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christian_n call_v church_n society_n 1,435 5 9.0715 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A63200 A tryall of the nevv-church vvay in New-England and in old ... by that learned and godly minister of Christ, John Ball of Whitmore ; penned a little before his death and sent over to the New England ministers, anno 1637, as a reply to an answer of theirs in justification of the said positions ... ; now published ... by William Rathband and Simeon Ash. Ball, John, 1585-1640.; Rathband, William, d. 1695.; Ashe, Simeon, d. 1662. Letter of many ministers in old England requesting the judgement of their reverend bretheren in New England. 1644 (1644) Wing T2229; ESTC R20975 106,044 100

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do_v not_o appropriate_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o your_o own_o church_n exclude_v all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o same_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v only_o this_o that_o you_o deny_v not_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n for_o substance_n than_o you_o ascribe_v little_a more_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o then_o to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v baptism_n administer_v among_o they_o to_o be_v true_a for_o substance_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o then_o either_o your_o judgement_n be_v contrary_a to_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v what_o you_o former_o build_v and_o here_o profess_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v provide_v you_o go_v not_o beyond_o the_o lord_n warrant_v and_o deny_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a by_o divine_a appointment_n nor_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o god_n have_v plentiful_o bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o highness_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o call_v into_o question_n nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a according_a to_o order_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a viz_o to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n true_a visible_a believer_n or_o 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acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n as_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n his_o body_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o church_n viz._n whereof_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n and_o whereunto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v 28._o which_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n 2d_o divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whereof_o some_o be_v pure_a 13._o other_o impure_a some_o more_o other_o less_a sound_n hereunto_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o every_o multitude_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v indefinite_o call_v the_o church_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 9_o in_o which_o sense_n all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v true_o be_v call_v one_o 13._o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v to_o many_o 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the_o virgin_n mary_n four_o put_v case_n the_o minister_n in_o read_v such_o prayer_n give_v offence_n or_o attribute_n unlawful_a honour_n to_o a_o thing_n abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o faithful_a this_o can_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o that_o offence_n be_v personal_a only_a and_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a they_o join_v in_o prayer_n only_o and_o not_o in_o his_o read_n or_o limit_v himself_o not_o to_o say_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v herein_o both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n if_o he_o give_v offence_n must_v they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stone_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v rather_o think_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o foot_n that_o they_o go_v not_o awry_o let_v 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credit_n in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v weighty_a and_o convince_a but_o for_o your_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o observe_v one_o substantial_a ground_n or_o approve_a author_n to_o be_v allege_v doctor_n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quum_fw-la conturbentur_fw-la signa_fw-la illa_fw-la quibus_fw-la fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1._o cor._n 5._o 12._o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n and_o godly_a man_n though_o of_o no_o particular_a settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o 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without_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o that_o child_n that_o be_v cast_v forth_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o presume_v the_o contrary_a that_o in_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n a_o difference_n must_v be_v put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o open_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o holy_a thing_n between_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a see_v else_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o all_o pollution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o add_v touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n bear_v in_o fornication_n excommunication_n and_o papist_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o clear_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o former_a passage_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o particular_a society_n but_o as_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o his_o mind_n to_o censure_v they_o who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o church-covenant_n because_o they_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n as_o man_n without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n his_o judgement_n be_v further_o manifest_v in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n pa._n 33._o so_o many_o parish_n assembly_n of_o england_n say_v he_o as_o have_v any_o competent_a number_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o they_o unite_v to_o worship_n god_n ordinary_o in_o one_o society_n so_o many_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o integrall_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o they_o have_v entire_a right_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o how_o ever_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o combination_n and_o in_o the_o complete_a free_a exercise_v of_o their_o power_n whereupon_o a_o reverend_a 182._o elder_n now_o among_o you_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la to_o dischurch_n they_o whole_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o their_o know_a member_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v nor_o justify_v by_o any_o assertion_n or_o practice_n answ_n 5._o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o for_o a_o five_o consideration_n the_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o extend_v communion_n in_o church_n privilege_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n fellowship_n for_o thus_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v much_o confound_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o illimited_a as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n be_v abroagate_v if_o without_o membership_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o parent_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o baptism_n 3._o the_o church_n shall_v endanger_v the_o profane_v of_o the_o seal_n and_o want_v one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n of_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o make_v know_v for_o if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o you_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o without_o attestation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v such_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o approve_a piety_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o orderly_o join_v themselves_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o member_n thereof_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o see_v such_o fellowship_n be_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n require_v of_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o true_a piety_n frame_v man_n spirit_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o we_o have_v have_v much_o experience_n of_o it_o that_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o have_v be_v find_v too_o light_a not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o but_o even_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n in_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n have_v god_n follow_v this_o order_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o mean_n of_o discovery_n of_o man_n piety_n and_o sincerity_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o enter_v in_o church-fellowship_n reply_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 213._o or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n 23._o but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v profane_v many_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dispenser_n to_o put_v back_o or_o expel_v such_o as_o profane_v they_o if_o the_o congregation_n shall_v admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n the_o church_n privilege_n be_v profane_v and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v say_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o faulty_a in_o receive_v he_o when_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v unworthy_o if_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o office_n to_o keep_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n but_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o randame_n 80._o but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o
the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o often_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n whether_o these_o either_o sufficient_o know_v unto_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v may_v upon_o desire_n and_o suit_n themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v what_o fear_n be_v there_o now_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n shall_v be_v much_o or_o little_a confound_v be_v this_o to_o take_v as_o illimited_a power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n how_o shall_v this_o tend_v to_o abrogate_v the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n or_o how_o be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o seal_n thereby_o endanger_v you_o ask_v if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o we_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o you_o say_v the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a person_n and_o of_o approve_a piety_n among_o we_o who_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o unless_o you_o will_v take_v their_o wisdom_n faith_n patience_n courage_n constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o their_o report_n approve_v we_o say_v by_o as_o ample_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n as_o the_o apostle_n exact_v of_o they_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o can_v be_v require_v of_o member_n admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n if_o man_n will_v follow_v the_o lord_n direction_n or_o as_o you_o can_v give_v to_o ordinance_n member_n of_o your_o society_n you_o profess_v high_a respect_n of_o your_o brethren_n in_o old_a england_n but_o it_o seem_v you_o judge_v they_o insufficient_a to_o give_v orderly_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o approve_a christian_n well_o know_v unto_o they_o and_o live_v among_o they_o which_o two_o can_v well_o agree_v we_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v themselves_o orderly_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n but_o of_o such_o as_o do_v with_o all_o readiness_n profess_v subjection_n and_o walk_v according_o and_o hearty_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o complete_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n or_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o and_o if_o exception_n be_v take_v against_o they_o only_o who_o refuse_v against_o light_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o what_o rule_n do_v you_o proceed_v when_o you_o judge_v man_n to_o refuse_v against_o light_n or_o debar_v they_o who_o do_v not_o refuse_v against_o conscience_n but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n no_o doubt_n as_o you_o say_v but_o now_o and_o then_o a_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o may_v be_v find_v too_o light_a yea_o and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n when_o he_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n and_o no_o question_n but_o many_o have_v be_v admit_v by_o the_o church_n who_o indeed_o and_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o light_a and_o some_o refuse_v who_o deserve_v better_a than_o they_o that_o cast_v they_o off_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v what_o error_n have_v be_v commit_v nor_o what_o blessing_n you_o have_v find_v upon_o your_o proceed_n we_o hearty_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v your_o congregation_n pure_a make_v his_o ordinance_n more_o and_o more_o effectual_a go_v before_o you_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o you_o shall_v walk_v and_o multiply_v his_o mercy_n upon_o you_o in_o the_o same_o but_o this_o we_o be_v persuade_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v that_o in_o debar_v godly_a christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o much_o more_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n from_o holy_a baptism_n you_o exceed_v your_o commission_n you_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o go_v beyond_o your_o due_a bound_n and_o notwithstanding_o your_o circumspection_n more_o worthy_a and_o faithful_a christian_n have_v be_v deny_v when_o of_o less_o worth_n and_o mean_a sufficiency_n have_v pass_v and_o be_v by_o you_o receive_v answ_n 6._o consid_n none_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n but_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o call_v till_o first_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v he_o 4._o see_v the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n state_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o and_o this_o duty_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o some_o christian_n but_o equal_o upon_o all_o ergo_fw-la no_n christian_n can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o indeed_o see_v a_o church_n and_o a_o minister_n call_v by_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n it_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o some_o christian_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o become_v a_o church_n and_o to_o call_v a_o minister_n that_o so_o the_o seal_n may_v be_v dispense_v and_o other_o man_n when_o this_o be_v do_v have_v equal_a liberty_n to_o the_o seal_n who_o refuse_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n reply_n this_o conclusion_n be_v not_o 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be_v assemble_v at_o that_o time_n in_o his_o house_n while_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n peter_n demand_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o in_o this_o catalogue_n we_o see_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o church-covenant_n either_o in_o the_o institution_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o they_o that_o christian_n be_v solemn_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o into_o particular_a society_n by_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o truth_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n but_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v deem_v necessary_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n or_o that_o by_o divine_a institution_n any_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v as_o necessary_a thereunto_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v we_o deny_v and_o can_v account_v it_o less_o than_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o institution_n for_o if_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o baptism_n by_o divine_a institution_n belong_v to_o disciple_n faithful_a saint_n who_o have_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o to_o debar_v such_o from_o the_o seal_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o speak_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n and_o many_o way_n 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the_o assembly_n do_v dissent_n upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n our_o answer_n be_v negative_a viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o seal_v in_o the_o congregation_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o ought_v not_o to_o carry_v matter_n by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o do_v thing_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8_o and_o not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o church_n among_o we_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n therein_o reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o whether_o power_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n do_v so_o reside_v in_o the_o community_n as_o that_o they_o must_v be_v refuse_v who_o the_o major_a part_n refuse_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v of_o another_o judgement_n and_o he_o admit_v who_o the_o major_a part_n do_v approve_v and_o though_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n no_o doubt_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n wherein_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o do_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o the_o question_n hereupon_o move_v be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o that_o in_o external_a court_n that_o act_n or_o sentence_n must_v stand_v and_o be_v in_o force_n which_o the_o great_a part_n shall_v determine_v among_o they_o which_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o 240._o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n 124-126_a other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n by_o church_n also_o some_o understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a together_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o guide_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n with_o your_o reason_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o different_a judgement_n from_o mr._n parker_n in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o separation_n which_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o can_v but_o dissent_v from_o you_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o no_o power_n agree_v to_o the_o multitude_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o positive_a law_n for_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a power_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v derive_v from_o 239._o and_o communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o necessity_n it_o must_v draw_v its_o original_n from_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o can_v agree_v to_o none_o but_o as_o it_o be_v communicate_v but_o the_o communicate_v power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v immediate_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o to_o some_o person_n and_o officer_n design_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o peruse_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o distinct_a several_a person_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a community_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n 28._o and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n ●6_n feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n be_v these_o thing_n speak_v to_o the_o whole_a community_n or_o to_o special_a person_n 2._o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n and_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a 1._o which_o they_o do_v not_o 22._o but_o
9_o 15_o 6._o joh._n 2._o 16._o math_n 5._o 20_o 21._o &_o 15._o 4_o 5._o &_o 23_o 1_o 3_o 14._o math._n 16_o 6._o 12._o &_o 15._o 14._o see_v whitak_n de_fw-fr pontiff_a q._n 4._o f_o 10._o pag._n 557._o phil._n 1._o 15._o h●s_n 4_o 6_o 7._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 17_o 24._o jer_z 8._o 8_o 9_o mic_n 3._o 11_o 12._o phil._n 1._o 15._o helv_n con_v cap._n 18_o §_o 11._o &_o 19_o §._o 9_o gal._n conf_n art_n 28._o arg._n conf_n art_n 13_o saxon._n conf_n art_n 12_o zep_v de_fw-fr sa●_n l._n 2._o c._n 6._o art_n of_o religion_n hybern_n art_n 70_o carlton_n praelect_a de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la cap._n 20._o beza_n de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la et_fw-fr excommunicate_a p._n 25_o 26._o ista_fw-la vero_fw-la quia_fw-la nonnulli_fw-la à_fw-la sacris_fw-la caetib_fw-la &_o sacrament_n usu_fw-la propter_fw-la aliorum_fw-la vitia_fw-la ultro_fw-la abstinent_a i._n e._n seipsos_fw-la excommunicant_a magnam_fw-la reprehensionem_fw-la merentur_fw-la we_o see_v no_o warrant_n why_o for_o every_o particular_a act_n that_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v idolatrous_a adjoin_v to_o god_n true_a worship_n we_o shall_v forbear_v our_o presence_n at_o the_o true_a worship_n itself_o unreason_n of_o separation_n answ_o to_o 6._o argument_n compare_v what_o master_n i._o d._n have_v write_v in_o defence_n or_o excuse_n in_o resort_v to_o the_o assemb_v of_o the_o separatist_n call_v brownist_n apol._n sect._n 5._o exam_n p._n 61._o &_o apol._n sect._n 28_o exam_n pag._n 246._o rom._n 16_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 16._o &_o 14._o 33._o rome_n 16._o 4._o gal_n ●_o 22._o 1_o thess_n 2._o 14._o 1_o cor_fw-la 16_o 19_o gal._n 5._o 2._o act_n 15_o 2._o &_o 19_o 37_o &_o 15._o 25._o 38._o eph._n 4._o 4_o 5._o act_n 2._o 38._o 41._o gen_n 1._o 10._o math._n 28._o 14_o 20._o robin_n against_o bern._n reas_fw-la discus_fw-la pa._n 77._o lev_n 2._o 13._o deut._n 29._o 12._o &_o 16._o 17._o 18._o rom._n 3._o 2_o deut._n 4._o 6._o psa_fw-la 247_o 19_o 20_o neh._n 9_o 13._o act._n 7._o 38._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 2_o cor_fw-la 5_o 19_o &_o 114._o deut_n 33._o 3._o io._n 8._o 30_o robin_n against_o bern_n p_o 15._o act._n 14_o 22._o tit._n 1_o 5._o rob_n against_o bern._n act_n 11_o 26._o la_o the_o same_o verse_n the_o some_o person_n be_v call_v the_o church_n disciple_n and_o christian_n pag._n 126._o 127._o 211_o etc._n etc._n foyes_n pag._n 51_o ezeck_n 46._o 10_o see_v lavater_n on_o ezek_n math_n 18._o 20._o jer._n 14._o 9_o jos._n 24._o 14_o rom._n 10._o 14_o act_n 2._o 42_o as_o christ_n be_v that_o one_o great_a pastor_n so_o have_v he_o general_o one_o fold_n and_o flock_n john_n 10._o 16._o ezeck_n 34_o 22._o 23_o which_o be_v his_o church_n as_o he_o say_v and_o you_o my_o flock_n the_o flock_n of_o my_o pasture_n be_v man_n ezek._n 34._o 31._o aynsw_n cant_n 1._o 8._o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n visible_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n which_o be_v without_o christ_n sheepfold_n for_o there_o be_v one_o sheepfold_a and_o one_o shepherd_n john_n 10._o 16._o robin_n against_o bern_n likelihood_n p._n 61._o hieron_n tom_fw-mi 2._o ep._n 85._o nec_fw-la altera_fw-la roma_fw-la vrbis_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la altera_fw-la totius_fw-la orbis_fw-la existimanda_fw-la est_fw-la &_o gallia_n &_o britannia_n &_o asia_n etc._n etc._n &_o omnes_fw-la barbarae_fw-la nationes_fw-la unum_fw-la christum_fw-la adorant_a unam_fw-la observant_a regulam_fw-la veritatis_fw-la 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 28._o col._n 1._o 2d_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 15_o 9_o gal._n 1._o 13._o phil._n 3._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o pastor_n sunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la sed_fw-la grex_fw-la unus_fw-la qui_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n omnibus_fw-la unanimi_fw-la consensu_fw-la pascatur_fw-la cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la et_fw-fr si_fw-fr pastor_n multi_fw-la sumus_fw-la unum_fw-la tamen_fw-la gregem_fw-la pascimus_fw-la cypr._n l._n 3._o epistola_fw-la 13._o cu_z sit_v a_o christo_fw-la una_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la totum_fw-la mundum_fw-la in_o multa_fw-la membra_fw-la divisa_fw-la item_n episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la multorum_fw-la concordi_fw-la numero_fw-la diffusus_fw-la etc._n etc._n cypr._n l._n 4._o ep._n 7._o john_n 9_o 22._o 35._o &_o 12._o 42_o &_o 16._o 2._o athanasius_n may_v be_v for_o a_o example_n gen._n 17._o 7._o leu._n 26._o 12._o apo._n 1._o 11._o 13._o heb._n 16._o 10._o rob._n against_o bern._n pa._n 127._o rom._n 4._o 12._o 18._o gen._n 12._o 3._o gal._n 3_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 15_o 16_o 17_o rob._n against_o ber._n pa._n 222._o see_v mr._n i._n d._n apol._n 11._o sect._n exam_n p._n 117._o i._o d._n apol._n 5._o sect._n ex●m_fw-la pag._n 61_o &_o 18._o bucer_n diff_n ep_n 3._o pa._n 43._o &_o ep_n 48._o pa._n 226._o act._n 8._o 6._o &_o 15_o 4._o act._n 8._o 12._o 14._o &_o 18._o 12._o act_n 2._o 41._o &_o 4._o 4._o &_o 5_o 14._o &_o 6._o 1._o &_o 6._o 7_o ezra_n 2._o 36_o 37_o 38._o act._n 6._o 2_o &_o 8._o 1._o 15._o 2_o 4_o 6_o 22_o 23_o &_o 16._o 4._o &_o 21._o 18._o 18._o act._n 11._o 21._o act._n 11_o 24_o 25_o act._n 13_o 12_o et_fw-la 14_o 27_o et_fw-la 15._o 30._o 34_o 35._o act_n 19_o 10._o &_o 16._o 9_o &_o 19_o 27._o act_n 19_o 19_o robinson_n against_o bern_n p._n 196._o euseb_n hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 35._o lat_z 43._o graec._n 33._o ruff._n ●hit_n de_fw-fr sacra_fw-la contr_n de_fw-mi bapt_v cue_n 2_o &_o 3._o pag_n 237_o 238._o atter_n of_o the_o sacr_n l._n 2._o c._n 6_o fol._n 211._o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la pag._n 79._o act._n 14_o 23._o col._n 4._o 17_o 1_o pet_n 5._o 2_o act_n 20._o 28._o joh._n 4._o 2._o &_o 23_o 23._o mark_n 9_o 15._o act_n 17_o 22_o 23_o 32._o &_o 19_o 8._o 9_o rob._n against_o bern._n p_o 151_o these_o key_n in_o d._n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o corporation_n the_o church_n there_o be_v always_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o christ_n to_o reside_v which_o you_o may_v call_v officer_n for_o the_o use_n of_o itself_o to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o can_v without_o officer_n use_v this_o power_n for_o thing_n simple_o necessary_a as_o for_o receive_v in_o of_o member_n by_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n for_o edify_v of_o they_o by_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v and_o so_o for_o excommunication_n rob._n against_o b._n pag._n 224._o see_v rob._n against_o ber._n pag._n 130._o 131._o 132._o if_o you_o call_v it_o consultation_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o all_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o voice_n in_o determine_v thing_n some_o one_o go_v before_o the_o rest_n idem_fw-la pag._n 202_o robin_n against_o bern._n coun._n debate_v p._n 32._o ibid._n p._n 79._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 28._o 2_o cor._n 23._o 5._o beza_n de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la &_o excom_n pag._n 32_o robin_n against_o bern._n pag._n 252._o acts._n 20_o 28_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o canon_n be_v of_o counsel_n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o to_o care_n for_o their_o own_o flock_n that_o they_o forbid_v they_o not_o to_o care_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a combustion_n the_o answer_n of_o some_o brethren_n pag._n 1●_n publica_n dei_fw-la invocatio_fw-la non_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o unâ_fw-la fide_fw-la consensionis_fw-la beza_n contra_fw-la erastum_fw-la de_fw-la presbyt_fw-la pap_n 13._o euseb_n hist_o 5._o c._n 26._o graec._n chami●●_n pan_v ●om_n 2._o l._n 10._o c._n 8._o sect._n 16._o the_o church_n plea_n pag_n 44._o apol._n pag._n 117_o &_o ●98_n orig._n in_o isa_n hom._n 6._o qui_fw-la voco_fw-la ad_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la voco_fw-la ad_fw-la servitutem_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la chrysost_n in_o 2_o cor._n hom_n 18._o vniversae_fw-la curam_fw-la gerimus_fw-la see_v cham_n panstr_n tom._n 2._o pag._n 10._o cap._n 12._o sect._n 8_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n jun._n animadv_n in_o bellar._n contro_fw-la 5._o lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o not_o 3._o &_o cap._n 7_o not_o 7._o act._n 13._o 15._o rom._n 16_o 3_o 12._o phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o &_o 4._o ●_o jam_fw-la 5._o 19_o 20._o act._n 4._o 16._o 40_o &_o 9_o 38._o &_o 10._o 5._o &_o 11_o 19_o 21_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24._o isaiah_n 2._o 3._o eza_n 8._o 23._o io._n 1._o 41._o 45._o &_o 42._o 9_o &_o 12._o 20._o revel_v 3._o 9_o what_o example_n have_v you_o but_o ground_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n or_o where_o read_v you_o of_o any_o officer_n excommunicate_v by_o any_o rob._n against_o ber._n p._n 214._o we_o may_v not_o expect_v example_n of_o any_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n who_o do_v thus_o i._o d._n apol._n 9_o sect._n exam_n p._n 103._o see_v i._n d._n apol._n text_n exam_fw-la pa._n 288._o exod_n 12_o 48._o exod._n 44_o 7._o col_fw-fr 2._o 1_o 1_o 12._o era_v so_o object_n against_o bern-sicut_a a_o circumcisione_n ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la
you_o as_o side_v from_o the_o truth_n with_o by-respect_n whereof_o you_o complain_v very_o we_o abhor_v such_o rash_a harsh_a and_o presumptuous_a notoriousnesse_n we_o see_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o suspect_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o you_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o be_v more_o privy_a to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n then_o to_o you_o and_o we_o can_v but_o with_o much_o thankfulness_n of_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o many_o rich_a precious_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v sundry_a of_o you_o above_o your_o brethren_n which_o cause_v we_o with_o great_a reverence_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o but_o as_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v we_o hitherto_o practise_v and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o we_o speak_v this_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_n most_o of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v because_o there_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o we_o who_o proceed_v further_o even_o to_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o man_n of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o as_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n so_o do_v we_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o all_o go_v in_o bear_v witness_n against_o any_o set_a form_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o they_o in_o dispatch_v whereof_o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o slow_a because_o it_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n among_o ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v well_o attend_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n about_o foreign_a question_n which_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o practice_n beside_o your_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o we_o dwell_v far_o a_o sunder_a it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n for_o all_o of_o we_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o question_n much_o less_o to_o resolve_v upon_o one_o just_a answer_n but_o have_v at_o length_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n bring_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o issue_n we_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o he_o to_o your_o christian_a and_o judicious_a consideration_n where_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v find_v safe_a and_o due_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n ground_n do_v you_o also_o as_o seem_v vigilant_a watchman_n of_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o faithful_a witness_n to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v doubtfall_n to_o you_o consider_v and_o weigh_v it_o very_o well_o before_o you_o reject_v it_o if_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v unfound_a and_o dissnant_n from_o the_o word_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v disterne_n we_o shall_v willing_o attend_v to_o what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v send_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o suffer_v such_o apprehension_n to_o lodge_v in_o your_o mind_n which_o you_o intimate_v in_o your_o letter_n as_o if_o we_o here_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n which_o sometime_o among_o you_o we_o have_v former_o bear_v witness_n against_o and_o so_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v destroy_v you_o know_v they_o separate_v from_o your_o congregation_n as_o no_o church_n from_o the_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o as_o mere_a antichristian_a and_o from_o yourselves_o as_o no_o visible_a christian_n but_o we_o profess_v unfeigned_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o your_o church_n and_o from_o such_o ordinance_n administer_v therein_o as_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n and_o for_o yourselves_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o separate_v as_o from_o no_o visible_a christian_n as_o that_o you_o be_v under_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o we_o look_v at_o sundry_a of_o you_o as_o man_n of_o that_o eminent_a growth_n in_o christianity_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a christian_n under_o heaven_n among_o you_o be_v the_o man_n which_o for_o these_o many_o year_n have_v be_v write_v in_o your_o forehead_n hoiinesse_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v any_o truth_n which_o ourselves_o be_v here_o teach_v and_o call_v to_o profess_v but_o we_o still_o believe_v though_o personal_a christian_n may_v be_v eminent_a in_o their_o growth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o church_n have_v still_o need_n to_o grow_v from_o apparent_a defect_n to_o purity_n and_o from_o reformation_n to_o reformation_n age_n after_o age_n till_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o abolish_v antichrist_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a truth_n especial_o touch_v the_o order_n of_o his_o house_n and_o public_a worship_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o this_o our_o estimation_n of_o you_o and_o sincere_a affection_n to_o you_o we_o have_v send_v you_o these_o answer_n to_o your_o demand_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v back_o again_o from_o you_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a advertisement_n in_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n your_o lord_n and_o we_o lead_v we_o all_o unto_o all_o truth_n purge_v out_o all_o leaven_n out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o fear_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n reverend_a and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n look_v back_o upon_o former_a course_n and_o call_v thing_n do_v to_o more_o strict_a examination_n for_o be_v overclouded_n with_o ignorance_n compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n reader_n and_o beset_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n know_v what_o we_o know_v best_a but_o dark_o and_o in_o part_n no_o marvel_n if_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v ignorant_o of_o frailty_n for_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n rash_o mistake_v error_n for_o truth_n condemn_v truth_n for_o error_n suspect_v evil_a without_o cause_n and_o not_o suspect_v where_o be_v just_a reason_n draw_v erroneous_a conclusion_n from_o sound_a principle_n and_o maintain_v truth_n upon_o weak_a ground_n so_o that_o in_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n and_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v wary_o that_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o in_o the_o one_o we_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o of_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v aside_o to_o both_o a_o loose_a conscience_n will_v be_v profane_a a_o tender_a scrupulous_a it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o upon_o to_o have_v ourselves_o in_o suspicion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o experience_n teach_v that_o many_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o path_n of_o find_a peace_n and_o comfort_n on_o each_o hand_n wherefore_o belove_v brethren_n if_o since_o your_o come_n into_o new_a england_n upon_o serious_a review_n of_o former_a action_n you_o have_v discover_v any_o truth_n heretofore_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v they_o because_o of_o your_o former_a judgement_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o with_o you_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o as_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n our_o instruction_n &_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n as_o before_o so_o still_o we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v new_a opinion_n and_o not_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n opinion_n we_o say_v not_o practice_n for_o not_o change_v your_o opinion_n you_o may_v lawful_o alter_v your_o practice_n nay_o what_o you_o do_v tolerate_v former_o as_o a_o burden_n in_o case_n not_o free_a you_o may_v well_o forgo_v be_v at_o your_o liberty_n your_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o you_o may_v use_v your_o liberty_n in_o forbearance_n of_o a_o set_a liturgy_n and_o yet_o retain_v
whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a whether_o the_o corruption_n be_v through_o humane_a frailty_n or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o to_o inquire_v but_o rather_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v to_o come_v and_o the_o fault_n such_o as_o one_o christian_n can_v or_o must_v not_o tolerate_v in_o another_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n for_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v present_a by_o such_o fault_n i_o be_o not_o defile_v though_o know_v before_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o in_o conscience_n may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v though_o not_o know_v before_o hand_n i_o be_o bind_v if_o present_a some_o way_n to_o profess_v against_o it_o this_o distinction_n of_o personal_a and_o ministerial_a fault_n in_o this_o case_n until_o it_o be_v clear_v by_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n must_v go_v for_o the_o divise_n of_o man_n a_o church_n a_o minister_n or_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v stiff_a in_o a_o error_n be_v mispersuade_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n after_o many_o mean_n long_o use_v to_o convince_v they_o with_o who_o yet_o we_o must_v hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o error_n may_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v without_o hypocrisy_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n hold_v communion_n though_o such_o mean_n of_o conviction_n have_v not_o go_v before_o but_o the_o corruption_n allege_v against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o matter_n or_o manner_n be_v such_o as_o one_o christian_a may_v and_o must_v tolerate_v in_o another_o where_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v they_o have_v not_o christian_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o humane_a frailty_n lesson_v you_o dear_a brethren_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o have_v or_o can_v be_v object_v true_o against_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o we_o and_o why_o such_o corruption_n shall_v not_o be_v 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male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o godly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o the_o prophet_n mal._n 1._o 13_o 14._o it_o be_v cite_v by_o many_o in_o this_o business_n and_o to_o many_o purpose_n apply_v but_o we_o can_v find_v that_o in_o the_o prophet_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o bring_v the_o deceiver_n be_v accurse_v that_o offer_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n to_o the_o lord_n this_o we_o read_v and_o believe_v but_o that_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v present_a at_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n among_o we_o read_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o offer_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o prove_v no_o argument_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o great_a care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o right_o and_o we_o desire_v such_o as_o allege_v this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n against_o simple_a presence_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o liturgy_n advise_o to_o consider_v whether_o god_n allow_v they_o to_o make_v such_o application_n of_o his_o truth_n which_o we_o much_o doubt_v of_o to_o say_v no_o more_o your_o three_o proposition_n that_o as_o you_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o impute_v sin_n to_o those_o man_n that_o join_v in_o some_o select_a prayer_n read_v by_o a_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n lest_o such_o join_v may_v be_v find_v unlawful_a unless_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o minister_n with_o who_o the_o people_n have_v communion_n in_o read_v those_o prayer_n neither_o give_v any_o scandal_n by_o read_v they_o nor_o give_v unlawful_a honour_n to_o a_o thing_n abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n nor_o do_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o 1_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o you_o shall_v imagine_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n in_o read_v some_o few_o select_a prayer_n to_o be_v scandalous_a or_o offensive_a in_o their_o congregation_n when_o the_o people_n general_o not_o in_o their_o assembly_n only_o but_o throughout_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o course_n till_o now_o of_o late_a some_o have_v be_v draw_v away_o to_o separate_v who_o yet_o by_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n produce_v nothing_o of_o weight_n to_o countenance_v that_o practice_n 2_o if_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v as_o you_o take_v it_o a_o idolathite_n latent_fw-la offence_n do_v not_o oblige_v if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n eat_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o appear_v that_o this_o practice_n be_v scandalous_a it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o 3_o the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o liturgy_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a by_o your_o confession_n be_v no_o idolathite_n neither_o be_v it_o take_v out_o of_o the_o masse-book_n in_o such_o sense_n as_o you_o object_n but_o rather_o the_o mass_n &_o other_o idolatrous_a prayer_n be_v add_v to_o it_o for_o popery_n be_v as_o a_o scab_n or_o leprosy_n cleave_v to_o the_o church_n and_o many_o truth_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a legacy_n be_v steal_v and_o heap_v together_o in_o that_o den_n and_o why_o the_o true_a man_n may_v not_o challenge_v his_o good_n where_o ever_o he_o find_v they_o or_o the_o thief_n plead_v title_n to_o the_o true_a man_n good_n by_o prescription_n we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o show_v that_o our_o service-booke_n be_v reform_v in_o most_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a liturgy_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o the_o mass_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v show_v yet_o form_n of_o speech_n general_o take_v we_o speak_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o special_a word_n or_o phrase_n be_v no_o more_o defile_v by_o idolatry_n then_o the_o light_a air_n or_o place_n where_o idolatry_n be_v commit_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v lord_n help_n or_o lord_n have_v mercy_n or_o to_o give_v thanks_n praise_v be_v god_n because_o the_o papist_n say_v lady_n help_n or_o praise_v be_v god_n and_o
be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o the_o father_n bestow_v his_o son_n or_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o the_o assembly_n once_o grow_v to_o be_v populous_a of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v negligent_a in_o or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o heavy_a task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a for_o every_o one_o to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v usurpation_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v over_o ridge_v in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n 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from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o whether_o the_o place_n be_v dangerous_a where_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v infect_v or_o safe_a where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o weight_n and_o to_o be_v undertake_v with_o advice_n but_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o belong_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_v herself_o above_o measure_n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n neither_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o commit_v the_o determination_n of_o such_o matter_n ever_o to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n or_o weight_n of_o reason_n as_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v the_o matter_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n 230._o sacrament_n and_o alm_n lest_o the_o holy_a thing_n be_v pollute_v by_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n we_o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v profane_v with_o unseasonable_a dispute_n instance_n may_v be_v allege_v if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o which_o you_o mutual_o enter_v into_o if_o therein_o you_o exact_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n require_v both_o for_o trial_n and_o stipulation_n far_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v disallow_v it_o but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n that_o you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v in_o this_o branch_n a_o godly_a and_o sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o promise_n all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o if_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o have_v the_o consent_n not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n but_o of_o neighbour_a society_n minister_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o draw_v this_o to_o the_o removal_n or_o abode_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n may_v you_o not_o expect_v to_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n will_v hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n rite_n and_o custom_n expedient_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n for_o the_o time_n let_v they_o be_v observe_v as_o custom_n expedient_a and_o what_o god_n require_v in_o the_o examination_n or_o admission_n of_o member_n let_v that_o take_v place_n according_a to_o the_o precedent_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n but_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_v rule_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o for_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o intermeddle_v further_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n than_o the_o word_n do_v warrant_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o and_o to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v and_o stay_v in_o the_o society_n unless_o they_o shall_v obtain_v leave_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n to_o be_v man_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o here_o we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o schil_fw-la that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n either_o express_o or_o implicit_o to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o 37._o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 7._o and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o 8._o you_o stand_v all_o of_o you_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 50._o etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 12._o all_o