	140

the_o lesser_a now_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n lawful_o elect_v into_o his_o office_n or_o a_o put_n of_o he_o into_o possession_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a question_n 3._o if_o a_o church_n have_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o than_o this_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o as_o also_o many_o other_o act_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 4._o this_o ordination_n thus_o perform_v by_o the_o elder_n for_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o see_v that_o hear_v that_o speak_v when_o these_o act_n be_v instrumental_o perform_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o sense_n master_n parker_n say_v ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la alios_fw-la docet_fw-la baptisa●que_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o p._n 26._o 5._o but_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n but_o the_o first_o officer_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v than_o this_o ordination_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o most_o prime_a grave_n and_o able_a man_n from_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v depute_v hereunto_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8._o 10._o now_o all_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o impose_v all_o their_o hand_n upon_o they_o together_o all_o their_o hand_n can_v not_o possible_o reach_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n perform_v this_o rite_n and_o as_o this_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o levite_n be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n so_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o reason_n do_v not_o further_o make_v it_o manifest_a 1._o man_n that_o be_v in_o no_o office_n may_v elect_v therefore_o they_o may_v ordain_v because_o ordination_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o election_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o one_o of_o these_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o the_o officer_n must_v minister_v without_o any_o ordination_n at_o all_o or_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o former_a ordination_n receive_v in_o some_o other_o church_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o other_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v afore_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v by_o succession_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o the_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v as_o they_o imagine_v in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o holy_a order_n whereas_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v if_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o any_o church_n they_o have_v need_n of_o a_o new_a election_n notwithstanding_o their_o former_a election_n into_o another_o church_n than_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o ground_n need_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n if_o their_o former_a election_n be_v cease_v their_o former_a ordination_n be_v cease_v also_o and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a ordination_n unto_o another_o church_n then_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a election_n and_o for_o the_o three_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o authority_n ordinary_a officer_n can_v have_v to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o member_n beside_o at_o some_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n and_o priest_n now_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a case_n if_o the_o sheep_n must_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v if_o god_n people_n may_v not_o have_v minister_n but_o only_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n must_v or_o may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o protestant_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o first_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o papist_n do_v thereupon_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n true_a minister_n such_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o unto_o they_o to_o maintain_v this_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o god_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v antichrist_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o priest_n to_o ordain_v christ_n minister_n as_o he_o will_v not_o take_v of_o babylon_n a_o stone_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o foundation_n jer._n 51._o 26._o 3._o it_o be_v thus_o in_o civil_a corporation_n and_o city_n the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o chief_a officer_n elect_v be_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o inauguration_n to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o predecessor_n the_o sword_n or_o key_n of_o the_o city_n or_o to_o have_v some_o other_o solemn_a ceremony_n by_o he_o perform_v unto_o he_o yet_o if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o former_a as_o at_o the_o first_o or_o that_o the_o former_a be_v dead_a or_o upon_o necessity_n absent_a when_o his_o successor_n enter_v then_o be_v this_o ceremony_n and_o work_n perform_v by_o some_o other_o the_o fit_a instrument_n neither_o need_v that_o city_n borrow_v any_o officer_n of_o another_o city_n neither_o can_v he_o intermeddle_v there_o without_o usurpation_n though_o both_o the_o corporation_n have_v the_o same_o charter_n under_o the_o same_o king_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n or_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v with_o we_o a_o little_a further_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordination_n and_o then_o we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o you_o may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o any_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o the_o former_a some_o indeed_o have_v so_o high_o advance_v this_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o preach_v the_o word_n minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n make_v it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o two_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n in_o that_o commission_n of_o they_o but_o only_o of_o teach_v &_o preach_v &_o baptise_v mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o if_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o special_a work_n there_o will_v belike_o have_v be_v some_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o their_o commission_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n count_v preach_v the_o word_n their_o principal_a work_n and_o after_o it_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o if_o ordain_v of_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o their_o account_n so_o prime_a a_o work_n it_o may_v seem_v paul_n will_v rather_o have_v tarry_v in_o crete_n to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n there_o then_o have_v go_v himself_o about_o preach_v seave_v titus_n for_o the_o other_o tit._n 1_o 5._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o ordain_v of_o minister_n be_v not_o such_o a_o eminent_a work_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v superior_n unto_o ordinary_a minister_n preach_v and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v as_o inferior_a work_n unto_o minister_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o superiority_n of_o docesan_n bishop_n neither_o be_v it_o equal_a unto_o those_o other_o work_v afore_o

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 ●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 ●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 a●_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 ca●mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n ●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 el●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

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 with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o 1_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o answer_n covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregationall_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o 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 bec●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 es●●_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 hore●_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

that_o may_v be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o arminianism_n familisme_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a error_n against_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o know_v how_o easy_o such_o man_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v may_v infect_v other_o and_o perhaps_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o your_o second_o particular_a for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n as_o in_o general_n from_o those_o place_n which_o show_v how_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o math._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18_o &_o act_n 8._o 37._o 38._o where_o man_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v make_v profession_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o when_o this_o be_v do_v those_o that_o by_o manifestation_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v approve_v as_o fit_a member_n for_o a_o church_n do_v open_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o that_o church_n where_o now_o they_o join_v as_o member_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o three_o particular_a in_o this_o quaerie_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n one_o from_o another_o as_o several_a and_o distinct_a society_n seem_v to_o we_o a_o necessary_a ground_n for_o this_o practice_n for_o without_o this_o kind_n of_o covenant_v we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o all_o church_n will_v be_v confound_v into_o one_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v neither_o faith_n nor_o entire_a affection_n nor_o towne-dwelling_a nor_o frequent_v the_o assembly_n that_o can_v make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n or_o distinguish_v church_n member_n from_o other_o man_n see_v the_o apology_n 4._o your_o four_o particular_a in_o this_o quaerie_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o position_n send_v the_o last_o year_n beside_o all_o these_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v speak_v of_o the_o conversion_n and_o godly_a conversation_n of_o such_o person_n which_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o warrantable_a course_n from_o act_n 9_o 26_o 27._o it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o your_o query_n what_o thing_n we_o hold_v necessary_a 9_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o general_n which_o be_v answere●_n this_o of_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o particular_a whether_o we_o hold_v all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o be_v church_n we_o conceive_v might_n well_o have_v be_v spare_v they_o that_o now_o the_o state_n of_o those_o assembly_n may_v make_v application_n of_o the_o general_n to_o the_o particular_n if_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereunto_o yet_o because_o you_o be_v please_v to_o put_v we_o to_o this_o also_o we_o thus_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o of_o ancient_a time_n there_o have_v be_v many_o true_a church_n in_o england_n consist_v of_o right_a matter_n and_o compact_a and_o unite_v together_o by_o the_o right_a form_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o mr._n fox_n show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o little_a while_n after_o act_n &_o mo●_n lib._n 2._o begin_n p._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 arin_n athea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostle_n 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 mr._n fox_n report_v out_o of_o t●rtullian_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 necephorus_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 brittany_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_o there_o be_v church_n plant_v there_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v which_o be_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o church_n and_o by_o way_n of_o holy_a covenant_n as_o the_o right_a form_n for_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 afore_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o apology_n and_o the_o footstep_n hereof_o though_o mix_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n that_o have_v grow_v in_o aftertime_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n to_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o 3_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o baptism_n abrenuntias_fw-la abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la credo_fw-la spondes_fw-la spondeo_fw-la do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n i_o renounce_v they_o all_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n &_o c_o i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n &_o c_o i_o do_v promise_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o conceive_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n yet_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o judgement_n be_v that_o when_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o sin_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v according_o second_o though_o popish_a apostasy_n do_v afterward_o for_o many_o age_n overspread_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n as_o in_o other_o country_n yet_o we_o believe_v god_n still_o reserve_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o reserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o they_o and_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o trinity_n only_o and_o when_o god_n of_o his_o rich_a grace_n be_v please_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o popish_a church_n government_n though_o at_o first_o some_o shire_n and_o sundry_a parish_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o reformation_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o afterward_o they_o general_o receive_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n agree_v upon_o anno_fw-la 1562._o which_o be_v publish_v and_o consent_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n endow_v in_o every_o congregation_n with_o the_o silent_a consent_n also_o of_o the_o people_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o wherein_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o god_n only_o no_o mediation_n nor_o salvation_n but_o in_o christ_n only_o no_o conversion_n by_o man_n free_a will_n but_o by_o god_n free_a grace_n no_o justification_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o perfection_n nor_o merit_n of_o work_n with_o sundry_a other_o necessary_a and_o save_a truth_n all_o which_o contain_v the_o marrow_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eloquia_fw-la des_fw-mi concredit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3._o 1._o 2._o and_o which_o be_v that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o world_n where_o it_o come_v ●olo_fw-la 1._o 5_o 6._o and_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v and_o build_v and_o which_o also_o it_o hold_v forth_o and_o maintain_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o we_o do_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o people_n do_v with_o common_a and_o mutual_a consent_n gather_v into_o settle_a congregation_n ordinary_o every_o lord_n day_n as_o in_o england_n they_o do_v to_o hear_v and_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o do_v profess_v their_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v bind_v themselves_o and_o their_o

child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n instit_n 4._o 1._o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n w●itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la ●cclesiae_fw-la cap._n 17._o and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n which_o give_v we_o suck_v three_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o grievous_a corruption_n of_o latter_a year_n have_v great_o increase_v in_o some_o of_o those_o assembly_n as_o we_o hear_v both_o in_o doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v when_o some_o of_o we_o be_v there_o and_o in_o former_a year_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o grief_n we_o speak_v it_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v unto_o at_o length_n if_o corruption_n shall_v still_o increase_v and_o grow_v '_o they_o may_v come_v in_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o more_o merciful_a unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o unto_o obstinacy_n in_o evil_a and_o to_o wilifull_n rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o than_o you_o know_v it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o account_n and_o number_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o never_o to_o walk_v among_o they_o any_o more_o which_o we_o hearty_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o such_o a_o day_n may_v never_o be_v but_o if_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o of_o her_o declining_n the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o she_o quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n that_o be_v he_o will_v un-church_n they_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n shall_v be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v such_o of_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o betimes_o lest_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o ha●h_v do_v with_o other_o and_o it_o much_o concern_v yourselves_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o speak_v i●_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wou●d_v accept_v of_o it_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v you_o dear_a brethren_n while_o you_o live_v among_o they_o to_o bear_v faithful_a witness_n against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v remain_v in_o any_o of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ministry_n l●st_v by_o any_o sinful_a silence_n or_o slackness_n of_o you_o that_o shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n the_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v wide_a and_o the_o iniquity_n increase_v and_o lest_o man_n shall_v flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o jew_n thought_n themselves_o secure_a because_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o 4._o because_o you_o will_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o we_o count_v those_o assembly_n to_o b●_n church_n but_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o join_v in_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o england_n we_o shall_v willing_o join_v in_o some_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o namely_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v true_o preach_v in_o sundry_a assembly_n there_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v church_n or_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a church_n or_o no_o for_o some_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o church_n assembly_n but_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o other_o meeting_n mars-hill_n at_o athens_n be_v no_o church_n nor_o the_o prison_n at_o philippi_n and_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v lawful_o w●th_o good_a success_n in_o th●se_a place_n act._n 17._o and_o act._n 16._o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o w●rd_n in_o many_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o when_o general_o there_o be_v a_o profess_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o of_o they_o m●n_z soul●s_n that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n as_o any_o be_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o m●ny_v congregation_n indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v mr._n robinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o hear_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 5._o but_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o partake_v in_o their_o prescript_n lyturgie_n and_o such_o ordinance_n though_o true_a as_o be_v administer_v therein_o we_o give_v you_o account_v the_o last_o year_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o position_n as_o al●o_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n of_o that_o subject_a pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball._n what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o live_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o ourselves_o here_o then_o to_o it_o in_o other_o there_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o never_o yet_o 10._o know_v any_o to_o come_v from_o england_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v here_o describe_v ●_o the_o thing_n you_o mention_v may_v be_v take_v conjunctim_fw-la and_o not_o several_o viz_o to_o be_v man_n famous_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v and_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n we_o say_v we_o never_o yet_o know_v any_o to_o come_v to_o we_o from_o thence_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v be_v want_v and_o general_o this_o be_v want_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n 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