enough_o to_o set_v we_o down_o resolve_v against_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v a_o silence_n about_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v it_o in_o his_o word_n either_o express_o or_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o be_v no_o order_n of_o his_o devise_v scripture_n silence_n about_o any_o tradition_n give_v a_o full_a condemnation_n what_o ever_o pleas_a man_n may_v bring_v for_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v profitable_a many_o have_v be_v edify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n many_o wise_a holy_a learned_a man_n have_v plead_v for_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o decency_n in_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v no_o way_n harmful_a aâ—l_o this_o be_v full_o answer_v with_o that_o one_o word_n god_n have_v speak_v nothing_o about_o it_o heb._n 7._o 4._o it_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o enjoin_v it_o jer._n 7._o 31._o thus_o he_o this_o be_v public_o practise_v and_o print_v so_o long_o a_o go_v by_o so_o eminent_a a_o minister_n and_o never_o since_o contradict_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o none_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o we_o be_v thankful_a to_o he_o for_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o doctrine_n so_o full_o lay_v down_o to_o bear_v off_o the_o institution_n tradition_n and_o imposition_n that_o man_n will_v lay_v upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o consider_v the_o question_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n propound_v and_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o which_o attempt_n we_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o apology_n for_o our_o brevity_n save_v that_o our_o author_n himself_o 〈…〉_o ight_n have_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o yet_o full_a as_o clear_v and_o 〈…〉_o i've_n gospel_n order_n revive_v etc._n etc._n the_o two_o first_o question_n may_v have_v be_v whole_o spare_v yet_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a introduction_n to_o other_o of_o aâ—â—_n ill_a aspect_n quest_n 1._o whether_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o state_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o catholic_n be_v visible_a saint_n and_o though_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o give_v in_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o will_v charitable_o hope_v his_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o unite_a minister_n in_o london_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n in_o order_n to_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o special_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o be_v know_v and_o sound_a in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o scandal_n in_o their_o life_n and_o to_o a_o judgement_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v person_n of_o visible_a godliness_n and_o honesty_n credible_o profess_v cordial_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v our_o reverend_a author_n only_o say_v thus_o much_o and_o indeed_o more_o be_v needless_a he_o have_v save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o any_o reflection_n on_o this_o part_n of_o his_o essay_n but_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n in_o p._n 15_o which_o we_o can_v but_o except_v against_o a_o scripture_n say_v he_o which_o have_v respect_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n severe_o rebuke_n those_o minister_n which_o shall_v bring_v man_n that_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o bearâ—_n unregenerate_a person_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n which_o 〈…〉_o y_fw-es that_o be_v there_o partake_v oâ—_n ezek._n 44._o 7_o 9_o a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v â—ear_v it_o the_o text_n be_v here_o mangle_a and_o the_o principal_a thing_n leave_v out_o what_o god_n have_v join_v our_o reverend_a author_n have_v separate_v to_o drive_v on_o his_o design_n the_o text_n say_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o uncircumcised_a in_o flesh_n but_o here_o we_o have_v it_o only_o uncircumcise_v in_o heaâ—t_n interpret_v unregenerate_a person_n what_o a_o rebuke_n be_v this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o minister_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v not_o heart_n searcher_n and_o dare_v not_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n do_v the_o reverend_a author_n or_o the_o church_n with_o he_o never_o admit_v any_o un_fw-fr 〈…〉_o â—erate_a person_n to_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o rebuke_n be_v to_o himself_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n admit_v judas_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n a_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o holy_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v hypocrite_n creep_v in_o many_o of_o who_o turn_v apostate_n nay_o our_o author_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o p._n 19_o he_o quote_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reverend_n m._n coâ—ton_n that_o its_o better_a to_o admit_v diverse_a hypocrite_n than_o to_o keep_v out_o one_o sincere_a child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v obvious_a than_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v admit_v and_o yet_o the_o minister_n incur_v neither_o the_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o this_o scripture_n nay_o he_o may_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n as_o do_v his_o duty_n though_o hypocrisy_n may_v too_o well_o consist_v with_o sufficient_a knowledge_n find_v belief_n a_o blameless_a life_n a_o credible_a profession_n etc._n etc._n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o reverend_a author_n close_v this_o first_o enquiry_n by_o say_v that_o the_o church_n here_o be_v free_a to_o admit_v those_o into_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v we_o marvel_v then_o his_o zeal_n be_v not_o stir_v to_o rebuke_v they_o afresh_o but_o what_o will_v the_o reader_n think_v if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o apology_n after_o all_o for_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o assure_v he_o he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o admit_v know_v infidel_n or_o profane_a for_o for_o his_o part_n he_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v man_n heart_n we_o only_o can_v entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o rebuke_v the_o author_n too_o severe_o for_o his_o inconsistency_n for_o he_o may_v mean_v well_o and_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v unless_o he_o shall_v imagine_v himself_o attack_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o institute_v church_n q_o 2._o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o person_n concern_v their_o qualification_n and_o fitness_n for_o church_n communion_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o the_o author_n argument_n whether_o they_o unresistable_o conclude_v or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o consequence_n be_v good_a from_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o porter_n at_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o 12_o angel_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o mystical_a jerusalem_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o church_n member_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v modest_o state_v this_o truth_n and_o cite_v we_o to_o a_o merciful_a bar_n the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o a_o rational_a charity_n where_o the_o judge_n avoid_v severity_n and_o the_o trial_n be_v manage_v with_o abundant_a tenderness_n the_o bruise_a reed_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v the_o tender_a lamb_n find_v the_o kind_a shepherd_n arm_n to_o fold_v they_o and_o a_o gentle_a carriage_n in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n and_o we_o can_v now_o glad_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reverend_a author_n pastoral_a care_n so_o many_o good_a word_n remove_v all_o jealousy_n of_o a_o rigid_a trial_n but_o alas_o the_o cloud_n return_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o black_a doubt_n be_v start_v as_o follow_v q_o 3_o whether_o be_v not_o the_o brethren_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o to_o judge_v concern_v the_o qualification_n and_o fitness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o communion_n the_o reverend_a author_n allow_v there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n as_o to_o this_o point_n and_o yet_o no_o breach_n of_o union_n we_o think_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o continue_v to_o honour_v the_o person_n though_o we_o expose_v his_o opinion_n so_o we_o â—oâ—â—_n the_o negative_a will_v not_o deleâ—ve_v the_o popular_a cry_n oh_o apostasy_n apostasy_n the_o difference_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n tell_v we_o be_v between_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o former_a give_v this_o power_n only_o to_o the_o eldership_n the_o latter_a join_v the_o fraternity_n with_o they_o he_o take_v up_o for_o the_o latter_a but_o whether_o he_o prove_v it_o the_o world_n may_v see_v when_o we_o have_v consider_v his_o
no_o wife_n be_v a_o husband_n this_o be_v wear_v threadbare_a and_o answer_v long_o ago_o by_o the_o assembly_n at_o london_n and_o other_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o author_n himself_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a notion_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o c_o 〈…〉_o t_o or_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n they_o be_v relate_v &_o correlate_n and_o no_o otherwise_o hence_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n but_o still_a he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o in_o that_o little_a book_n that_o be_v entitle_v the_o judgement_n of_o several_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n concern_v a_o pastor_n power_n occasional_o to_o exeâ—t_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o church_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v his_o particular_a flock_n the_o reverend_a author_n express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n pag._n 1._o the_o ministerial_a power_n which_o a_o pastor_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n â—â—_o not_o so_o â—oâ—fined_v to_o his_o particular_a flock_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n when_o he_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n else_o where_o and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o be_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a full_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o learned_a dr._n j._n owen_n in_o 〈◊〉_d judicious_a treatise_n concern_v a_o gospel_n church_n pag._n 100_o 101_o where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n although_o we_o have_v no_o concerâ—â—â—us_a in_o the_o sigâ—ent_n of_o a_o indelible_a character_n accompany_v sacred_a order_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n must_v leave_v beâ—â—nd_v he_o every_o time_n he_o go_v from_o home_n for_o my_o own_o part_n â—_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bâ—â—nd_a to_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n authorize_v in_o all_o place_n and_z â—â—_o all_o occasion_n when_o i_o be_o call_v thereunto_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v never_o preach_v more_o in_o this_o world_n thus_o dr._n owen_n we_o see_v then_o that_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o famous_a dr._n owen_n plain_o hold_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o auâ—hroâ—zed_v by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a in_o his_o name_n to_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n in_o other_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o be_v not_o our_o author_n sincere_o of_o this_o opinion_n we_o can_v but_o think_v he_o will_v high_o condemn_v any_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v absent_a from_o his_o flock_n four_o year_n together_o upon_o any_o service_n whatsoever_o â—ure_o if_o he_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a to_o act_v as_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v all_o that_o while_o but_o as_o a_o stray_n bird_n idle_o wander_v from_o its_o nest_n yet_o at_o this_o time_n our_o author_n will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o act_v as_o such_o but_o to_o his_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o quote_v the_o word_n of_o the_o platform_n chap._n 9_o sect_n 7._o he_o that_o be_v clear_o loose_v from_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n can_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o officer_n nor_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o o_o 〈…〉_o e_o in_o any_o other_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v again_o call_v unto_o office_n but_o a_o more_o eminent_a assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n have_v quote_v this_o very_a paragraph_n pag_n 1â—5_n and_o severe_o but_o just_o answer_v it_o as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n and_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o be_v â—â—serve_v â—_o will_v result_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v down_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v when_o ever_o a_o person_n be_v separate_v to_o his_o ministry_n but_o see_v our_o lord_n commission_n none_o immediate_o such_o must_v be_v present_a as_o have_v power_n to_o authorise_v commission_n and_o give_v the_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n when_o ever_o a_o call_n be_v give_v receive_v and_o accept_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o word_n message_n or_o letter_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v conceive_v as_o present_a face_n to_o face_n but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n distance_n etc._n etc._n must_v determine_v this_o matter_n which_o as_o they_o mâ—â—_n fall_v out_o may_v sometime_o render_v it_o both_o prodent_n regular_a and_o necessary_a &_o then_o its_o the_o voice_n of_o providence_n for_o a_o min_n 〈…〉_o to_o be_v ordain_v on_o one_o land_n and_o to_o serve_v in_o another_o q._n 14._o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n in_o grant_v letter_n of_o dismission_n or_o recommendation_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o according_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n the_o reverend_a author_n refer_v to_o many_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a but_o not_o one_o of_o they_o reach_v the_o question_n or_o prove_v â—â—_o dismission_n for_o this_o end_n soil_n to_o take_v a_o person_n off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o another_o the_o epistle_n or_o letter_n he_o refer_v to_o be_v all_o apostatical_a or_o ministerial_a not_o the_o letter_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o some_o only_o except_v which_o be_v mention_v as_o write_v by_o the_o brethren_n but_o apolâ—â—_n on_o whole_a behalf_n they_o write_v be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o do_v they_o write_v to_o those_o in_o achaia_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o minister_n or_o as_o a_o christian_a of_o eminence_n and_o singular_a goodness_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o good_a use_n of_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o especial_o among_o stranger_n and_o where_o a_o member_n remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o a_o mutual_a satisfaction_n may_v be_v labour_v after_o but_o we_o can_v but_o think_v such_o letter_n frivolous_a when_o in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o at_o two_o street_n distance_n a_o person_n know_v over_o all_o the_o town_n for_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n prefer_v another_o ministry_n civility_n will_v constrain_v such_o person_n to_o acquaint_v then_o minister_n of_o their_o purpose_n and_o the_o same_o christian_a civility_n oblige_v such_o a_o minister_n to_o acquaint_v the_o other_o pastor_n if_o need_v be_v to_o who_o ministry_n they_o repair_v that_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o well_o in_o his_o communion_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v they_o may_v prove_v blessing_n in_o all_o other_o but_o as_o for_o the_o brethren_n we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o they_o to_o make_v a_o second_o speech_n now_o to_o ask_v leave_n to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o render_v a_o account_n to_o every_o impertinent_a talker_n who_o think_v the_o man_n marry_v to_o he_o and_o that_o his_o bed_n be_v break_v into_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o a_o divorce_n moreover_o some_o people_n be_v forever_o dissatisfy_v neither_o conveniency_n of_o habitation_n like_v the_o other_o ministry_n profit_v under_o it_o or_o dislike_v of_o some_o custom_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o will_v willing_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o light_n of_o can_v satisfy_v and_o what_o must_v the_o grieve_a person_n do_v further_o in_o this_o case_n why_o true_o he_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n and_o may_v hear_v and_o communicate_v where_o god_n and_o his_o own_o sober_a conscience_n direct_v he_o noâ—_n ought_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o reject_v his_o claim_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o he_o to_o say_v no_o more_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n prove_v that_o person_n baptize_v be_v thereby_o subject_n of_o discipline_n we_o think_v they_o all_o ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o society_n where_o they_o be_v there_o person_n be_v dismiss_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o have_v letter_n of_o dismission_n or_o not_o else_o by_o their_o principle_n a_o ordain_a minister_n in_o london_n former_o of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v accept_v the_o pastoral_a care_n thereof_o must_v first_o send_v over_o a_o packet_n to_o new-england_n for_o a_o letter_n of_o dismission_n and_o dont_fw-fr you_o think_v he_o will_v be_v well_o employ_v qu._n 15_o be_v not_o the_o assert_v that_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o another_o church_n beside_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n at_o the_o aâ—fire_n
advertisement_n the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o press_n in_o boston_n be_v so_o much_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n who_o we_o answer_v and_o his_o friend_n that_o we_o can_v not_o obtain_v of_o the_o printer_n there_o to_o print_v the_o follow_a sheet_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a reason_n why_o we_o have_v send_v the_o copy_n so_o far_o for_o its_o impression_n gospel_n order_n revive_v be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n late_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o reverend_a mr_n increase_n mather_n precedent_n of_o harvard_n college_n etc._n etc._n entitle_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o new-england_n prov._n 18._o 17._o he_o that_o be_v first_o in_o his_o own_o cause_n seem_v just_a but_o his_o neighbour_n come_v and_o search_v he_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1700._o errata_fw-la advert_v l._n ult_n r._n it_o be_v print_v ep._n ded._n side_n 3_o l._n 29._o r._n ground_n s._n 4_o l._n 7_o r._n will_n l._n 10._o r._n impose_v one_o l._n 19_o r._n anti-synodalia_a s._n 5_o l._n 3._o r._n voluminous_a s._n 6_o l._n 6_o r._n banner_n s._n 7_o l._n 5._o r._n sell_v l._n 22_o r._n inartificial_a s._n 8_o l._n 13._o r._n public_o preach_v gosp_n ord._n p._n 9_o l._n 3_o r_o that_o when_o p._n 9_o l._n 16._o r._n invention_n p._n 10_o l._n 9_o r._n notion_n p._n 15_o l._n 33._o r._n stumble_v p._n 17_o l._n 14._o r_o altogether_o l._n 32_o that_o at_o p._n 21_o l._n 11_o r._n of_o their_o way_n p._n 22_o l._n 14._o r._n synodical_a l._n 33._o r._n we_o leave_v the_o author_n to_o be_v chastise_v p._n 23_o l._n 10._o r._n without_o this_o p._n 28_o l._n 27._o r._n apostolical_a l._n 28._o r._n one_o only_o except_v p._n 29_o l._n 25._o r._n their_o person_n p._n 32_o l._n ult_n r._n we_o will_v for_o once_o give_v our_o p._n 34_o l._n 14_o r._n his_o book_n l._n 16._o r._n be_v great_a p._n 37_o l._n antep_n r._n far_o p._n 40_o l._n 10._o r._n â—â—_o exemplary_a the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o n._n england_n it_o can_v incur_v no_o just_a censure_n that_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n here_o in_o the_o follow_a sheet_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v but_o a_o reply_n to_o a_o book_n late_o dedicate_v unto_o they_o nor_o do_v our_o zeal_n we_o hope_v for_o truth_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n &_o the_o safety_n peace_n &_o flourish_a of_o these_o church_n come_v short_a of_o what_o our_o reverend_a author_n may_v be_v inspire_v with_o in_o his_o performance_n we_o make_v the_o same_o glorious_a pretence_n with_o he_o to_o maintain_v &_o defend_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o we_o can_v allow_v what_o be_v suggest_v in_o the_o title_n page_n that_o every_o principle_n so_o strenuous_o contend_v for_o in_o that_o treatise_n be_v either_o profess_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n one_o part_n at_o least_o therefore_o of_o his_o book_n the_o reverend_a author_n ought_v to_o have_v publish_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o not_o have_v obtrude_v it_o on_o the_o church_n here_o who_o practice_n never_o give_v ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o leaven_v with_o so_o gross_a thought_n as_o particular_o his_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v we_o will_v not_o guess_v at_o the_o author_n secret_a aim_n or_o who_o in_o particular_a he_o raise_v his_o battery_n against_o have_v charitable_o hope_v he_o have_v no_o private_a interest_n to_o bribe_v he_o in_o this_o affair_n and_o we_o hope_v for_o a_o like_a favourable_a and_o candid_a construction_n of_o this_o reply_n indeed_o the_o name_n prefix_v to_o that_o faulty_a treatise_n may_v be_v presume_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o prejudice_v people_n to_o weigh_v down_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v bring_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o we_o have_v no_o such_o advantage_n to_o boast_v of_o yet_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o overawe_v by_o any_o name_n and_o the_o truth_n we_o know_v be_v great_a and_o more_o venerable_a than_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o liberal_a some_o man_n be_v of_o the_o odious_a brand_n of_o apostate_n for_o every_o one_o who_o can_v digest_v the_o late_a publish_v order_n but_o without_o arrogance_n 〈…〉_o some_o as_o more_o due_a the_o title_n of_o proficient_n and_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o our_o dissent_n from_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o go_v back_o from_o any_o gospel_n truth_n or_o order_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o make_v progress_n and_o advance_v in_o the_o evangelical_n discipline_n it_o be_v a_o groundless_a calumny_n which_o be_v suggest_v that_o a_o latitude_n beyond_o what_o our_o author_n contend_v for_o be_v but_o a_o betray_v the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n or_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n these_o we_o profess_v to_o prize_v and_o stand_v for_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n lose_v but_o wherein_o do_v they_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o brethren_n challenge_v any_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n not_o in_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o impose_v which_o be_v but_o a_o debar_v christian_n of_o the_o privilege_n they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o but_o they_o consist_v as_o we_o conceive_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o man_n or_o their_o tradition_n christ_n be_v the_o alone_a lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o believer_n be_v through_o christ_n free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o sting_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n house_n and_o ordinance_n &_o therein_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o minister_n for_o edification_n and_o such_o like_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 22._o nor_o be_v that_o objection_n less_o frivolous_a when_o if_o we_o appear_v less_o rigid_a than_o other_o of_o the_o reverend_a author_n severity_n we_o be_v reflect_v on_o as_o cast_v dishonour_n on_o our_o parent_n &_o their_o pious_a design_n in_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o this_o land_n no_o we_o reverence_v our_o ancestor_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o divine_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v derive_v it_o as_o a_o truth_n sacred_a to_o our_o posterity_n that_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a interest_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o the_o amaze_a difficulty_n &_o discouragement_n in_o that_o undertake_n but_o yet_o the_o particular_a design_n or_o end_n have_v be_v somewhat_o different_o convey_v unto_o we_o some_o have_v carry_v it_o as_o if_o the_o great_a end_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o there_o have_v be_v great_a complaint_n by_o some_o of_o late_a how_o this_o have_v be_v neglect_v and_o contradict_v and_o another_o course_n take_v up_o whereby_o instead_o of_o bring_v the_o heathen_a into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o who_o father_n and_o themselves_o be_v once_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v now_o strange_o leave_v out_o scarce_o any_o face_n of_o religion_n remain_v among_o they_o as_o for_o this_o we_o bewail_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o land_n and_o will_v therefore_o countenance_v no_o such_o principle_n or_o practice_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o such_o apostasy_n again_o some_o have_v make_v this_o the_o great_a design_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o be_v sometime_o burden_a and_o as_o they_o seek_v freedom_n for_o themselves_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o this_o we_o be_v rise_v up_o to_o make_v good_a their_o ground_n the_o reverend_a mr._n willard_n in_o his_o sermon_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n with_o man_n institution_n p._n 27._o give_v this_o as_o the_o errand_n of_o our_o forefather_n into_o this_o wilderness_n namely_o to_o sequester_v themselves_o into_o a_o quiet_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o may_v enjoy_v christ_n unmixed_a institution_n and_o leave_v they_o uncorrupted_a to_o posterity_n and_o the_o gainsaying_n or_o counter_a work_v this_o be_v as_o he_o intimate_v to_o cast_v
argument_n in_o the_o foregoing_a chapter_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o person_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o porter_n that_o be_v set_v ut_fw-la the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o but_o those_o porter_n be_v officer_n 1_o coron_n â—6_n 1._o so_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o twelve_o angel_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o mystic_a 〈…〉_o jerusalem_n which_o though_o it_o may_v imply_v that_o the_o gâ—â—es_n be_v keep_v yet_o not_o that_o the_o fraternity_n be_v the_o keeper_n he_o instance_n also_o in_o philip_n and_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o if_o it_o argue_v any_o thing_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o brotherhood_n but_o to_o examine_v his_o strength_n in_o this_o chapter_n what_o he_o call_v argument_n may_v more_o true_o be_v style_v dogmatical_a affirm_v or_o a_o more_o mean_a beg_v the_o question_n till_o pag._n 24_o 25._o he_o quote_v a_o cripture_n or_o two_o in_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n â—â—iâ—_n 1_o corinth_n 5._o 12._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o in_o both_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n about_o excommunicate_v the_o lâ—cestuouâ—_n person_n to_o hâ—â—â—â—n_n and_o the_o restore_v he_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o which_o 〈…〉_o t_o the_o reverend_a author_n to_o the_o same_o holy_a apostiâ—_n for_o a_o answer_n 〈…〉_o t_o be_v that_o know_a place_n 1_o corinth_n 1â—_n chap._n where_o he_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o man_n body_n and_o show_v the_o distinct_a office_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o respective_a member_n as_o the_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o to_o render_v the_o allusion_n the_o more_o intelligible_a he_o name_v the_o officer_n god_n have_v set_v over_o his_o church_n as_o more_o immediate_o refer_v to_o v._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o 14._o chap._n he_o add_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v every_o one_o to_o keep_v his_o proper_a place_n and_o sphere_n and_o do_v his_o own_o work_n soil_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o faulty_a person_n the_o eldership_n be_v to_o do_v they_o the_o brotherhood_n not_o to_o usu_fw-la 〈…〉_o or_o arrogate_v any_o thing_n above_o their_o province_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n query_n v._o 19_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n i._o e._n in_o a_o govern_a body_n we_o can_v expect_v all_o shall_v be_v governor_n vid._n pool_n annot._n there_o be_v another_o text_n also_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n scil_n mat._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n this_o text_n have_v be_v often_o bring_v on_o this_o account_n and_o sometime_o on_o other_o account_n and_o as_o often_o answer_v yet_o here_o bring_v again_o but_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n the_o context_n suppose_v a_o offender_n and_o the_o wrong_a party_n proceed_v against_o he_o and_o here_o be_v three_o step_n the_o dissatisfied_a person_n be_v direct_v to_o take_v in_o order_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n give_v 1._o to_o tell_v the_o offender_n his_o fault_n in_o private_a 2_o to_o tell_v he_o before_o 2_o or_o 3_o witness_n and_o if_o the_o end_n be_v not_o obtain_v 3._o to_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n suppose_v now_o a_o person_n act_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n as_o we_o can_v give_v instance_n if_o need_n be_v when_o the_o first_o step_n do_v not_o gain_v his_o brother_n nor_o the_o second_o answer_v the_o end_n at_o last_o the_o dissatisfied_a person_n carry_v the_o case_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o now_o he_o reckon_v he_o have_v tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n send_v so_o the_o offender_n present_o convince_v he_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v issue_v here_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v the_o church_n tell_v the_o offendor_n heal_v the_o wrong_a person_n satisfy_v and_o the_o matter_n issue_v when_o the_o brotherhood_n all_o this_o while_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v which_o power_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n moreover_o let_v the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o ruler_n first_o and_o then_o by_o then_o to_o the_o multitude_n not_o for_o the_o multitude_n to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o for_o their_o warning_n and_o example_n for_o their_o prayer_n for_o the_o offendor_n and_o their_o approbation_n of_o the_o elder_n censure_n and_o that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n to_o avoid_v the_o familiarity_n of_o such_o a_o insectious_a sinner_n vid._n pool_n annot._n but_o if_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n possible_o some_o venerable_a maxim_n may_v do_v the_o feat_n quod_fw-la â—angie_a omnes_fw-la debet_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la approbari_fw-la but_o alas_o this_o maxim_n give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o sister_n as_o to_o the_o brethren_n sure_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a oracle_n it_o neither_o come_v from_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n if_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n take_v in_o a_o soâ—ouâ—nor_n or_o a_o servant_n all_o be_v concern_v but_o their_o vote_n be_v not_o ask_v if_o a_o captain_n listen_v a_o soldier_n all_o the_o company_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o his_o authority_n without_o ask_v their_o leave_n and_o pray_v carry_v this_o mâ—xâ—m_n to_o the_o college_n and_o see_v if_o the_o precedent_n and_o fellow_n will_v stand_v by_o it_o in_o their_o admission_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o even_o in_o all_o these_o case_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n present_v by_o those_o concern_v a_o prudent_a ruler_n will_v yield_v to_o it_o we_o easy_o grant_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_a that_o man_n be_v propose_v to_o the_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n another_o argument_n for_o the_o brethren_n power_n in_o admission_n be_v lest_o the_o whole_a power_n shall_v sometime_o reside_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o single_a minister_n and_o that_o this_o be_v unreasonable_a we_o have_v a_o speech_n quote_v from_o the_o presbiterian_a minister_n in_o london_n but_o it_o be_v strange_o pervert_v from_o their_o true_a meaning_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o book_n but_o also_o from_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o page_n quote_v p._n 71._o where_o they_o say_v that_o the_o power_n can_v be_v place_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n collective_o take_v the_o scripture_n make_v a_o exact_a distinction_n between_o ruler_n and_o rule_v they_o only_o plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o ruler_n in_o a_o church_n then_o one_o or_o that_o when_o there_o be_v more_o than_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a meaning_n the_o roll_a elder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o teach_v and_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n one_o officer_n have_v power_n in_o plain_a case_n to_o act_v in_o the_o king_n name_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n do_v frequent_o send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n two_o and_o two_o but_o yet_o philip_n be_v send_v alone_o to_o baptize_v the_o ethiopian_a eunuc_fw-la 〈…〉_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o christ_n work_n because_o he_o have_v no_o fellow_n labourer_n with_o he_o but_o the_o strong_a argument_n come_v last_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v popery_n our_o of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o author_n be_v for_o the_o fraternity_n to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o power_n which_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o need_v only_o blot_v out_o the_o word_n fraternity_n and_o in_o its_o room_n write_v the_o word_n elaâ—rship_fw-mi a_o excellent_a argument_n that_o will_v equal_o prove_v either_o way_n and_o by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o word_n serve_v also_o to_o answer_v doctor_n owen_n long_a speech_n which_o end_v that_o chapter_n in_o short_a all_o power_n be_v first_o in_o christ_n â—aâ—ds_n and_o our_o reverend_a author_n produce_v no_o commission_n or_o order_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o brother_n â—â—_o ma_fw-fr 〈…〉_o ge_fw-mi the_o affair_n oâ—_n his_o house_n in_o his_o name_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v officer_n of_o his_o own_o to_o that_o end_n q._n 4._o whether_o be_v it_o necessary_a tâ—at_a person_n at_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o public_a
relation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o add_v that_o the_o church_n of_o n._n e_z do_v not_o impose_v it_o â—or_a aught_o it_o to_o be_v require_v or_o desire_v he_o give_v four_o substantial_a reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o and_o have_v he_o stop_v here_o he_o have_v do_v well_o or_o have_v he_o add_v more_o reason_n to_o those_o four_o as_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o have_v be_v a_o acceptable_a performance_n but_o about_o he_o wheel_v again_o and_o seem_v to_o plead_v hard_o for_o it_o or_o something_o like_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n this_o he_o will_v recommend_v from_o a_o story_n receive_v from_o the_o reverend_n mr._n eliot_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v another_o story_n from_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n how_o when_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v high_o commend_v his_o neighbour_n relation_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o other_o the_o say_a mr._n eliot_n turn_v upon_o he_o and_o say_v aâ—_n brother_n do_v it_o be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o fine_a word_n but_o look_v to_o the_o man_n conversation_n the_o author_n relate_v another_o story_n from_o the_o reverend_n mr._n hoâ—_n of_o one_o who_o through_o importunity_n be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o relation_n and_o make_v the_o congregation_n weep_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o whether_o for_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o author_n give_v we_o his_o argument_n but_o they_o do_v not_o reach_v his_o end_n he_o plead_v for_o they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v edify_v but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o that_o have_v be_v no_o way_n so_o or_o grant_v they_o be_v always_o so_o can_v that_o justify_v the_o institute_n and_o impose_v they_o will_v it_o â—ot_n be_v edify_v if_o every_o sabbath_n day_n evening_n some_o well_o dispose_v talkative_a brethren_n shall_v stand_v up_o and_o relate_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o week_n past_a yet_o shall_v we_o make_v it_o a_o law_n or_o custom_n will_v not_o some_o people_n assure_v you_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o edify_v by_o a_o woman_n preach_v in_o public_a and_o yet_o will_v our_o reverend_a author_n be_v induce_v to_o prostitute_v his_o pulpit_n to_o they_o or_o part_n with_o a_o salary_n to_o cherish_v their_o zeal_n again_o the_o relation_n of_o experience_n be_v plead_v for_o in_o that_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o they_o but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o to_o god_n dishonour_n be_v insipid_a senseless_a thing_n to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n mere_a formality_n too_o scandalous_a and_o superstitious_a he_o say_v they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o gain_v love_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o that_o have_v lose_v love_n and_o credit_n by_o they_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o institute_v mean_n for_o any_o of_o these_o end_n whether_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n edisie_v the_o congregation_n or_o gain_v love_n if_o not_o they_o be_v but_o the_o institution_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o the_o before_o quote_v mr._n willard_n instruct_v we_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o edification_n and_o the_o promote_a christian_a love_n among_o his_o people_n but_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o these_o impose_v relation_n neither_o when_o christ_n himself_o nor_o when_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n indeed_o there_o be_v some_o occasion_n as_o our_o author_n observe_v on_o which_o a_o person_n who_o have_v have_v a_o remarkable_a conversion_n may_v declare_v it_o but_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o this_o set_a time_n and_o in_o public_a and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o impose_v it_o when_o our_o father_n flee_v from_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n whether_o arbitrary_a imposition_n be_v insufferable_a in_o themselves_o or_o not_o yet_o certain_o they_o be_v â—old_a and_o insolent_a in_o new-england_n where_o the_o great_a outcry_n be_v make_v against_o they_o in_o other_o but_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n smile_v be_v he_o never_o so_o serious_a or_o displease_v to_o read_v the_o text_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o this_o custom_n as_o that_o psal_n â—0_n 10._o i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o indeed_o the_o royal_a prophet_n have_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o he_o have_v as_o a_o minister_n will_v now_o that_o shall_v not_o declare_v to_o his_o flock_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n again_o psal_n 66._o 16._o he_o say_v come_v and_o hear_v all_o you_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n we_o imagine_v the_o reverend_a author_n suppose_v the_o psalmist_n thus_o call_v aloud_o in_o some_o vast_a religious_a concourse_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o his_o partake_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o shall_v we_o grant_v a_o supposal_n so_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a yet_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o impose_v relation_n for_o than_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o challenge_v by_o the_o people_n do_v you_o come_v and_o stand_v forth_o sir_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o we_o admit_v you_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o temple_n another_o text_n strange_o pervert_v to_o scare_v some_o good_a people_n be_v that_o mat._n 10._o 33._o whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o confess_v christ_n without_o make_v formal_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o if_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o renewal_a of_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o a_o devout_a attendance_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o true_a confession_n our_o lord_n expect_v woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n if_o all_o be_v to_o be_v rate_v denier_n of_o christ_n who_o whether_o from_o inability_n modesty_n or_o a_o just_a indignation_n refuse_v to_o make_v a_o quaint_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n the_o last_o scripture_n we_o shall_v name_v which_o have_v be_v equal_o abuse_v with_o the_o rest_n be_v that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o everyone_o that_o ask_v it_o to_o wit_n in_o a_o proper_a place_n and_o time_n for_o a_o fit_a end_n and_o on_o sufficient_a reason_n where_o there_o be_v authority_n to_o command_v or_o it_o be_v desire_v with_o modesty_n the_o sense_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o cavil_n of_o infidel_n and_o persecutor_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o argue_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o confute_v gainsayers_a so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v infer_v hence_o any_o public_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v rather_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o a_o sermon_n to_o prove_v its_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o state_v term_n of_o communion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o church_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o debar_v the_o resuser_n from_o any_o christian_a privilege_n then_o to_o require_v oath_n subscription_n and_o conformity_n to_o a_o thousand_o more_o ceremony_n we_o have_v but_o one_o remark_n more_o to_o make_v here_o and_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n require_v this_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v give_v with_o meekness_n &_o 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