the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o a_o minister_n alone_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n alone_o or_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o minister_n and_o lay_v person_n so_o they_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v 30._o whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o your_o church_n include_v plymouth_n etc._n etc._n do_v precise_o observe_v the_o same_o course_n both_o in_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o themselves_o 31._o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v any_o company_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v otherwise_o in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a to_o sit_v down_o by_o you_o and_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o form_n of_o discipline_n enjoy_v like_o liberty_n with_o yourselves_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o accept_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o church_n 32._o whether_o hold_v you_o it_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o 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quantity_n no_o more_o in_o number_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o &_o 14._o 23._o act_n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 22_o 30._o and_o the_o form_n a_o gather_v together_o of_o these_o visible_a christian_n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o apolgie_n of_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n send_v the_o last_o year_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n for_o the_o latter_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v at_o the_o first_o may_v degenerate_v and_o great_a corruption_n may_v grow_v therein_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o walk_n and_o administration_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o patience_n may_v bear_v long_o with_o they_o before_o he_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o make_v they_o lo-ammi_a not_o a_o people_n as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o manifest_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v before_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v destroy_v be_v hard_o for_o we_o precise_o and_o punctual_o to_o determine_v or_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v any_o further_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n any_o more_o only_o in_o the_o general_a this_o we_o observe_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o present_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n or_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n no_o not_o for_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n or_o tyranny_n in_o government_n till_o after_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o for_o all_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n reject_v they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o blasphemous_o reject_v act_v 13._o 45_o 46._o but_o if_o yourselves_o have_v so_o study_v this_o point_n as_o to_o have_v ripen_v and_o form_v thought_n therein_o we_o shall_v glad_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o n._n t._n proper_o 3._o so_o call_v but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o clause_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o believer_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o although_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o of_o any_o other_o this_o speech_n seem_v to_o we_o 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particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 11._o 17._o 20._o and_o have_v power_n of_o judgeing_a her_o own_o member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n have_v yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o judgeing_a any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o all_o they_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n or_o no._n mr._n bâ—iâ—â—_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o prove_v this_o position_n that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n ordinary_o and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a diâ—ces_n trial_n q._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o question_n itself_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o else_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o this_o question_n suggest_v but_o upon_o other_o ground_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n cant._n 1._o 8._o math._n 6._o 10._o 33._o 2._o because_o willing_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o secret_a disparagement_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v churches_n with_o give_v power_n and_o privilegde_n thereunto_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_n of_o his_o gration_n presence_n to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o mat._n 18._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 24._o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o if_o believer_n shall_v live_v and_o noâ—_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n will_v in_o such_o case_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o unthankful_o neglect_v three_o voluntary_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v note_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 25._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o fearful_a unbeliever_n act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o four_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v forward_o in_o practice_v this_o way_n isaiah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o zach._n 8._o 23._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o and_o 9_o 26._o and_o have_v mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n when_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v isaiah_n 56._o 3._o and_o ps_n 42._o and_o 63._o and_o 84._o five_o this_o join_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o orderly_o walk_v which_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o six_o if_o believer_n do_v neglect_v this_o join_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o god_n for_o if_o one_o believer_n may_v do_v this_o why_o not_o another_o and_o if_z two_o why_o not_o three_o four_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o believer_n shall_v do_v thus_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n unless_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o unbeliever_n church_n foras_fw-la stone_n in_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v join_v together_o though_o they_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o square_v &_o hew_v and_o hereby_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o and_o so_o to_o become_v a_o house_n so_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v join_v in_o holy_a covenant_n in_o some_o congregation_n though_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o christian_n or_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a union_n into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n mr._n perkins_n have_v say_v that_o forth_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n no_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n no_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n no_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o no_o salvation_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n every_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v evermore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n expos_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n ames_n give_v 6._o reason_n why_o every_o christian_a shall_v join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o case_n consâ—_n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n illi_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la occasionâ—â—_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o â—am_fw-la negligunt_fw-la gravissimè_fw-la peccant_a non_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la ratione_fw-la institutionis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o svas_fw-la proprias_fw-la animas_fw-la ratione_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la adjunctae_fw-la etsi_fw-la obstinatè_fw-la persistant_n in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la incuâ—ia_fw-la quicquid_fw-la alius_fw-la profitentur_fw-la vix_fw-la possunt_fw-la haberi_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la verè_fw-la quaerentibus_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o sect._n 28._o first_o whereas_o this_o 13_o question_n speak_v of_o private_a 13._o and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v we_o look_v at_o this_o as_o a_o incongruous_a expression_n if_o not_o a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o company_n so_o combine_v as_o to_o make_v a_o church_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v private_a though_o they_o be_v illiterate_a in_o respect_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o church-body_n especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o liberty_n be_v a_o public_a congregation_n and_o society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n and_o depose_n of_o minister_n whereof_o the_o question_n make_v mention_v be_v not_o private_a act_n but_o public_a or_o people-like_a neither_o be_v literate_a or_o learned_a man_n therefore_o public_a because_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o humane_a learning_n unless_o withal_o they_o be_v call_v to_o public_a office_n or_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o if_o illiterate_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o private_a we_o conceive_v that_o exegesis_n be_v not_o good_a second_o whereas_o this_o question_n ask_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o such_o a_o company_n shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o ordinary_o be_v as_o much_o as_o frequent_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o one_o church_n do_v frequent_o come_v to_o such_o action_n that_o be_v to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o the_o same_o man_n this_o be_v not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o much_o levity_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o people_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n or_o unworthy_a walk_n in_o the_o minister_n or_o both_o and_o therefore_o ordinary_o that_o be_v frequent_a take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o again_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o such_o thing_n do_v often_o and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o people_n to_o have_v so_o many_o change_n in_o their_o minister_n as_o be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v three_o shepherd_n have_v i_o cut_v off_o in_o one_o month_n zach._n 11._o 8._o that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o pro._n 28._o 2._o so_o in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o church_n many_o be_v the_o minister_n thereof_o we_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v many_o minister_n by_o the_o come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o and_o the_o take_n in_o of_o other_o in_o their_o room_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o variety_n of_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_v 13._o 1._o &_o 21._o 18._o phil._n 1._o 1._o three_o yet_o this_o word_n ordinary_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n sometime_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o upon_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n three_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n of_o which_o this_o question_n make_v mention_v if_o this_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n or_o advice_n we_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
baptism_n therefore_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_a soul_n but_o do_v solemn_o signify_v and_o seal_v their_o engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v with_o he_o their_o head_n and_o do_v confirm_v that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v have_v his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o baptism_n nor_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n or_o circumcision_n can_v be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o viz._n a_o company_n of_o people_n combine_v together_o by_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o this_o have_v be_v before_o baptism_n and_o likewise_o before_o circumcision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afore_o abraham_n yea_o if_o baptism_n now_o or_o circumcision_n in_o former_a time_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o there_o be_v no_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_a circumcision_n be_v discontinue_v when_o baptism_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v joss_n 5._o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o that_o generation_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o their_o come_n over_o jordan_n unto_o gilgall_n shall_v have_v be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o that_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o as_o it_o give_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o â—8_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o time_n there_o be_v few_o leave_v remain_v that_o have_v be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o witness_v that_o afore_o this_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v circumcise_v there_o because_o that_o generation_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o murmur_a afore_o this_o time_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o circumcision_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v and_o no_o church_n nor_o member_n make_v thereby_o and_o man_n have_v be_v make_v member_n of_o church_n and_o not_o then_o baptize_v but_o before_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n 3._o 6._o and_o christ_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o john_n do_v make_v new_a church_n nor_o gather_v man_n into_o they_o themselves_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o live_v and_o die_a member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v until_o upon_o their_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o his_o person_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n in_o blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v grace_n offer_v they_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n be_v break_v and_o cut_v asunder_o whereby_o god_n do_v break_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n between_o juda_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v un_o church_n they_o zach._n 11._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o 15._o so_o that_o here_o be_v baptism_n administer_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o man_n not_o receive_v thereby_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n for_o they_o be_v member_n long_o afore_o again_o when_o any_o of_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n that_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n or_o any_o of_o those_o many_o more_o that_o be_v baptize_v of_o christ_n be_v afterward_o join_v as_o member_n to_o those_o christian_n church_n in_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act._n 9_o 31._o as_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n by_o be_v baptize_v for_o they_o be_v baptize_v long_o afore_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o be_v baptize_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v they_o member_n either_o of_o the_o one_o church_n or_o of_o the_o other_o 5._o there_o be_v sundry_a inconvenience_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n than_o baptism_n may_v be_v dispense_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o apostle_n and_o such_o like_a be_v now_o cease_v and_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o but_o only_o to_o they_o that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v their_o commission_n and_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o beside_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o minister_n see_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n than_o man_n must_v be_v baptize_v afore_o there_o be_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o and_o consequent_o without_o minister_n second_o if_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o have_v baptism_n so_o far_o right_a for_o substance_n as_o that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o mr._n perkins_n teach_v that_o this_o baptism_n prove_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o all_o papist_n be_v member_n to_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o give_v sundry_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o from_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n administer_v in_o popish_a assembly_n will_v prove_v those_o assembly_n to_o be_v true_a church_n exposit_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o sure_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o if_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n either_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o else_o we_o must_v renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o corrupt_v and_o false_a even_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convert_v from_o among_o they_o must_v be_v baptize_v again_o as_o not_o have_v have_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n before_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o say_v that_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v they_o that_o be_v so_o baptise_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v though_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o object_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v member_n as_o a_o cause_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o effect_n or_o a_o antecedent_n by_o a_o consequent_a and_o therefore_o all_o baptise_a person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n as_o member_n wherever_o they_o become_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v neither_o but_o suppose_v answ_n a_o man_n have_v receive_v baptism_n as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v administer_v to_o he_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n still_o and_o so_o give_v he_o right_o to_o all_o church_n privilege_n though_o he_o do_v remain_v always_o as_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o baptism_n may_v remain_v when_o his_o church_n fellowship_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n thereby_o the_o church_n member-ship_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n may_v be_v thus_o dissolve_v by_o sundry_a mean_n 1._o by_o some_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n just_o pass_v against_o he_o for_o his_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 wâ—itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la â—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 haâ—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 iâ—_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wouâ—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 lâ—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 bâ—_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 wâ—th_o good_a success_n in_o thâ—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 wâ—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 mâ—n_z soulâ—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 mâ—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 alâ—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 â—_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 itself_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v further_o then_o before_o have_v be_v express_v in_o answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o to_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o before_o they_o have_v join_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o church_n for_o though_o some_o that_o come_v over_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a with_o they_o from_o private_a christian_n yet_o neither_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nor_o testimonal_a from_o private_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o church-power_n over_o they_o which_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v if_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v all_o due_a reverent_a respect_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o it_o wâ—uâ—d_v be_v also_o requisite_a if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n that_o wâ—â—_n shall_v know_v the_o congregation_n itself_o from_o which_o they_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v for_o such_o person_n can_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o their_o own_o right_n because_o they_o join_v not_o as_o member_n in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o right_a of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o so_o our_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v now_o as_o we_o can_v of_o faith_n admit_v man_n to_o church_n ordinance_n which_o we_o believe_v belong_v only_o to_o church_n member_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o sometime_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o though_o it_o do_v remain_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o for_o which_o dr._n ames_n give_v sundry_a ground_n and_o reason_n case_n cons_n lib._n c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o or_o at_o least_o to_o protest_v against_o some_o gross_a corruption_n therein_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o information_n what_o that_o congregation_n be_v with_o who_o now_o we_o have_v church_n communion_n when_o in_o heir_n right_o we_o admit_v mâ—n_z into_o
when_o themselves_o be_v alient_n and_o stranger_n cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n give_v great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o his_o son_n ezra_n 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o iâ—_n which_o case_n good_a ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o king_n heart_n to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n 7._o 27._o and_o therefore_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n shall_v be_v pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ordain_v and_o command_v of_o god_n the_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n yield_v out_o reverence_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o this_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o lack_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practise_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4._o 19_o &_o 5._o 29._o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n if_o they_o have_v neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o church_n ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v have_v the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n therein_o such_o neglect_n will_v have_v be_v their_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o they_o the_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n be_v all_o either_o heathen_n or_o jew_n yet_o enemy_n and_o if_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a and_o profitable_a when_o magistrate_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o when_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o christian_n may_v sometime_o be_v loser_n by_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n and_o in_o worse_a condition_n then_o if_o they_o have_v none_o but_o profess_a enemy_n beside_o this_o if_o superior_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v bodily_a sustenance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n conscience_n will_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a but_o he_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a bâ—y_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n rather_o than_o to_o sit_v still_a and_o say_v if_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o i_o and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o christian_a can_v excuse_v himself_o if_o he_o think_v noâ—_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n as_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o his_o temporal_a life_n or_o do_v not_o willing_o in_o this_o spiritual_a hunger_n break_v through_o stone_n wall_n as_o the_o proverb_n iâ—_n and_o run_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o perish_v without_o spiritual_a food_n because_o other_o provide_v not_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o quere_z concern_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o answer_v of_o we_o and_o the_o exhortation_n therein_o as_o we_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o blessing_n for_o those_o good_a end_n which_o we_o intend_v therein_o so_o we_o can_v in_o the_o same_o but_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n in_o time_n past_a as_o see_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v for_o our_o sinful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n â—o_z observe_z and_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o upon_o occasion_n give_v by_o this_o qu._n we_o do_v commend_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o his_o servant_n in_o â—ur_n dear_a native_a country_n both_o in_o remain_v and_o remove_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n whereas_o this_o qu._n in_o the_o first_o clause_n and_o last_o but_o one_o compare_v 12._o together_o speak_v of_o believer_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n can_v be_v out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvaâ—on_n but_o possible_o may_v yea_o most_o undoubted_o shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 3._o 16._o and_o 5._o 24._o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n to_o establish_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o for_o that_o say_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o only_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o not_o yet_o bear_v joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o 17._o 20._o out_o of_o which_o elect_a company_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a neither_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n joh_n 3._o 3._o but_o as_o for_o the_o visible_a we_o believe_v the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a that_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 10._o 28._o of_o who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o not_o join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o the_o thief_n that_o repent_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o gentile_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v then_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o then_o it_o will_v trouble_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v of_o what_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v save_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o job_n and_o of_o his_o friend_n of_o who_o salvation_n we_o make_v no_o question_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o visible_a church_n or_o no_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o house_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n of_o which_o line_n &_o race_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o man_n do_v come_v nor_o that_o they_o join_v themselves_o in_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n the_o centurion_n mat._n 8._o 10._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o be_v both_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o save_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n man_n of_o year_n ought_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n afore_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o that_o church_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n mâ—y_a diâ—_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n afore_o he_o can_v be_v join_v as_o that_o good_a emperor_n valentiâ—ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptizeâ—_n and_o for_o yourselves_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v intimate_v in_o your_o four_o question_n you_o may_v not_o then_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o imagine_v 3._o we_o do_v hold_v that_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o he_o write_v to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n which_o church_n be_v a_o
and_o usual_o for_o where_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o want_v to_o a_o church_n and_o neither_o detain_v from_o their_o work_n by_o sickness_n nor_o just_a absence_n we_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o offer_v our_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o our_o best_a gift_n but_o yet_o if_o you_o oppose_v ordinary_a to_o extraordinary_a we_o do_v confess_v that_o some_o private_a member_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v eminent_o fit_v with_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n be_v also_o man_n of_o humble_a spirit_n and_o holy_a life_n all_o which_o qualification_n we_o find_v but_o in_o a_o few_o may_v without_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n from_o god_n be_v call_v forth_o by_o by_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o absence_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n of_o minister_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o gift_n when_o a_o man_n intend_v the_o ministry_n to_o speak_v to_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o comfort_n jehosaphat_n send_v prince_n who_o neither_o be_v minister_n nor_o intend_v so_o to_o be_v to_o teach_v with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o wit_n at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n come_v among_o they_o 2_o chron._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o as_o jehosaphat_n himself_o also_o do_v the_o like_a 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o yea_o and_o be_v their_o mouth_n also_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n v_o 2._o 5._o to_o 13._o as_o for_o that_o prophesy_a 1_o cor._n 14._o we_o conceive_v as_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o some_o thing_n ordinary_a extraordinary_a that_o private_a man_n and_o new_a convert_n shall_v be_v so_o soon_o &_o so_o sudden_o &_o so_o much_o enlighten_v &_o enlarge_v as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o prophesy_v public_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v ordinary_a that_o some_o private_a man_n may_v be_v find_v at_o least_o in_o some_o church_n grow_v christian_n of_o able_a gift_n who_o may_v have_v receive_v a_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o for_o such_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o require_v any_o more_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n for_o they_o to_o prophesy_v in_o our_o church_n then_o for_o jehosaphat_n and_o his_o prince_n to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v that_o we_o never_o know_v any_o 28._o minister_n that_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o as_o for_o we_o such_o call_n upon_o they_o be_v far_o from_o we_o all_o that_o we_o know_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o this_o case_n be_v this_o that_o some_o think_v the_o people_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o ask_v a_o question_n public_o for_o their_o better_a satisfaction_n upon_o very_o urgent_a and_o weighty_a cause_n though_o even_o this_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o other_o and_o all_o judge_n the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o not_o necessary_a but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o meek_o and_o wise_o carry_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o such_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v seldom_o use_v in_o any_o church_n among_o we_o and_o in_o most_o church_n never_o true_a it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n a_o little_a afore_o the_o synod_n divers_a that_o be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n be_v very_o bold_a &_o forward_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n after_o sermon_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v something_o deliver_v public_o that_o do_v make_v against_o their_o tenant_n by_o which_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n they_o plain_o discover_v of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v but_o for_o be_v call_v upon_o by_o we_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o your_o question_n that_o you_o have_v be_v inform_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o now_o these_o man_n be_v long_o since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o a_o island_n call_v aquedneck_n depart_v from_o among_o we_o some_o of_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o banish_v or_o both_o &_o other_o depart_v voluntary_o or_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o like_a censure_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o departure_n of_o these_o troublesome_a spirit_n from_o among_o we_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o synod_n &_o sermon_n that_o have_v lay_v open_a &_o reprove_v this_o disorderly_a ask_n of_o question_n a_o man_n may_v now_o live_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n unto_o another_o in_o these_o congregation_n &_o not_o hear_v any_o man_n open_a his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n 1._o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n do_v not_o always_o 29._o follow_v the_o preach_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o a_o lawful_a office_n of_o ministry_n as_o experience_n and_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o witness_v isaiah_n 49._o 4_o 5._o &_o 53._o 1._o ezech._n 3._o 7._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13_o 14._o mat._n 11._o 20_o 21._o etc._n etc._n john_n 12._o 37._o 2._o and_o when_o it_o do_v follow_v it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o office_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o please_v without_o which_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o office_n can_v have_v have_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o to_o convert_v sinner_n unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o no_o more_o than_o peter_n and_o john_n can_v heal_v the_o lame_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o act._n 3._o 12._o for_o otherwise_o faithful_a minister_n shall_v not_o have_v their_o labour_n bless_v for_o conversion_n some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o but_o all_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n inasmuch_o as_o one_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o a_o minister_n then_o another_o nor_o no_o more_o in_o office_n then_o another_o their_o office_n be_v the_o same_o the_o effect_n in_o conversion_n will_v be_v the_o same_o if_o conversion_n be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v the_o soul_n psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n nor_o any_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sound_a conversion_n of_o sinner_n whensoever_o such_o a_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v do_v argue_v that_o the_o instrument_n of_o such_o conversion_n be_v send_v of_o god_n god_n will_v not_o so_o have_v bless_v they_o as_o to_o convert_v any_o by_o they_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o send_v they_o at_o all_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o 4._o and_o yet_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n be_v not_o make_v effectual_a to_o conversion_n unless_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o minister_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n john_n 4._o 39_o act._n 8._o 4._o with_o 11._o 19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 16._o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o steven_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n at_o least_o all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v their_o chief_n if_o not_o their_o only_a preach_v officer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o upon_o that_o persecution_n but_o remain_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n act_v 8._o 1._o and_o yet_o these_o man_n do_v so_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o grecian_n that_o through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o they_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n by_o who_o testimony_n of_o christ_n many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v on_o he_o to_o restrain_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o say_v that_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v by_o it_o unless_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n where_o he_o have_v not_o limit_v himself_o who_o be_v free_a in_o work_v by_o who_o he_o please_v and_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o even_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v john_n 3._o 8._o and_o sometime_o do_v bring_v to_o pass_v great_a thing_n by_o weak_a mean_n that_o his_o own_o glory_n may_v be_v the_o more_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 27_o 28_o 29._o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n stand_v together_o that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v no_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o conversion_n and_o yet_o
renew_v of_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o at_o the_o first_o erect_v of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o else_o this_o renew_v of_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o reform_v it_o the_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v 4._o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o dissolve_v or_o break_v of_o the_o covenant_n zach._n 11._o 9_o 10_o 14._o if_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v the_o church_n than_o the_o make_n of_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v dissolve_v &_o the_o church_n stand_v still_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v constitute_v the_o church_n but_o if_o dissipate_v stone_n in_o a_o building_n do_v dissolve_v the_o house_n than_o the_o compact_n and_o conjoin_v of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o house_n if_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o which_o destroy_v the_o man_n that_o then_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o unite_n of_o they_o that_o do_v constitute_v &_o make_v the_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o dissolve_v a_o church_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n allege_v zach._n 11._o where_o the_o break_n of_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n that_o be_v the_o unchurch_a of_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n that_o be_v between_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o five_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o god_n 5._o have_v appoint_v among_o church_n and_o the_o confound_a of_o all_o church_n into_o one_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o covenant_n to_o distinguish_v they_o if_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o church_n be_v compact_v and_o combine_v by_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo._fw-la that_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o many_o church_n in_o one_o country_n or_o province_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 14._o of_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1._o 4._o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o rev._n 2._o 23._o ephesus_z be_v not_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n be_v not_o thyatira_n nor_o either_o of_o they_o pergamus_n but_o each_o one_o distinct_a of_o themselves_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o then_o when_o lacdicea_n be_v condemn_v for_o lukewarmenesse_n or_o ephesus_n for_o decline_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v reprove_v also_o and_o when_o philadelfia_fw-mi be_v praise_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v praise_v also_o which_o we_o see_v be_v otherwise_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o consequence_n be_v certain_a that_o therefore_o they_o be_v combine_v by_o some_o covenant_n each_o one_o among_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o that_o will_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n under_o heaven_n and_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v distinction_n nor_o be_v it_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n together_o for_o that_o may_v be_v common_a to_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o usual_o be_v to_o many_o that_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v with_o company_n in_o london_n as_o the_o company_n of_o goldsmith_n etc._n etc._n that_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o company_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o habitation_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o some_o combination_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v not_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n that_o distinguish_v church_n and_o church-member_n from_o other_o man_n but_o their_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n and_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n can_v distinguish_v one_o object_n church_n from_o another_o because_o these_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o then_o how_o can_v covenant_n distinguish_v they_o since_o all_o church_n be_v join_v by_o covenant_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n simple_o or_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a that_o do_v answer_n constitute_v a_o church_n or_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o but_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o these_o person_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n though_o all_o marry_a couple_n be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o one_o couple_n promise_v the_o same_o duty_n that_o another_o couple_n do_v yet_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n of_o the_o duty_n covenant_v to_o this_o man_n and_o this_o woman_n in_o particular_a such_o a_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v a_o couple_n man_n and_o wife_n together_o and_o give_v they_o mutual_a power_n over_o each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o covenant_n to_o perform_v church-duty_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o such_o person_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n do_v become_v a_o church_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v this_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o company_n to_o become_v 1._o a_o church_n then_o take_v hold_v of_o that_o covenant_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o if_o compact_v and_o conjoin_v of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n be_v that_o that_o make_v a_o house_n than_o a_o particular_a stone_n can_v become_v a_o part_n of_o that_o house_n till_o it_o be_v compact_v and_o conâ—oyned_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o city_n of_o god_n live_a stone_n christian_n believer_n must_v be_v compact_v together_o and_o build_v up_o together_o ephes_n 2._o 21._o 22._o psal_n 12â—_n 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o particular_a christian_a become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o part_n of_o that_o build_n by_o be_v combine_v with_o the_o rest_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n isa_n 56._o 2._o 3_o 6_o 7._o let_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n speak_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v utter_o separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n even_o they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n concern_v which_o scripture_n note_v three_o thing_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o these_o stranger_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n true_a believer_n join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n v_o 3_o &_o v_o 6._o that_o they_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n v_o 6._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o join_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v join_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o a_o complaint_n the_o lord_n
add_v ver_fw-la 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o voluntary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_n which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver_fw-la 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_n which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o 2._o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ_n for_o then_o saul_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o 3_o the_o same_o town_n neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v answer_n a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english-congregation_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o street_n of_o the_o same_o town_n towne-dwelling_a will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o company_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o town_n with_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o not_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v because_o they_o frequent_v not_o their_o assembly_n idiot_n and_o infidel_n may_v come_v into_o the_o public_a meeting_n among_o answ_n the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o yet_o idiot_n and_o infidel_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saul_n after_o his_o conversion_n may_v have_v come_v in_o among_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o public_a duty_n and_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v make_v he_o of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o some_o indian_n moor_n and_o other_o natural_a person_n come_v into_o our_o meeting_n in_o new-england_n some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o by_o the_o command_n or_o counsel_n of_o their_o master_n and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_v conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n philip_n join_v 5._o to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o &_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a answ_n as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_n wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n
and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o any_o body_n corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o forgive_v and_o receive_v in_o penitent_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a 4._o nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o 5._o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal_n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o &_o 1_o &_o 14._o 23._o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n officer_n answer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o he_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o she_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v 6._o between_o member_n and_o not_o
have_v very_o sinful_o break_v it_o ver_fw-la 59_o but_o even_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o for_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 36._o 32._o deut._n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o what_o force_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_v viz._n if_o god_n will_v do_v we_o good_a but_o not_o for_o our_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v church_n estate_n all_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la this_o enter_v into_o covenant_n may_v keep_v out_o many_o good_a man_n from_o join_v 5._o to_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a lay_v aside_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o good_a man_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a answ_n about_o it_o till_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v warrantable_a enough_o for_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o tribe_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o altar_n set_v up_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n by_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a till_o they_o understand_v the_o intent_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o for_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v erect_v and_o then_o they_o be_v satisfy_v josh_n 22._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n till_o they_o understand_v what_o peter_n have_v to_o say_v for_o his_o defence_n therein_o and_o then_o they_o rest_v well_o satisfy_v act._n 11._o but_o if_o man_n understand_v what_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n in_o church-estate_n for_o will_v good_a man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v they_o refuse_v to_o profess_v and_o promise_v so_o much_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n thereto_o such_o refuse_v be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v ignorance_n at_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o so_o than_o it_o may_v be_v perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o some_o want_n of_o will_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n that_o such_o will_v yield_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v it_o but_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2._o 41._o tell_v of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o 6._o any_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o 3000._o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o one_o day_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n answ_n first_o that_o 3000._o be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v do_v by_o they_o all_o in_o one_o day_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v at_o penticost_n at_o which_o time_n of_o the_o year_n the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o long_a and_o 2._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o david_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n in_o one_o day_n 2._o sam._n 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o david_n and_o the_o tribe_n and_o so_o between_o this_o 3000._o and_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v open_o declare_v and_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v by_o some_o sign_n or_o other_o express_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o in_o one_o day_n second_o as_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o indeed_o it_o be_v do_v by_o those_o 3000._o soul_n for_o it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 41._o that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n receive_v it_o for_o this_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n be_v note_v as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o also_o a_o open_a profess_v that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o for_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n without_o a_o open_a profess_v thereof_o outward_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o unto_o baptism_n now_o this_o word_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38_o 39_o and_o to_o obedience_n in_o sever_a themselves_o from_o other_o and_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o untoward_a generation_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o glad_o receive_v this_o word_n there_o be_v a_o open_a profess_v of_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n ver_fw-la 40._o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o church-covenant_n yea_o and_o further_o their_o very_a preparation_n to_o this_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o true_a compunction_n and_o sorrow_n of_o soul_n be_v also_o open_o make_v manifest_a ver_fw-la 37._o but_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o long_a narration_n of_o every_o one_o several_o reply_n as_o now_o be_v use_v when_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o church-covenant_n when_o each_o one_o make_v a_o good_a long_a speech_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v show_v before_o that_o they_o do_v answ_n open_o profess_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n in_o the_o length_n or_o largeness_n of_o their_o speech_n in_o express_v of_o themselves_o that_o can_v make_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n majus_n &_o minus_fw-la non_fw-la diversificant_a speciem_fw-la and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v brief_a because_o there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n they_o shall_v be_v long_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o their_o time_n and_o we_o first_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n present_a to_o hear_v their_o confession_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o who_o be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a discern_a and_o therefore_o brief_a express_v of_o man_n self_n may_v suffice_v whereas_o the_o best_a christian_n yea_o the_o best_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o need_v more_o time_n for_o study_n and_o for_o preparation_n for_o our_o sermon_n then_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o we_o need_v more_o time_n to_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o man_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v add_v withal_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primative_a christian_n man_n of_o such_o excellent_a discern_v be_v sometime_o deceive_v and_o can_v not_o always_o so_o discern_v but_o that_o some_o hypocrite_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n do_v witness_n how_o much_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o day_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o try_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o they_o that_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n second_o their_o time_n also_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o their_o christianity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o excommunication_n joh._n 9_o 22._o of_o imprisonment_n act._n 4._o 3._o and_o 5._o 18._o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o to_o see_v man_n now_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v so_o hate_v and_o who_o himself_o but_o a_o while_n before_o be_v crucify_v this_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a matter_n and_o therefore_o in_o word_n man_n may_v be_v the_o brief_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o time_n in_o new_a england_n do_v not_o persecute_v christ_n and_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o countenance_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n now_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a in_o examination_n of_o man_n estate_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v