of_o that_o other_o church_n a_o declension_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n and_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v no_o not_o at_o all_o have_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o deciâ—â—sion_n from_o the_o truâ—â—_n we_o have_v full_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o answer_n it_o be_v true_a doctrine_n that_o a_o minister_n upon_o desire_n may_v as_o well_o minister_n to_o another_o church_n as_o to_o â—â—â—_o own_o both_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n one_o body_n one_o baptism_n but_o have_v we_o be_v of_o the_o author_n principle_n which_o he_o plead_v for_o in_o this_o book_n we_o must_v have_v answer_v that_o â—â—_o be_v a_o great_a apostasy_n and_o declension_n and_o when_o the_o reverend_a author_n first_o put_v out_o this_o in_o the_o year_n 1693_o some_o of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o woman_n do_v express_v themselves_o after_o this_o rate_n that_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o he_o have_v pull'a_fw-mi such_o a_o pin_n out_o of_o the_o good_a owl_n â—ay_n as_o will_v in_o a_o little_a wâ—ile_n bring_v the_o whole_a abriâ—k_n to_o the_o ground_n noâ—_n be_v this_o complaint_n without_o reason_n for_o if_o particular_a church_n be_v specifical_o distinct_a if_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relate_v â—â—â—_o correlate_n that_o give_v be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o the_o â—ssence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v lie_v in_o a_o muâ—â—â—l_a election_n between_o the_o church_n and_o he_o then_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v the_o author_n assertion_n that_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v &c_n &c_n tâ—â—_n in_o vain_a to_o plead_v i_o be_v may_v be_v at_o well_o commuâ—â—â—â—_n of_o officer_n as_o of_o member_n for_o these_o principle_n will_v not_o allow_v so_o much_o as_o a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communicate_v in_o another_o hence_o the_o acâ—â—e_n mr._n hooker_n â—â—_o the_o author_n 〈…〉_o isle_n he_o can_v never_o get_v over_o that_o difficulty_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unwarrantable_a or_o private_a member_n to_o communicate_v in_o another_o church_n neither_o can_v dr._n oven_n or_o dr._n goodwin_n who_o he_o 〈…〉_o pillar_n among_o the_o congregational_a though_o they_o twist_v and_o squeeze_v and_o strain_v hard_a maintain_v this_o 〈…〉_o on_o these_o principle_n noâ—_n satisfy_v a_o â—ational_a mind_n about_o it_o though_o they_o plead_v they_o be_v transient_a member_n for_o that_o time_n yet_o this_o no_o more_o excuse_n it_o than_o if_o a_o aâ—ultâ—â—â—s_v â—o_o hi_o 〈…〉_o â—â—â—_o shame_n and_o folly_n shall_v excuse_v it_o by_o say_v she_o make_v the_o man_n her_o husband_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o act_n for_o if_o we_o run_v it_o to_o the_o narrow_a the_o administrator_n must_v deliver_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o officer_n or_o not_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o as_o a_o officer_n than_o he_o his_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o such_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n where_o he_o iâ—_n occasional_o call_v and_o then_o down_o go_v the_o author_n principle_n at_o once_o of_o the_o church_n be_v specifical_o distinct_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_v lie_v in_o the_o mutual_a election_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relate_v and_o correlate_n so_o as_o to_o give_v be_v to_o each_o other_o as_o such_o or_o else_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o a_o minister_n when_o he_o administer_v to_o another_o flock_n act_v not_o as_o a_o officer_n but_o as_o a_o private_a man_n and_o this_o lay_v all_o in_o common_a and_o destroy_v the_o ministerial_a power_n at_o once_o and_o to_o attempt_v to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o our_o new-england_n platform_n will_v be_v but_o as_o mr._n hooker_n have_v the_o expression_n to_o make_v the_o platform_n to_o speak_v dagger_n and_o contradiction_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o new-england_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n in_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n in_o n._n england_n unto_o the_o nine_o position_n it_o be_v say_v position_n 8._o if_o you_o mean_v by_o a_o ministerial_a act_n such_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n whereunto_o â—â—_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n than_o we_o awny_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o church_n but_o his_o own_o because_o his_o office_n extend_v no_o far_a tâ—aâ—_n his_o call_n and_o now_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o reader_n if_o the_o reverend_a author_n must_v not_o either_o renounce_v these_o his_o darling_n principle_n or_o own_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o declension_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new-england_n which_o in_o another_o he_o will_v call_v apostasy_n and_o indeed_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o no_o young_a man_n can_v have_v escape_v that_o odious_a brand_n that_o dare_v have_v print_v such_o a_o principle_n but_o all_o be_v well_o that_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o every_o other_o congregational_a tenet_n have_v be_v laudable_o reject_v have_v some_o man_n the_o do_v of_o it_o let_v another_o presume_v he_o be_v a_o backslider_n a_o aposâ—aâ—â—_n â—â—â—uâ—_n â—aâ—b_n contemptuous_a and_o despisâ—â—_n of_o his_o father_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o allude_v to_o the_o author_n word_n pag._n 71._o in_o one_o man_n be_v a_o modest_a inoffensive_a dissent_n in_o another_o a_o dare_a contradiction_n to_o synod_n qu._n 16._o be_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o christian_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n though_o the_o author_n answer_v hereto_o be_v very_o large_a yet_o we_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a to_o it_o or_o against_o it_o he_o yield_v and_o allow_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v as_o well_o as_o other_o prayer_n and_o passage_n in_o scripture_n in_o our_o address_n to_o heaven_n that_o it_o have_v be_v use_v in_o ancient_a time_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v by_o the_o most_o famous_a divine_n in_o these_o day_n and_o he_o give_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o mr._n jeâ—_n burrough_n which_o we_o thank_v he_o for_o have_v never_o hear_v it_o before_o that_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o witchcraft_n we_o also_o know_v but_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o proper_a lawful_a use_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o fit_a so_o far_o to_o gratify_v those_o that_o make_v it_o a_o charm_n as_o â—oâ—â—hâ—t_a reason_n to_o â—â—â—rain_v to_o use_v it_o but_o very_o the_o author_n will_v have_v we_o more_o superstitious_a that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v for_o he_o quarrel_v â—â—_o the_o vary_v but_o of_o one_o word_n or_o clause_n in_o this_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n if_o instead_o of_o debt_n or_o sinâ—_n we_o say_v trespass_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a crime_n for_o why_o say_v the_o author_n it_o smell_v rank_a of_o the_o liturgy_n its_o learned_a â—â—â—_o of_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n he_o may_v have_v say_v rather_o that_o we_o learn_v first_o to_o read_v â—â—_o so_o in_o our_o horn-book_n and_o be_v mis-taught_a from_o our_o infancy_n but_o true_o we_o account_v this_o difference_n of_o translation_n a_o petty_a thing_n and_o if_o instead_o of_o hallow_a the_o author_n will_v say_v sanctify_v and_o instead_o of_o daily_a bread_n he_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v convenient_a food_n we_o shall_v not_o full_o foul_a on_o he_o no_o say_v the_o author_n pag._n 123._o why_o then_o you_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n in_o truth_n than_o the_o author_n have_v no_o adversary_n in_o the_o world_n where_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v use_v in_o any_o language_n beside_o the_o greek_a for_o who_o bind_v himself_o to_o a_o translation_n as_o to_o a_o original_a but_o the_o author_n meaning_n be_v apparent_a he_o will_v insinuate_v into_o the_o heedless_a reader_n that_o whoever_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o vary_v one_o word_n from_o the_o word_n christ_n give_v it_o in_o and_o true_o than_o they_o must_v like_o barbarian_n to_o the_o people_n tone_n it_o in_o the_o original_a greek_a we_o will_v offer_v here_o one_o query_n more_o do_v the_o author_n mean_v in_o state_v this_o question_n to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o god_n so_o that_o as_o often_o as_o we_o bow_v our_o knee_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o repeat_v this_o form_n here_o again_o he_o will_v have_v no_o
needless_a to_o illustrate_v the_o matter_n if_o a_o servant_n have_v bind_v himself_o to_o a_o master_n he_o need_v not_o go_v to_o make_v new_a covenant_n to_o carry_v it_o dutiful_o to_o the_o mistress_n lovingly_z to_o the_o child_n faithful_o to_o the_o fellow_n servant_n this_o be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o master_n covenant_n so_o if_o a_o person_n marry_v a_o husband_n she_o have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o father_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v her_o father_n or_o that_o his_o brother_n sister_n or_o other_o relation_n shall_v become_v she_o this_o be_v all_o employ_v in_o the_o mâ—â—â—iâ—gâ—_n covenant_n the_o respective_a duty_n must_v be_v perform_v but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o new_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n to_o be_v enter_v into_o mr._n burrough_n as_o quote_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n express_v this_o well_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscâ—ince_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n to_o church_n about_o they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o who_o shall_v reqâ—irâ—_n it_o and_o this_o not_o in_o a_o aâ—bitraâ—â—_n way_n â—â—t_n as_o a_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n the_o unite_a brother_n in_o london_n speak_v yet_o more_o full_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o communion_n oâ—_n câ—urâ—â—es_v â—_o 1._o we_o agree_v that_o particular_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o walk_v so_o distâ—â—ct_a and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o as_o oâ—_n to_o have_v care_n and_o tenderness_n to_o one_o another_o but_o their_o pastor_n ought_v to_o have_v frequent_a meet_v together_o that_o by_o mutual_a advice_n support_n encouragement_n and_o bâ—otâ—â—â—ly_a intercourse_n they_o may_v strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v add_v here_o the_o whole_a chapter_n of_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o so_o dismiss_v this_o question_n qu._n 11._o may_v the_o brethren_n in_o church_n and_o not_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v send_v unto_o and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o ecclesiastical_a council_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o brethren_n in_o a_o synod_n will_v surpass_v the_o elder_n in_o number_n and_o by_o a_o cabal_n may_v easy_o out_o vote_v they_o wherefore_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v every_o private_a brother_n a_o equal_a vote_n with_o any_o of_o his_o officer_n in_o rule_v oâ—â—â—â—â—agiâ—g_n his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o advantage_n be_v of_o the_o elder_n side_n as_o to_o learning_n prudence_n parâ—â—_n piety_n zeal_n and_o devotion_n at_o least_o take_v the_o whole_a synod_n together_o yet_o that_o man_n of_o mean_a part_n no_o education_n nor_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o a_o office_n that_o oblige_v to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n peculiarly_a shall_v be_v equal_v to_o the_o former_a in_o all_o decision_n though_o not_o debate_n whereof_o they_o be_v uncapable_a be_v very_o unaccountable_a indeed_o have_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n positive_o require_v this_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o his_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n will_v more_o abundant_o reside_v on_o the_o weak_a vessel_n but_o otherwise_o to_o fill_v a_o council_n from_o the_o plough_n and_o the_o â—â—all_n be_v a_o tempt_a christ_n and_o betray_v the_o church_n neither_o be_v we_o ignorant_a what_o tool_n they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o one_o design_v man_n of_o a_o reverend_n and_o august_n name_n let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o they_o will_v these_o be_v biggâ—â—s_n and_o the_o man_n be_v himself_o a_o synod_n we_o confess_v such_o a_o man_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o brethren_n authority_n which_o be_v his_o own_o support_n and_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o church_n be_v like_a to_o be_v well_o govern_v but_o what_o be_v a_o further_a outrage_n to_o the_o sacred_a office_n the_o author_n will_v not_o let_v minister_n fit_a as_o officer_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o person_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o thus_o he_o express_v himself_o pag._n 80_o it_o be_v not_o their_o office_n but_o the_o church_n delegation_n that_o gâ—uâ—â—â—_n power_n to_o the_o 〈…〉_o member_n of_o syâ—â—â—â—_n the_o specificate_a act_n in_o which_o synod_n all_o power_n and_o so_o the_o rigâ—â—_n oâ—_n a_o decisive_a vote_n â—â—â—oâ—nded_v be_v tâ—e_v church_n delegation_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o instancetâ—_n iâ—_n the_o first_o synod_n that_o ever_o sit_v as_o â—e_z term_n that_o act_v 15._o a_o copy_n and_o sampler_n leave_v to_o all_o succeed_v generation_n but_o how_o comical_a be_v this_o as_o if_o that_o be_v so_o constitute_v or_o its_o member_n delegated_a by_o particular_a church_n or_o how_o long_o have_v this_o inspire_a synod_n sit_v before_o that_o case_n be_v bring_v before_o they_o or_o be_v they_o summon_v upon_o this_o single_a occasion_n true_o the_o author_n begâ—_n the_o whole_a and_o prove_v nothing_o of_o it_o indeed_o the_o reverend_a author_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o page_n that_o of_o these_o delegate_n from_o the_o church_n the_o â—lâ—ers_n oâ—gâ—t_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a or_o principal_o concern_v a_o mighty_a grace_n ineed_a yet_o even_o this_o can_v be_v allow_v and_o he_o consistent_a with_o himself_o for_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v some_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n who_o gift_n and_o ability_n be_v beyond_o their_o pastor_n and_o some_o again_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o honourable_a now_o if_o they_o be_v alike_o delegated_a and_o those_o can_v act_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o other_o pray_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v the_o principal_a why_o may_v not_o a_o â—rother_n of_o equal_a authority_n assume_v and_o arrogate_v the_o first_o place_n to_o himself_o which_o if_o he_o chance_v to_o do_v we_o leave_v the_o author_n to_o be_v catechize_v by_o he_o and_o to_o do_v penance_n patient_o by_o his_o own_o principle_n qu._n 12._o do_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v consist_v in_o his_o be_v ordain_v with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o other_o minister_n qu._n 13._o may_v a_o man_n be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n except_o to_o a_o particular_a 〈…〉_o ana_fw-la in_o the_o presence_n oâ—_n that_o church_n we_o join_v these_o two_o together_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v of_o near_a affinity_n and_o partly_o because_o some_o thing_n the_o reverend_a author_n assert_n under_o one_o of_o they_o may_v indifferent_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o other_o our_o chief_a exception_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o five_o 〈…〉_o that_o he_o assert_n she_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a election_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n pag_n 91._o if_o we_o understand_v the_o author_n he_o mean_v that_o a_o person_n can_v be_v a_o minister_n without_o his_o mutual_a election_n and_o that_o with_o it_o he_o may_v and_o be_v he_o have_v just_a before_o noâ—ed_v that_o some_o think_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o he_o in_o orai_n 〈…〉_o on_o other_o in_o its_o be_v do_v by_o a_o bishop_n which_o last_o noâ—â—oâ—â—â—ts_v off_o say_v â—â—_o mâ—st_v of_o the_o minister_n in_o france_n switzerland_n denmark_n 〈…〉_o d_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o retort_v you_o word_n sir_n we_o think_v that_o your_o assertion_n cut_v off_o more_o both_o for_o number_n and_o for_o eminence_n it_o cut_v off_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o though_o these_o in_o general_a may_v signify_v lâ—â—tie_n with_o our_o reverend_a author_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o he_o mention_n as_o great_a and_o eminent_a light_n he_o cut_v off_o thousand_o of_o presbyter_n famous_a minister_n who_o apprehend_v the_o essence_n of_o their_o ministerial_a call_n to_o â—ie_v in_o their_o be_v ordain_v and_o send_v of_o god_n do_v whoâ—y_o wave_v this_o mutual_a election_n as_o a_o little_a thing_n the_o scripture_n speak_v â—ery_o high_o and_o honourable_o of_o the_o ministerial_a call_v they_o be_v â—aâ—ed_v minister_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o gospel_n minister_n in_o the_o lord_n ambassador_n for_o christ_n angel_n light_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o whiâ—â—_n thâ—ws_v that_o not_o only_o the_o â—â—â—encâ—_n but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o ministry_n conâ—â—sts_v in_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o that_o separate_a and_o sacred_a work_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v call_v they_o unto_o act_n â—3_z 2._o but_o what_o scripture_n inâ—iâ—â—tes_v to_o we_o that_o their_o essence_n or_o emmency_n lie_v in_o their_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a people_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a never_o plead_v their_o election_n by_o man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v call_v send_v ordain_v and_o commission_v by_o god_n the_o author_n chief_a
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
dishonour_n upon_o they_o or_o call_v they_o fool_n this_o charge_n fall_v heavy_a on_o those_o who_o be_v for_o impose_v their_o will_n on_o other_o we_o crave_v no_o more_o but_o to_o enjoy_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n unmixed_a and_o it_o appear_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o flâ—d_v from_o a_o act_n of_o uniformity_n shall_v present_o impose_v on_o themselves_o on_o their_o neighbour_n and_o entail_v the_o mischief_n on_o their_o posterity_n some_o indeed_o will_v make_v the_o design_n of_o our_o first_o planter_n to_o consist_v in_o some_o little_a rite_n modes_n or_o circumstance_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o those_o such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o where_o require_v these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o dishonour_v their_o country_n and_o their_o father_n memory_n by_o make_v their_o great_a design_n to_o lie_v in_o so_o small_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a there_o have_v be_v no_o agreement_n in_o these_o point_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v know_v there_o be_v anti-synodatia_a print_v and_o who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o and_o how_o modest_a his_o dissent_n be_v and_o in_o what_o term_n they_o contradict_v what_o the_o synod_n have_v establish_v though_o the_o like_a be_v criminal_a and_o insufferable_a in_o any_o other_o these_o principle_n in_o church_n discipline_n be_v also_o write_v against_o in_o english_a by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n by_o mr._n câ—â—dry_n mr._n ratherford_n mr._n baâ—ly_o etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n word_n we_o stand_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o of_o our_o pious_a ancestor_n be_v they_o now_o on_o earth_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v grievous_a to_o they_o now_o in_o heaven_n nor_o shall_v it_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o good_a man_n to_o receive_v conviction_n we_o refer_v all_o therefore_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n in_o the_o preface_n or_o epistle_n to_o say_a book_n we_o find_v several_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v just_o except_v against_o but_o design_v neither_o to_o be_v contentious_a nor_o volumnious_a we_o shall_v speak_v but_o to_o one_o or_o two_o in_o pag._n 8._o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v please_v to_o number_v up_o seven_o or_o eight_o erroneous_a doctrine_n as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v &_o the_o consequence_n from_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o espouse_v these_o principle_n we_o give_v away_o the_o whole_a congregational_a cause_n at_o once_o whence_o we_o perceive_v now_o the_o profess_a cause_n which_o the_o author_n engage_v in_o though_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n or_o the_o party_n but_o the_o truth_n they_o delend_v we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o examine_v these_o principle_n hereafter_o it_o may_v subtle_a here_o to_o say_v they_o be_v crafty_o &_o unfair_o word_v &_o in_o the_o dress_n they_o be_v here_o clad_v we_o do_v not_o espouse_v they_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o most_o fair_a &_o genuine_a construction_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n in_o most_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o block_n the_o author_n politic_o cast_v in_o the_o way_n which_o at_o last_o we_o fear_v may_v but_o discourage_v some_o from_o embrace_v the_o congregational_a way_n see_v it_o must_v needs_o fight_v for_o its_o life_n against_o some_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act_n 9_o 5._o another_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o preface_n be_v the_o author_n heat_n and_o 〈◊〉_d pag_n 9_o shall_v we_o then_o by_o silence_n betray_v the_o truth_n shall_v we_o reâ—ort_v therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o speak_v too_o who_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n side_n who_o shall_v we_o answer_v we_o be_v we_o trust_v through_o god_n grace_n together_o with_o you_o and_o all_o other_o side_v 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v in_o contempt_n be_v there_o no_o one_o that_o will_v stand_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n orbid_v but_o we_o shall_v have_v other_o decline_v it_o the_o good_a people_n in_o they_o then_o may_v well_o think_v their_o watchman_n be_v all_o either_o dead_a or_o a_o sleep_n or_o if_o they_o talk_v light_n and_o heady_a they_o may_v conclude_v they_o in_o a_o trance_n or_o not_o quite_o awake_v 〈◊〉_d which_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o i_o dedicate_v this_o ensue_a dissertation_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n we_o address_v you_o in_o the_o follow_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o my_o cause_n but_o you_o nor_o be_v it_o we_o but_o the_o church_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n in_o common_a do_v i_o say_v you_o nay_o it_o be_v christ_n cause_n we_o listen_v under_o the_o same_o banner_n and_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v all_o as_o real_o as_o we_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v divest_v whole_o of_o carnal_a self_n ........_o for_o true_o our_o present_a defence_n be_v become_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o these_o church_n but_o why_o all_o this_o heat_n we_o will_v not_o interpret_v too_o hard_o but_o these_o expression_n seem_v plain_o to_o carry_v this_o sense_n that_o every_o one_o who_o obey_v not_o the_o late_o publish_v order_n be_v a_o opposer_n of_o truth_n not_o on_o the_o lord_n side_n enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n whereupon_o the_o reverend_a author_n roll_n himself_o and_o sound_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o church_n to_o put_v down_o all_o such_o if_o this_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o it_o we_o will_v beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o be_v inform_v better_a but_o true_o sir_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n â—dly_o lavish_v away_o and_o not_o kindle_v from_o above_o â—or_a we_o know_v no_o such_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n although_o we_o be_v not_o proselyte_v to_o some_o of_o your_o particular_a opinion_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n infirmity_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o apostle_n john_n mark_v 9_o 38._o master_n we_o see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n and_o he_o follow_v not_o we_o and_o we_o forbid_v he_o because_o he_o follow_v not_o we_o which_o too_o forward_a zeal_n ouâ—_n lord_n check_v and_o reconcile_v the_o matter_n verse_n 39_o 40._o and_o â—esus_fw-la answer_v forbid_v he_o not_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o â—â—_o be_v on_o our_o part_n but_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o many_o other_o we_o â—ould_v instance_n in_o if_o need_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n though_o very_o zealous_a for_o a_o time_n yet_o be_v not_o very_o steady_a &_o constant_a for_o before_o he_o end_v his_o book_n he_o come_v about_o again_o in_o pag_n 139._o where_o he_o propose_v his_o brother_n essay_n for_o union_n wherein_o he_o show_v how_o inconsiderable_a the_o difference_n be_v between_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a judgement_n that_o they_o need_v not_o set_v truth_n to_o purchase_v peace_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o cry_v just_a now_o you_o will_v have_v think_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n trample_v under_o foot_n the_o cause_n of_o religion_n desert_v and_z and_o a_o formidable_a war_n commence_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o the_o dissertation_n of_o the_o follow_a question_n make_v use_n of_o abundance_n of_o quotation_n from_o several_a famous_a person_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o in_o some_o the_o sense_n be_v pervert_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n beside_o the_o obvious_a intention_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o he_o bring_v they_o in_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o they_o say_v at_o another_o and_o set_v some_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o and_o where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v his_o tenet_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v bring_v many_o other_o to_o contradict_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o to_o cloud_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o terrify_v he_o by_o muster_v a_o legion_n of_o 〈…〉_o artificaâ—_n argument_n we_o shall_v be_v spare_v in_o quotation_n and_o pass_v by_o many_o cite_v by_o the_o author_n though_o we_o approve_v they_o not_o only_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o present_v one_o quotation_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o all_o along_o be_v we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n never_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v what_o god_n never_o require_v it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o reverend_n mr._n willaâ—a_o in_o his_o forequote_v sermon_n pag._n 23._o 24._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o â—s_v nothing_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o on_o this_o account_n but_o what_o have_v god_n seal_n affix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o
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 fear_n the_o true_a sense_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v contend_v even_o with_o infidel_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o argue_v with_o a_o intemperate_a passion_n or_o zeal_n or_o if_o we_o construe_v it_o as_o in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o a_o man_n own_o gift_n and_o ability_n it_o be_v a_o severe_a rebuke_n to_o many_o of_o our_o bold_a and_o forward_a zealot_n who_o have_v be_v fame_v for_o their_o promptness_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o first_o that_o have_v fall_v under_o its_o deserve_a â—ash_n we_o shall_v indeed_o be_v better_o reconcile_v to_o this_o custom_n of_o relation_n be_v this_o prescribe_a meekness_n and_o fear_n more_o visible_a in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o misery_n the_o more_o meek_a and_o fearful_a be_v hereby_o keep_v out_o of_o
account_n not_o enjoy_v they_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o covenant_v or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v or_o unmake_v officer_n to_o admit_v or_o reject_v church_n member_n to_o manage_v discipline_n to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o christ_n house_n in_o his_o name_n as_o if_o they_o have_v warrant_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v of_o such_o a_o church_n covenant_n neither_o moses_n nor_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o aposty_n have_v speak_v any_o thing_n none_o of_o the_o scripture_n argument_n or_o quotation_n of_o our_o reverend_a author_n prove_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o we_o will_v take_v leave_n therefore_o to_o call_v it_o man_n covenant_n and_o noâ—_n god_n for_o it_o have_v nor_o god_n seal_v affix_v to_o it_o &_o though_o good_a wise_a or_o learned_a man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v it_o and_o plead_v its_o harmless_a â—â—ifying_v or_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o afore-quoted_n rule_n of_o the_o reverend_a mr._n willard_n we_o be_v to_o reject_v it_o and_o shall_v do_v so_o till_o it_o come_v with_o a_o divine_a stamp_n but_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o misrepresentation_n you_o will_v say_v who_o own_v it_o or_o will_v plead_v for_o it_o in_o this_o dress_n we_o answer_v by_o query_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o several_a that_o own_o and_o plead_v for_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o less_o number_n but_o to_o evince_v it_o let_v we_o take_v it_o into_o the_o several_a part_n be_v there_o none_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o separate_a covenant_n which_o some_o and_o general_o the_o lesser_a part_n must_v enter_v into_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a and_o for_o good_a end_n why_o must_v so_o many_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v manner_n if_o to_o maintain_v the_o ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o to_o lay_v strict_a bond_n of_o duty_n if_o to_o bring_v man_n more_o effectual_o to_o submit_v to_o discipline_n why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a bring_v in_o for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v oblige_v to_o these_o duty_n and_o why_o must_v the_o covenant_n be_v separate_v again_o do_v not_o some_o plead_v it_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o a_o person_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o he_o first_o institute_v that_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o administer_v it_o be_v it_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o where_o iâ—_n the_o scripture_n that_o command_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n be_v annex_v to_o man_n covenant_n again_o do_v not_o some_o plead_v that_o those_o who_o thus_o covenant_n have_v the_o power_n to_o make_v and_o unmake_v officer_n the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o escape_v here_o who_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o and_o final_o do_v not_o some_o pretend_v â—â—at_v these_o be_v the_o person_n commission_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o admit_v and_o reject_v of_o church_n member_n this_o the_o reverend_a author_n defend_v with_o all_o his_o may_v under_o the_o three_o question_n though_o as_o we_o show_v he_o can_v find_v no_o proof_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n q._n 6._o be_v public_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o explication_n or_o exhortation_n therewith_o part_n of_o the_o work_n incumbent_a on_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o author_n do_v not_o mean_a as_o we_o suppose_v if_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n or_o exhortation_n throughout_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o exercise_n if_o he_o do_v he_o fight_v with_o the_o air_n for_o we_o know_v no_o sect_n of_o man_n but_o have_v some_o explication_n though_o many_o among_o we_o neglect_n read_v we_o therefore_o take_v his_o sense_n to_o be_v this_o if_o no_o explication_n follow_v immediate_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v the_o word_n may_v very_o proper_o be_v call_v exposition_n explication_n &_o exhortation_n and_o that_o in_o every_o sermon_n there_o be_v a_o competent_a portion_n of_o scripture_n for_o one_o time_n explicate_v and_o apply_v noâ—_n can_v we_o imagine_v the_o reverend_a author_n mean_v that_o every_o clause_n a_o minister_n read_v in_o public_a shall_v be_v in_o a_o formal_a manner_n explicate_v methinks_v it_o shall_v satisfy_v if_o after_o one_o or_o more_o chapter_n read_v some_o select_a clause_n verse_n oâ—_n paragraph_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o expound_v i._n e._n choose_v as_o a_o text_n and_o preach_v on_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o author_n if_o but_o for_o quote_v the_o text_n in_o timothy_n where_o it_o be_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n as_o his_o ministerial_a work_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_n as_o well_o as_o to_o doctrine_n &_o exhortation_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o synagogue_n say_v the_o reverend_a author_n we_o all_o know_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o some_o set_v and_o solemn_a time_n we_o also_o know_v for_o so_o it_o be_v appoint_v deut._n 31._o 11._o again_o he_o grant_v that_o in_o just_a in_o martyr_n time_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v and_o thereupon_o follow_v a_o sermon_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v thankful_a if_o he_o have_v add_v more_o proof_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n as_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v and_o thereby_o confirm_v some_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v he_o can_v have_v toâ—d_v how_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o west_n minster_n do_v order_n and_o advise_v to_o iâ—_n he_o can_v have_v quote_v the_o many_o famous_a church_n that_o do_v practice_v it_o at_o this_o day_n he_o can_v have_v name_v several_a famous_a minister_n in_o england_n and_o some_o in_o new-england_n that_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o practice_v it_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v of_o more_o than_o the_o bishop_n of_o derry_n that_o complain_v of_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o that_o to_o use_v the_o woâ—ds_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a divine_a not_o far_o from_o we_o as_o the_o most_o just_a reproach_n that_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n labour_n under_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v for_o encouragement_n that_o it_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o our_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o new-england_n chap._n 22._o which_o treat_v of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o sabbath_n day_n sect._n 5_o the_o read_a the_o scripture_n preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o also_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o godly_a â—ear_n final_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v we_o have_v he_o search_v all_o our_o new-england_n antiquity_n on_o this_o head_n how_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o our_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o read_n of_o david_n psalm_n as_o other_o scripture_n in_o church_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v one_o end_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o sing_v of_o they_o which_o be_v another_o end_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o read_v with_o exposition_n be_v here_o mean_v for_o then_o why_o be_v it_o not_o so_o say_v however_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o they_o who_o neither_o read_v nor_o expound_v shall_v talk_v so_o much_o and_o quote_v so_o many_o nameâ—_n as_o our_o author_n have_v do_v for_o a_o practice_n which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o come_v up_o unto_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o our_o author_n have_v say_v and_o much_o more_o that_o he_o can_v have_v say_v to_o encourage_v this_o good_a practice_n his_o discouragement_n follow_v and_o first_o he_o brand_v it_o with_o a_o hard_a uncouth_a name_n and_o twice_o tell_v we_o that_o somâ—_n call_v it_o dumb_a read_n we_o wish_v he_o have_v name_v those_o that_o so_o term_v it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o venom_n in_o the_o epithet_n and_o so_o complicate_v a_o malignity_n in_o the_o phrase_n that_o we_o fear_v its_o infectious_a and_o may_v propagate_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n &_o contempt_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o irreverence_n to_o his_o maker_n the_o author_n well_o think_v so_o odious_a a_o mark_n on_o the_o front_n will_v give_v all_o honest_a people_n a_o disgust_n to_o â—â—_o villainous_a and_o stigmatise_v a_o practice_n but_o his_o policy_n have_v fail_v he_o for_o it_o raise_v a_o just_a indignation_n in_o all_o sensible_a and_o ingenuous_a christian_n we_o will_v for_o once_o inform_v the_o
reverend_a author_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o church_n audible_o and_o intelligible_o nor_o can_v we_o guess_v what_o dumb_a read_n shall_v mean_v unless_o when_o man_n sleep_v over_o their_o book_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o author_n we_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v a_o sleep_n when_o this_o unlucky_a word_n droâ—t_v from_o his_o pen._n we_o be_v further_o behold_v to_o the_o author_n for_o his_o judgement_n that_o the_o read_n of_o one_o chapter_n with_o a_o brief_a explication_n wiâ—â—_n edify_v the_o congregation_n more_o than_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o twenty_o chapter_n but_o this_o be_v only_o his_o single_a opinion_n and_o as_o it_o will_v not_o weigh_v against_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o so_o neither_o do_v it_o favour_n of_o modesty_n to_o think_v any_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n oâ—_n short_a comment_n can_v edify_v more_o than_o the_o read_n of_o twenty_o chapter_n we_o will_v not_o charge_v on_o the_o reverend_a author_n all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n of_o his_o own_o word_n or_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v audacious_a so_o vile_o to_o disparage_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n alas_o sir_n the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o of_o we_o to_o make_v it_o perfect_a we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o many_o who_o have_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v with_o prejudice_n that_o god_n give_v it_o authority_n from_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o we_o know_v that_o as_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o profitable_a without_o any_o help_n or_o advantage_n from_o we_o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n â—o_o perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o his_o people_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o by_o be_v explain_v here_o let_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n speak_v for_o we_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 7._o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o plain_a in_o themselves_o nor_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o yet_o those_o thing_n w_o 〈…〉_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v and_o observe_v for_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o propound_v &_o open_v in_o some_o place_n oâ—_n scripture_n or_o other_o that_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o unlearned_a in_o a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o they_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n in_o pagâ—_n 47_o 48_o bring_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n against_o this_o dumb_a read_n but_o so_o picious_a a_o stuâ—â—ble_n so_o miserable_a a_o inconsequence_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o name_v iâ—_n to_o issue_v this_o head_n we_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v that_o the_o read_n god_n word_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n we_o can_v make_v to_o he_o who_o in_o mercy_n have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o it_o at_o the_o great_a day_n qu._n 7._o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o child_n who_o any_o profess_v christian_n shall_v engage_v to_o see_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o reverend_a author_n according_a to_o his_o wont_a bounty_n aâ—_n first_o dash_n concede_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o oppose_v the_o adoptive_a right_n we_o then_o declare_v ourselves_o satisfy_v and_o crave_v no_o more_o for_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o any_o man_n can_v engage_v or_o undertake_v for_o the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o parent_n devolve_v on_o he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o child_n nor_o will_v any_o conscientious_a minister_n accept_v the_o engagement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v no_o power_n or_o ability_n to_o perform_v his_o vow_n so_o that_o this_o engagement_n necessary_o imply_v the_o care_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v a_o adoptive_a right_n to_o baptism_n but_o the_o author_n stumble_v at_o the_o phrase_n profess_a christian_n and_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o question_n if_o carry_v in_o the_o affirmative_a will_v conclude_v for_o papist_n socinian_o and_o the_o grosl_a heretic_n as_o also_o for_o the_o most_o notorious_a prostigate_v and_o profane_a person_n as_o if_o it_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o protestant_n divine_a to_o accept_v the_o engagement_n of_o some_o lewd_a debauchce_n or_o profess_v papist_n to_o institute_v his_o child_n for_o the_o devil_n or_o popery_n our_o complaint_n here_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o reverend_a mr._n how_o once_o make_v of_o his_o adversary_n that_o â—e_v grave_o fall_v a_o combat_v with_o his_o own_o man_n of_o straw_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v torture_v in_o effigy_n but_o to_o pacific_a he_o we_o will_v inform_v he_o what_o a_o charitable_a man_n will_v understand_v by_o a_o profess_a christian_a viâ—_n the_o sâ—me_n that_o our_o catechism_n do_v when_o it_o instruct_v we_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o till_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o leave_v our_o author_n therefore_o to_o fight_v it_o out_o with_o that_o reverend_a assembly_n for_o true_o his_o argument_n be_v formidable_a against_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n socinian_o heretic_n the_o profane_a etc._n etc._n do_v all_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o interest_n faction_n passion_n and_o personal_a opposition_n that_o it_o blind_v a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a to_o fight_v with_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v learned_a and_o reverence_v from_o his_o infancy_n qu._n 8._o be_v baptism_n in_o a_o private_a house_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n assembly_n allowable_a the_o question_n seem_v to_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v a_o church_n assembly_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 16._o 5._o phil._n 2._o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o public_a place_n and_o no_o assembly_n we_o agree_v with_o the_o reverend_a author_n that_o baptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n nor_o may_v it_o be_v administer_v by_o one_o who_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n neither_o shall_v it_o usual_o and_o oâ—â—inaâ—â—ly_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o full_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n nor_o will_v we_o drop_v a_o word_n to_o discourage_v so_o pious_a a_o practice_n yet_o let_v the_o congregation_n be_v never_o so_o great_a if_o the_o administrator_n be_v not_o a_o public_a minister_n commission_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v call_v private_a baptism_n and_o altogether_o unallowable_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v small_a and_o the_o place_n otherwise_o private_a yet_o if_o the_o administrator_n be_v a_o public_a officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o baptism_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v public_a and_o in_o some_o case_n as_o that_o of_o dangerous_a sickness_n not_o only_o allowable_a but_o necessary_a and_o a_o duty_n when_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n act_v in_o his_o office_n though_o but_o few_o be_v present_a yet_o they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a authority_n as_o true_o as_o those_o do_v in_o high_a court_n and_o with_o great_a solemnity_n although_o among_o we_o where_o church_n be_v orderly_o settle_v there_o be_v little_a occasion_n either_o for_o private_a preach_n or_o baptism_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o public_a both_o be_v the_o more_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n be_v honour_v &_o thâ—_n general_a profit_n of_o his_o people_n consult_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n wherein_o it_o be_v once_o duty_n to_o seek_v a_o more_o private_a baptism_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o permit_v a_o more_o public_a attendance_n and_o no_o minister_n ought_v to_o refuse_v their_o desire_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o death_n it_o will_v be_v cruelty_n to_o deny_v such_o a_o request_n if_o privacy_n be_v the_o only_a objection_n we_o need_v not_o suggest_v that_o all_o what_o we_o call_v private_a baptism_n there_o may_v be_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o people_n present_a the_o neighbourhood_n be_v call_v in_o and_o notice_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n we_o observe_v a_o good_a medium_fw-la herein_o between_o the_o two_o dangerous_a extreme_n we_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a &_o common_a baptise_v in_o private_a for_o which_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n be_v so_o very_o faulty_a and_o we_o will_v
correct_v our_o own_o defect_n here_o at_o home_n in_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v in_o private_a be_v the_o extremity_n never_o so_o great_a or_o life_n never_o so_o hazardous_a not_o that_o we_o be_v at_o all_o tinge_v with_o the_o error_n of_o st._n austin_n namely_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n to_o salvation_n â—ut_v we_o â—â—â—eem_v iâ—_n the_o most_o public_a own_n of_o god_n which_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n admit_v of_o or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n aâ—_n present_a allow_v and_o 〈…〉_o good_a to_o â—e_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o blessing_n and_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o 〈…〉_o his_o own_o institâ—tions_n 〈…〉_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o private_a baptism_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n abundant_o appear_v from_o that_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o gaoler_n act_v 15._o 33._o to_o â—â—â—ch_v our_o author_n answer_v st._n paul_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n but_o by_o his_o leave_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o taâ—e_n of_o a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a nature_n in_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n iâ—_n â—ndeed_o his_o other_o reason_n be_v good_a that_o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o noâ—_n impossible_a to_o get_v a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o necessity_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o family_n in_o private_a which_o plain_o hold_v forth_o thus_o much_o that_o in_o like_a case_n of_o necessity_n as_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n danger_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o practice_n be_v allowable_a and_o a_o duty_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n gracious_a presence_n with_o we_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o iâ—_n administer_v in_o a_o large_a congregation_n mat._n 18._o 20._o for_o where_o two_o oâ—_n thâ—â—e_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o any_o name_n there_o aâ—_n i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o q._n 9_o oâ—ght_n all_o that_o contribute_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n to_o have_v the_o privileage_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o reverand_n author_n in_o the_o very_a first_o line_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n thru_v in_o a_o most_o â—â—kind_a insinuation_n and_o not_o altogether_o free_a from_o calumny_n as_o if_o the_o affirmative_a can_v not_o be_v maintain_v but_o the_o change_n of_o simony_n must_v be_v incur_v we_o therefore_o once_o for_o all_o profess_v that_o we_o abhor_v as_o much_o as_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v the_o thought_n that_o money_n shall_v purchase_v we_o church_n privilege_n but_o this_o be_v so_o wide_a a_o ramble_n that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a while_n to_o say_v more_o to_o it_o all_o the_o author_n argument_n under_o this_o head_n infer_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n privilege_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o â—â—der_v his_o four_o argument_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n pastor_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o and_o only_o their_o flock_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v noâ—_n can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o truth_n in_o more_o apt_a word_n for_o long_o since_o he_o have_v catch_v we_o i_o â—as_v adult_v baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o 〈◊〉_d prove_v it_o in_o his_o treatise_n annix_v to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n under_o which_o denomination_n they_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o minister_n indeed_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n at_o first_o blush_n seem_v pretty_a plausible_a p._n 68_o for_o they_o who_o have_v no_o rigâ—â—_n to_o the_o lordâ—_n supper_n themselves_o â—o_o apâ—onâ—t_v â—â—â—_o shall_v be_v the_o dispenser_n oâ—_n that_o ordinance_n to_o other_o be_v â—igâ—ly_o irrational_a we_o answer_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_v and_o but_o a_o little_a part_n compare_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n let_v we_o turn_v the_o argument_n then_o and_o say_v for_o some_o few_o to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o preacher_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v as_o high_o irrational_a suppose_v we_o what_o be_v frequent_a in_o this_o country_n thirty_o or_o forty_o communicant_n and_o it_o may_v be_v two_o hundred_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o convenient_a time_n be_v it_o not_o every_o whiâ—_n as_o absurd_a that_o not_o one_o of_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v prepare_v and_o admit_v to_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v the_o person_n who_o shall_v do_v this_o work_n for_o tâ—em_v but_o the_o person_n must_v be_v altogether_o choose_v by_o other_o whâ—â—_n he_o have_v not_o this_o work_n to_o do_v for_o a_o hopeful_a argument_n that_o will_v help_v both_o side_n the_o reverend_a author_n call_v it_o a_o privilege_n purchase_v for_o the_o communicant_n only_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n aâ—_n all_o of_o any_o such_o appropriation_n and_o leave_v â—â—_o yet_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n that_o the_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v for_o the_o whole_a flock_n who_o have_v need_n stand_v for_o their_o own_o we_o may_v here_o borrow_v of_o the_o author_n the_o maxim_n he_o give_v we_o in_o another_o case_n quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omnes_fw-la â—â—bâ—t_fw-la aâ—_n oâ—â—â—bâ—s_fw-la app_z 〈…〉_o arâ—_n it_o be_v explode_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o if_o he_o will_v give_v uâ—_n leave_v to_o put_v in_o aequaliter_fw-la quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omneâ—_n aequaliter_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o â—t_a will_v suit_v the_o casâ—_n and_o afford_v he_o some_o conviction_n the_o reverend_a author_n also_o give_v we_o another_o maxim_n in_o pag._n 87._o with_o this_o elogium_fw-la that_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o make_v strong_o against_o he_o here_o namely_o that_o which_o pertain_v to_o all_o be_v not_o valid_a if_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n have_v not_o a_o consent_n in_o it_o for_o some_o place_n have_v no_o communicant_n and_o there_o all_o grant_v this_o right_a and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a if_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o have_v some_o communicant_n by_o what_o rule_n or_o reason_n do_v they_o take_v away_o that_o privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o other_o before_n in_o short_a let_v our_o author_n find_v one_o text_n that_o limit_n or_o confine_n it_o to_o the_o communicant_n alone_o and_o then_o deprive_v the_o majority_n but_o since_o scripture_n fail_v he_o he_o have_v another_o refuge_n viz._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o last_o of_o these_o we_o think_v except_v boston_n and_o of_o both_o we_o need_v only_o say_v that_o as_o they_o be_v do_v by_o man_n so_o they_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o undo_v by_o the_o same_o man_n when_o they_o please_v it_o be_v also_o hint_v that_o this_o may_v prove_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n truth_n do_v no_o harm_n and_o we_o rather_o think_v it_o may_v be_v retort_v on_o the_o author_n and_o his_o practice_n there_o be_v late_o a_o grievous_a complaint_n make_v by_o a_o principal_a man_n of_o swanzy_n before_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o that_o the_o law_n which_o give_v the_o power_n to_o the_o communicant_n only_o to_o call_v a_o minister_n be_v like_a to_o ruin_v they_o and_o their_o posterity_n forever_o by_o exclude_v they_o from_o a_o able_a and_o orthodox_n ministry_n and_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o baptist_n take_v advantage_n thereby_o have_v set_v up_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o spoil_v the_o place_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n qu._n 10._o be_v it_o expedient_a that_o church_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o consociation_n or_o agreement_n that_o matter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a â—â—â—ortance_n such_o as_o the_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n the_o ordination_n deposition_n or_o translation_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v do_v with_o common_a consent_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v both_o expedient_a and_o necessary_a though_o he_o have_v answer_v as_o well_o have_v he_o say_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a but_o leâ—t_o we_o be_v misunderstand_a in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o reader_n careful_o observe_v we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n or_o prayer_n or_o assistance_n or_o duty_n that_o the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o god_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o be_v needless_a but_o for_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v part_n and_o result_v from_o the_o catholic_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o bind_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o to_o the_o head_n &_o to_o all_o the_o member_n respective_o for_o such_o to_o talk_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o agreement_n on_o this_o account_n seem_v very_o idle_a and_o
argument_n here_o be_v a_o supposition_n of_o shipwreck_n upon_o some_o desolate_a island_n and_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o one_o of_o the_o company_n be_v elect_v may_v become_v a_o minster_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v more_o from_o the_o providence_n and_o call_v of_o god_n than_o their_o election_n it_o be_v god_n must_v furnish_v 〈…〉_o itâ—_n god_n must_v incline_v he_o to_o undertake_v it_o its_o god_n that_o â—â—iâ—s_v up_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v he_o as_o a_o minister_n god_n give_v success_n to_o his_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v tie_v we_o unto_o in_o ordinary_a case_n according_a to_o that_o usual_a say_n jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la pâ—sâ—tivum_fw-la cedit_fw-la juri_fw-la divino_fw-la naturals_n the_o case_n be_v whoâ—â—y_o extraordinary_a and_o god_n that_o make_v the_o necessity_n wiâ—â—_n also_o dispense_v with_o our_o unavoidable_a compliance_n be_v our_o author_n in_o the_o right_n the_o sinful_a will_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o election_n do_v depend_v may_v frustrate_v the_o whole_a ministry_n that_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o alas_o whether_o man_n will_v hear_v oâ—_n whether_o they_o will_v for_o bear_v our_o lord_n will_v send_v his_o minister_n and_o whether_o man_n will_v call_v they_o or_o no_o they_o shall_v beforce_v to_o confess_v very_o we_o have_v prophet_n among_o we_o ezek._n 33_o 33._o we_o wonder_v also_o that_o they_o â—â—o_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v christ_n peculiar_a prerogative_n to_o state_n his_o own_o worship_n shall_v spoil_v he_o of_o another_o part_n of_o it_o to_o make_v his_o own_o officer_n if_o the_o people_n may_v do_v one_o why_o not_o the_o other_o and_o it_o increase_v our_o wonder_n that_o the_o reverend_a author_n shall_v revive_v this_o assertion_n at_o this_o ti_o 〈…〉_o of_o day_n forty_o six_o year_n after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o learned_o and_o so_o full_o refuâ—ed_v in_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerij_fw-la eva_n gâ—liâ—i_fw-la publish_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n chap._n 9_o without_o take_a notice_n of_o their_o answer_n and_o argument_n 2_o we_o shall_v pâ—ss_v by_o several_a thing_n in_o these_o chapter_n which_o in_o a_o severe_a disquisition_n we_o may_v just_o except_v against_o our_o second_o charge_n be_v that_o he_o make_v imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o little_a unnecessary_a ceremony_n though_o we_o can_v distinguish_v between_o ordination_n and_o i_o opposition_n of_o hand_n and_o approve_v what_o the_o aforementioned_a assembly_n say_v pag._n 157._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o substance_n essence_n and_o formal_a act_n of_o ordination_n and_o the_o rite_n use_v therein_o the_o essential_a act_n of_o ordination_n be_v the_o constitute_n or_o appoint_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o the_o send_v he_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o ritâ—_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o we_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o this_o ritâ—_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 1_o tâ—m_n 5._o 22._o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o primitive_a church_n and_o general_o since_o the_o reformation_n shall_v now_o be_v run_v down_o as_o so_o trifle_v a_o ceremony_n we_o know_v the_o reyerend_a author_n can_v have_v quote_v a_o whole_a lâ—af_n of_o famous_a author_n who_o speak_v high_o for_o it_o if_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n at_o london_n displease_v he_o the_o new-england_n platform_n may_v satisfy_v he_o that_o church_n officer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v â—â—oâ—â—n_v by_o the_o church_n but_o abâ—â—_n ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n or_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 32_o question_n that_o say_v express_o ordination_n be_v necessary_a by_o divine_a institution_n but_o iâ—_n the_o author_n indeed_o disquiet_v it_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o but_o a_o ceremony_n it_o be_v out_o look_v back_o to_o pag_n 80_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o much_o magnify_v and_o contend_v for_o as_o mere_a a_o rite_n to_o be_v sure_a sâ—â—l_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n the_o reverend_a author_n not_o only_o speak_v mean_o of_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o â—â—_o too_o â—â—ch_a countenance_n the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o brethren_n or_o person_n out_o of_o office_n his_o text_n of_o scripture_n numb_a 8_o 9_o 10._o respect_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v put_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o levite_n be_v so_o full_o and_o punctual_o answer_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n pag._n 188._o that_o we_o remit_v the_o reader_n thither_o for_o â—â—_o love_n â—ot_n to_o transeribe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o own_v there_o be_v no_o instance_n of_o person_n out_o of_o office_n impose_v hand_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o instance_n the_o apostle_n assertion_n stand_v good_a heb._n 7._o 7._o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a the_o author_n next_o essay_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o weighty_a objection_n that_o none_o can_v give_v what_o himself_o have_v not_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o some_o similitude_n to_o touch_v upon_o one_o pag._n 99_o a_o woman_n say_v he_o by_o give_v her_o â—elâ—_n in_o marriage_n cause_v the_o man_n to_o â—â—oâ—â—_n she_o give_v herself_o â—â—_o have_v the_o power_n of_o a_o husband_n but_o no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o absurd_a â—â—_o to_o say_v that_o a_o woman_n have_v formal_o the_o power_n of_o a_o â—â—â—shâ—â—d_n a_o poor_a return_v indâ—â—d_v to_o so_o weighty_a a_o objection_n a_o unmarried_a woman_n have_v power_n over_o herself_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v herself_o and_o her_o action_n as_o full_o as_o the_o husband_n have_v when_o she_o be_v marry_v though_o a_o particular_a church_n without_o any_o officer_n have_v not_o power_n to_o â—eed_v teach_v govern_v themselves_o and_o ad_fw-la 〈…〉_o ordinance_n here_o â—â—_o a_o plain_a disparity_n moreover_o it_o be_v groâ—â—_n â—â—â—uâ—d_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o wife_n give_v the_o power_n to_o the_o husband_n indeed_o she_o give_v herself_o but_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o god_n that_o give_v the_o power_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o they_o will_v be_v equal_a to_o be_v sure_a it_o woman_n once_o get_v this_o notion_n by_o the_o end_n that_o they_o give_v the_o power_n to_o their_o husband_n we_o shall_v soon_o have_v they_o indent_v limit_v and_o reserve_v in_o part_n to_o themselves_o by_o a_o marriage_n contract_n as_o well_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o their_o estate_n 4_o the_o author_n assert_n that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n except_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n pag._n 101._o which_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n do_v indeed_o startle_v we_o because_o it_o manifest_v the_o reverend_a 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v very_o unstable_a in_o his_o judgement_n it_o be_v credible_o report_v that_o at_o a_o general_a convention_n of_o minister_n at_o boston_n may_v 26._o 1698._o and_o there_o be_v enough_o yet_o live_v who_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o â—t_a to_o who_o we_o appeal_v this_o question_n be_v discuss_v whether_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v ordain_v though_o he_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n to_o 〈◊〉_d administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o gather_n &_o settle_v a_o church_n this_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a reference_n to_o mr._n clap_n nation_n at_o rhode_n island_n and_o it_o be_v vote_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o what_o be_v yet_o stranger_n be_v lead_v on_o and_o put_v to_o the_o vote_n by_o the_o author_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n upon_o this_o conclusion_n mr._n williams_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o college_n hall_n in_o order_n to_o his_o voyage_n to_o barbadoes_n now_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o we_o how_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n two_o year_n ago_o shall_v obtain_v now_o possible_o the_o reverend_a author_n modesty_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o think_v the_o balance_n equal_a or_o we_o will_v put_v the_o late_a vote_n of_o may_n 98_o in_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n p_o 105._o 5_o we_o crave_v the_o reader_n patience_n and_o will_v offer_v but_o one_o remark_n upon_o these_o two_o chapter_n in_o pag._n 102_o its_o say_v pastar_fw-la and_o flock_n be_v relate_v and_o therefore_o one_o can_v be_v without_o the_o other_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n as_o logician_n know_v that_o the_o relate_v shall_v be_v without_o its_o correlate_n to_o say_v that_o a_o wander_a levite_n who_o have_v no_o flock_n be_v a_o pastor_n be_v as_o good_a sense_n as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o who_o have_v no_o child_n be_v a_o father_n and_o the_o man_n who_o have_v
god_n house_n while_o the_o more_o conceit_a and_o presumptuous_a never_o boggle_v at_o this_o oâ—_n any_o thing_n else_o but_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o gross_a corruption_n of_o this_o laudable_a practice_n which_o the_o author_n do_v well_o to_o cenâ—ure_v and_o that_o be_v when_o some_o who_o have_v no_o good_a intention_n of_o their_o own_o get_v other_o to_o devise_v a_o relation_n for_o they_o the_o author_n may_v be_v satisfy_v there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o such_o report_n neither_o charity_n nor_o interest_n shall_v make_v we_o too_o incredulous_a but_o then_o he_o pass_v a_o severe_a sentence_n on_o such_o liar_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o they_o true_o deserve_v iâ—_n in_o their_o relation_n they_o pretend_v to_o tell_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o if_o they_o so_o much_o as_o suggest_v it_o to_o be_v their_o own_o devise_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o material_a who_o compose_v it_o if_o they_o can_v conscientious_o subscribe_v to_o it_o and_o indeed_o a_o general_n form_n may_v be_v best_a of_o all_o in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v we_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o we_o not_o only_o believe_v with_o our_o author_n that_o such_o as_o delude_v the_o church_n by_o bring_v relation_n not_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v do_v exceed_o provoke_v the_o lord_n but_o also_o that_o the_o imposer_n of_o they_o as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n do_v so_o too_o qâ—_n 5._o have_v tâ—â—_n church_n covenant_n as_o common_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n any_o scripture_n foundation_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o question_n the_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o it_o love_n much_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o dark_a we_o confess_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o those_o word_n as_o common_o practise_v and_o solomon_n have_v long_o ago_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o answer_v a_o matter_n before_o he_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o shame_n to_o he_o the_o reverend_a author_n know_v we_o suppose_v or_o if_o he_o do_v we_o do_v that_o in_o some_o church_n of_o n._n e._n they_o have_v no_o church_n covenant_n at_o all_o and_o that_o in_o other_o church_n it_o be_v different_o p_o 〈…〉_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o only_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o perform_v by_o his_o grace_n the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o our_o christian_a bâ—eâ—â—â—en_n &_o according_o â—o_o propose_n it_o other_o mean_v by_o it_o a_o covenant_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o till_o by_o their_o consent_n dismiss_v other_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o order_n to_o a_o person_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n either_o there_o or_o else_o where_o and_o other_o have_v notion_n of_o it_o quite_o different_a from_o all_o these_o the_o reverend_a author_n first_o bear_v we_o down_o with_o a_o formidable_a authority_n tell_v we_o the_o question_n be_v consider_v at_o a_o general_n convention_n of_o the_o minister_n may_n 1â—98_n and_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n then_o present_a save_o one_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o affirmative_a but_o we_o have_v hear_v qâ—â—te_o otherwise_o and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v and_o urge_v to_o have_v the_o church_n covenant_n more_o distinct_o open_v though_o it_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o be_v a_o good_a policy_n to_o hurry_v on_o a_o vote_n their_o cause_n depend_v on_o and_o like_o a_o first_o principle_n it_o must_v not_o be_v deliberate_v or_o debate_v and_o such_o as_o we_o hear_v be_v the_o mannagement_n of_o that_o vote_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o reverend_a author_n avoid_v whether_o industâ—iousty_a or_o no_o we_o shall_v not_o guess_v to_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o confuse_o say_v as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n in_o the_o preface_n we_o have_v the_o author_n own_o description_n of_o this_o covenant_n where_o he_o call_v it_o explicit_a covenant_v with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o sometime_o with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n but_o we_o renew_v our_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o most_o miserable_o in_o the_o dark_a it_o may_v be_v inquire_v here_o whether_o it_o be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n one_o with_o god_n and_o the_o other_o with_o his_o people_n iâ—_n so_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a church_n covenant_n if_o but_o one_o whether_o it_o bind_v the_o person_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n a_o person_n be_v dismiss_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o his_o whole_a duty_n or_o from_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o god_n and_o his_o church_n promise_n â—he_v same_o thing_n to_o the_o party_n covenant_v these_o query_n be_v offer_v only_o to_o provoke_v a_o clear_a state_n of_o the_o thing_n debate_v which_o shall_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o people_n before_o it_o be_v impose_v on_o their_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o before_o our_o author_n end_v this_o chapter_n he_o put_v another_o disguise_n and_o a_o more_o take_v face_n on_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v infatuate_a that_o the_o church_n covenant_n as_o practise_v in_o new-england_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o a_o holy_a lâ—â—â—_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v both_o synod_n and_o several_a private_a reverend_a man_n name_n but_o this_o unfair_a deal_n may_v be_v strip_v of_o its_o disguise_n by_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o allow_v a_o church_n covenant_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o allow_v it_o not_o 1_o st_o we_o own_o and_o plead_v for_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n whereby_o a_o person_n or_o people_n become_v he_o and_o bâ—nd_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v israel_n of_o old_a to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o by_o which_o â—â—_o become_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o israel_n renew_v with_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n uncut_a 26._o 17_o 18._o to_o this_o god_n annex_v his_o seal_n circumâ—â—sion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v by_o this_o covenant_n that_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o do_v become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o this_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v constitute_v and_o we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o those_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n we_o own_o and_o which_o we_o renew_v every_o time_n we_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n psal_n 50._o 5._o and_o this_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v explicit_a open_o profess_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o abusive_a in_o nuntion_n but_o frequent_o make_v in_o a_o awful_a desk_n that_o people_n be_v against_o all_o explicit_a covenant_n or_o the_o open_a renewal_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o calumny_n that_o we_o can_v hear_v of_o it_o must_v therefore_o arise_v either_o from_o idle_a fear_n or_o some_o mischievous_a policy_n 2_o â—ly_o we_o also_o high_o approve_v of_o a_o covenant_n of_o reformation_n a_o great_a 〈…〉_o uty_n in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n and_o gross_a corruption_n of_o manner_n to_o covenant_n to_o put_v away_o these_o and_o those_o reign_a sin_n to_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v such_o particular_a duty_n as_o have_v be_v visible_o neglect_v oâ—_n this_o we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n in_o scripture_n ezra_n 10_o 3_o 5._o 3_o we_o may_v also_o allow_v a_o covenant_n between_o minister_n &_o people_n whereby_o they_o â—iâ—â—_n themselves_o to_o thâ—se_a respective_a duty_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v incumbent_n on_o they_o on_o account_n of_o that_o relation_n but_o we_o altogether_o deny_v a_o church_n covenant_n in_o the_o follow_a sense_n and_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o covenant_n entâ—â—ed_v into_o by_o some_o person_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n exclusive_a of_o the_o rest_n whereby_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n one_o with_o another_o shall_v thereby_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o they_o to_o depend_v on_o this_o covenant_n so_o that_o those_o who_o scruple_n it_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o it_o shall_v on_o that_o