church_n church_n officer_n or_o member_n see_v answer_n to_o question_v 13._o therefore_o they_o make_v desperate_a snare_n for_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o that_o say_v none_o may_v be_v officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v real_o convert_v one_o 13._o god_n approve_a saul_n and_o jehu_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o kingdom_n though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v their_o person_n or_o way_n of_o administer_a their_o kingdom_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o question_v 15._o so_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n approve_v some_o man_n to_o be_v admit_v officer_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o person_n and_o way_n he_o do_v not_o approve_v 14._o it_o can_v be_v make_v good_a by_o scripture-light_n that_o none_o have_v right_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n declare_v the_o same_o see_v answer_n to_o the_o last_o question_n therefore_o to_o reject_v any_o for_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o form_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n question_v 1_o whither_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o a_o true_a constitution_n answ_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o have_v any_o true_a constitution_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n be_v a_o rash_a and_o a_o false_a speech_n rash_a for_o can_v you_o say_v it_o or_o do_v you_o know_v it_o because_o you_o be_v then_o bear_v or_o because_o the_o number_n of_o your_o day_n be_v great_a as_o god_n question_v with_o job_n in_o another_o case_n job_n 38.21_o or_o have_v you_o find_v such_o a_o matter_n by_o read_v of_o ancient_a record_n and_o story_n if_o you_o dare_v credit_v they_o as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o credit_n that_o live_v near_o those_o time_n and_o have_v the_o view_n of_o ancient_a record_n than_o some_o of_o your_o late_a book_n who_o speak_v either_o out_o of_o partiality_n to_o rome_n as_o the_o jesuit_n or_o out_o of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o rigid_a separatist_n do_v but_o those_o ancient_a record_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o england_n receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o simon_n zelotes_n and_o other_o of_o those_o primitive_a apostolic_a saint_n who_o doubtless_o plant_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o antichrist_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o apostle_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n pag._n 186._o line_n 3._o therefore_o to_o say_v the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o have_v a_o true_a constitution_n be_v not_o only_o rash_a but_o falsâ—_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v at_o the_o first_o mr._n cotton_v way_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 111._o line_n 26._o quest_n 2._o but_o have_v nâ—t_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v woeful_o corrupt_v since_o by_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o innovation_n answ_n 1._o yes_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a estate_n than_o the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o israel_n under_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o successor_n especial_o under_o ahab_n and_o iâ—sabel_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o time_n succeed_v they_o when_o yet_o god_n own_v they_o for_o his_o church_n and_o their_o circumcision_n be_v not_o a_o nullity_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n pag._n 187._o line_n 9_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n now_o in_o be_v most_o of_o their_o member_n have_v their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n seal_v in_o baptism_n for_o many_o child_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o pastor_n be_v by_o office_n a_o pastor_n and_o who_o conversion_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v and_o intend_v mr._n cotton_n of_o holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 51._o line_n 21._o and_o their_o baptism_n seal_v to_o they_o their_o initiation_n into_o church-membership_a ibi._n pag._n 96._o line_n 31._o quest_n 3._o but_o they_o who_o be_v now_o church-member_n be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o they_o that_o be_v their_o forefather_n be_v bap_n ize_v under_o antichrist_n and_o so_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o stone_n lie_v in_o antichrist_n foundation_n and_o how_o can_v this_o give_v right_a of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n the_o baptism_n of_o believer_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n be_v no_o more_o a_o stone_n lie_v in_o antichrist_n foundation_n then_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n three_o person_n in_o one_o god_n into_o which_o we_o and_o our_o child_n be_v baptize_v that_o and_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n they_o be_v in_o rome_n but_o as_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v in_o babylon_n reserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n after_o their_o return_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n pag._n 163._o line_n 28._o quest_n 4._o but_o to_o the_o true_a and_o right_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a be_v it_o not_o answ_n 1_o that_o be_v do_v in_o king_n edward_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o whereas_o they_o say_v our_o church_n be_v but_o a_o parliament_n constitution_n that_o do_v not_o weaken_v but_o establish_v our_o church_n mr._n cotton_n on_o the_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n 2_o chap._n 19_o vers_fw-la page_n 157._o line_n 43_o 44_o amp_n c._n 2._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v covenant_n be_v keâ—t_v where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o a_o company_n of_o faithful_a person_n to_o meet_v constant_o together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n which_o agreement_n and_o consent_n they_o do_v express_v by_o their_o constant_a practice_n of_o come_v together_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n their_o platform_n of_o church_n discipline_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new_a england_n chap._n 4._o sect_n 4._o 3._o the_o people_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n where_o there_o be_v a_o minister_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o patron_n or_o bishop_n they_o constant_o hold_v they_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o people_n of_o such_o a_o place_n attend_v all_o the_o ordinance_n there_o use_v and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o minister_n so_o impose_v upon_o they_o submit_v thereunto_o perform_v all_o service_n that_o may_v give_v countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o his_o person_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n by_o such_o action_n and_o a_o fix_a attendance_n upon_o all_o such_o service_n they_o declare_v that_o consent_n and_o covenant_n by_o their_o practice_n which_o other_o do_v hold_v forth_o by_o public_a profession_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 1._o pag._n 47._o line_n 36._o quest_n 5._o what_o then_o be_v the_o work_n that_o be_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answ_n the_o work_n which_o be_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o to_o make_v church_n where_o there_o be_v none_o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o first_o primitive_a institution_n mr._n cotton_n way_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 151._o line_n ult_n hitherto_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n now_o out_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v also_o draw_v some_o few_o plain_a position_n with_o some_o inference_n 1._o to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o have_v a_o true_a constitution_n be_v a_o rash_a and_o false_a speech_n see_v chapter_n 2._o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n 2._o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o innovation_n that_o have_v overgrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o nullify_v the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o see_v chapter_n 2._o answer_v to_o question_v 2._o 3._o the_o baptism_n administer_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o antichristian_a then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n see_v chapter_n 2._o answer_v to_o question_v the_o three_o therefore_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o refuse_v to_o be_v present_a in_o our_o assembly_n when_o baptism_n be_v administer_v 4._o not_o only_o baptism_n but_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n be_v reserve_v in_o rome_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o babylon_n see_v chap._n 2._o answer_n to_o quest_n 3._o thence_o quere_z why_o not_o ordination_n reserve_v there_o for_o the_o church_n use_v as_o well_o as_o baptism_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o antichristian_a then_o baptism_n 5._o the_o
faith_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n page_n 57_o line_n 31._o 2._o god_n may_v approve_v a_o man_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n who_o person_n he_o approve_v not_o mr._n cotton_n infant_n bapt._n page_n 66._o line_n 39_o 3._o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v man_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n another_o thing_n to_o approve_v they_o in_o the_o covenant_n god_n he_o do_v never_o approve_v saul_n nor_o jehu_n in_o their_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o approve_v both_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o their_o kingdom_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n page_n 68_o line_n 19_o object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v john_n 4._o that_o god_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n therefore_o none_o but_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o say_v act_v 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o save_v man_n as_o some_o translate_v it_o therefore_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v say_v god_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v god_n find_v such_o in_o every_o church_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n page_n 103._o line_n 35._o much_o less_o none_n but_o such_o 2._o it_o be_v say_v act_v 2._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o add_v none_o other_o be_v not_o ananias_n and_o sapphyra_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o simon_n magus_n also_o who_o yet_o for_o aught_o appear_v be_v none_o of_o they_o save_v mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n page_n 67._o line_n 35._o object_n but_o as_o none_o invisible_o before_o god_n be_v by_o he_o approve_v at_o all_o to_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o as_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o son_n no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o before_o man_n visible_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o the_o same_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n declare_v the_o same_o answ_n if_o you_o mean_v by_o grace_n save_v grace_n it_o be_v true_a none_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o save_a grace_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o as_o god_n look_v at_o they_o in_o his_o son_n either_o by_o faith_n or_o by_o election_n unto_o faith_n if_o you_o mean_v by_o grace_n the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o seal_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a none_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n either_o by_o faith_n or_o by_o election_n unto_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n in_o which_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o seed_n be_v in_o christ_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n or_o olive_n and_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o for_o want_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o he_o mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt_v p._n 55._o l._n 28_o etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o when_o you_o say_v none_o have_v right_a to_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n declare_v the_o same_o that_o you_o can_v make_v good_a from_o scripture-light_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt_v p._n 56._o l._n 1_o etc._n etc._n hitherto_o of_o church_n matter_n and_o church-member_n now_o out_o of_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v i_o draw_v these_o plain_a position_n with_o some_o inference_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o new_a do_v not_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o qualification_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o member_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a 2._o sole_a want_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o church-membership_a unless_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n do_v accompany_v it_o see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o and_o three_o question_n therefore_o no_o man_n may_v be_v deny_v membership_n because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o discretion_n thar_z he_o have_v true_a save_a grace_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v saint_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a call_n not_o inward_a inherent_a grace_n see_v answer_n to_o the_o four_o the_o question_n 4._o the_o holiness_n from_o which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v denominate_v saint_n be_v not_o by_o imputation_n or_o regeneration_n but_o by_o separation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 5._o according_a to_o which_o saul_n and_o judas_n and_o demas_n may_v be_v denominate_v saint_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o all_o assembly_n of_o people_n thus_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v church_n of_o saint_n and_o one_o church_n may_v not_o say_v unto_o another_o stand_z apart_z from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o 5._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n separate_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o other_o people_n set_v they_o apart_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o holy_a worship_n give_v they_o right_o to_o holy_a privilege_n denominate_v they_o holy_a or_o saint_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o question_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o any_o other_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o give_v church_n membership_n 6._o neither_o faith_n nor_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o bring_n of_o man_n outward_o into_o covenant_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o quest_n 7_o 8._o therefore_o a_o explicit_a consent_n be_v not_o require_v to_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n 7._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v apply_v to_o man_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v see_v answer_n to_o question_v 7._o and_o 9_o therefore_o by_o a_o like_a reason_n man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v commensurate_a 8._o though_o christ_n be_v a_o live_a head_n yet_o he_o count_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o admit_v of_o dead_a member_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o mystical_a body_n as_o know_v how_o to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o or_o by_o dead_a member_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 10._o and_o though_o christ_n be_v spiritual_a yet_o he_o do_v not_o despise_v to_o take_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o those_o that_o be_v but_o natural_a see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o 11._o quest_n therefore_o they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o despise_v and_o depart_v from_o church_n assembly_n and_o communion_n because_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o spiritual_a and_o have_v nor_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n 9_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o present_o marry_v to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v answer_n to_o question_v 11._o 10._o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o admission_n unto_o church-membership_a be_v only_o require_v of_o those_o that_o from_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v convert_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n be_v admit_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o their_o baptism_n seal_v to_o they_o their_o initiation_n into_o church-membership_a see_v answer_n to_o question_v 12._o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o injury_n do_v to_o any_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n to_o deny_v they_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n 11._o it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v require_v in_o church-member_n see_v answer_n to_o question_v 13._o therefore_o it_o be_v irregular_a to_o put_v people_n upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n 12._o it_o be_v a_o inextricable_a perplexity_n to_o suspend_v the_o essence_n and_o validity_n of_o church_n and_o church_n administration_n upon_o the_o hide_a sincerity_n of_o
of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n pag._n 134._o line_n 12._o and_o this_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n hitherto_o of_o church-state_n now_o to_o draw_v some_o brief_a position_n and_o inference_n from_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o faithful_a congregation_n of_o england_n be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n see_v chap._n 3._o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v depart_v from_o nor_o their_o communion_n to_o be_v desipise_v 2._o where_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v due_o administer_v there_o be_v a_o faithful_a congregation_n a_o true_a church_n see_v chap._n 3._o quest_n 2._o answer_v the_o first_o therefore_o such_o a_o congregation_n may_v challenge_v from_o every_o member_n of_o it_o what_o ever_o duty_n be_v owe_v to_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v preserve_v though_o there_o be_v find_v in_o it_o some_o hypocry_n and_o some_o notorious_o scandalous_a both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n see_v chapter_n 3._o quest_n 2._o answ_n 4._o 4._o though_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v make_v but_o a_o ignorant_a hypocritical_a verbal_a profession_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o yet_o there_o remain_v not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n so_o far_o that_o the_o action_n thereof_o be_v not_o null_a see_v chap._n 3._o quest_n 2._o answ_n 5._o therefore_o quere_z whither_o there_o be_v any_o congregation_n in_o england_n so_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o this_o position_n 5._o promise_v make_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v make_v to_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o be_v therein_o see_v chap._n 3._o answ_n 11._o quest_n 3._o 6._o god_n allow_v none_o tote_n cast_v out_o of_o his_o church_n but_o for_o obstinacy_n and_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n see_v chap._n 3._o answer_n to_o question_v 4._o 7._o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o full_a communion_n till_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n so_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o suffer_v to_o enjoy_v many_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n as_o church-watch_n etc._n etc._n for_o their_o heal_n and_o amendment_n chap._n 3._o quest_n 5._o therefore_o the_o more_o injurious_a they_o who_o cast_v off_o some_o hundred_o of_o baptize_v once_o in_o their_o congregtion_n and_o surfer_v neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n to_o enjoy_v any_o more_o church-privilege_n than_o mere_a turk_n or_o heathen_n chap._n iu._n of_o church-officer_n and_o their_o ordination_n question_n 1._o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n though_o officer_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o simple_a be_v of_o church_n when_o they_o be_v call_v e._n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n yet_o ordinary_o to_o their_o call_n they_o be_v and_o to_o their_o well-being_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v officer_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v useful_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 6._o sect_n 2._o quest_n 2._o what_o officer_n then_o have_v christ_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n these_o officer_n be_v either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a extraordinary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n or_o ordinary_a as_o elder_n and_o deacon_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 6._o sect_n 3._o quest_n 3._o how_o many_o sort_n of_o elder_n have_v christ_n appoint_v in_o his_o church_n answ_n of_o elder_n who_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n e._n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n some_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n other_o attend_v especial_o unto_o rule_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v ruling-elders_a platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 6._o sect_n 4._o quest_n 4._o have_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n a_o like_a power_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n answ_n they_o be_v alike_o charge_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n e._n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o and_o either_o of_o they_o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o the_o dispensation_n whereof_o they_o be_v alike_o call_v as_o also_o to_o execute_v the_o censure_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o application_n of_o the_o word_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 6._o sect_n 5._o quest_n 5._o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o outward_a call_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o a_o staple_n rule_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o hooker_n mr._n hooker_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v be_v aaron_n heb._n 5.9_o mr._n hooker_n surney_n of_o discipline_n part_n 2._o pag._n 42._o line_n 33._o 2._o without_o this_o call_v none_o can_v warrantable_o do_v any_o act_n that_o belong_v to_o any_o officer_n ibid._n pag._n 45._o line_n 28._o 3._o without_o this_o whatever_o be_v do_v in_o that_o behalf_n be_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n ibid._n line_n 30._o quest_n 6._o may_v none_o then_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n answ_n we_o be_v far_o from_o allow_v that_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o to_o our_o grief_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o some_o place_n that_o private_a christian_n ordinary_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n public_o and_o to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 6._o line_n 33._o it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o begin_v to_o labour_v with_o the_o loathsomnesse_n of_o itself_o that_o any_o christian_n gift_v who_o can_v teach_v or_o minister_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n to_o win_v a_o disciple_n after_o he_o that_o he_o in_o a_o corner_n may_v baptize_v he_o also_o who_o he_o have_v win_v to_o his_o opinion_n but_o as_o paul_n say_v of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n their_o madness_n be_v make_v appear_v to_o all_o who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v in_o its_o beauty_n for_o if_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o kingly_a care_n conceive_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o appoint_v choice_a man_n and_o solemn_a ordination_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o the_o work_n that_o they_o be_v call_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o work_n may_v be_v accept_v therein_o of_o the_o people_n and_o bless_v of_o he_o who_o do_v appoint_v they_o to_o the_o employment_n in_o reason_n what_o great_a need_n be_v there_o that_o person_n who_o be_v peculiar_o gift_v and_o furnish_v with_o grace_n and_o abitity_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o this_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o dispense_n these_o holy_a mystery_n a_o service_n above_o all_o other_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o a_o flame_a sword_n do_v stop_v the_o way_n to_o all_o pretender_n and_o therefore_o lay_v in_o this_o prohibition_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o aaron_n he_o must_v have_v a_o special_a call_n from_o god_n who_o must_v dare_v to_o meddle_v with_o a_o service_n which_o be_v of_o such_o peculiar_a eminence_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v appropriate_v this_o and_o that_o to_o some_o person_n who_o he_o put_v in_o place_n he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes_n 4.11_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o governor_n be_v all_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o this_o will_v bring_v confusion_n and_o so_o destruction_n to_o the_o whole_a mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_n 3._o pag._n 9_o line_n 8_o etc._n etc._n and_o part_v 2._o page_n 42._o line_n 23._o object_n 1._o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.31_o say_v you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v answ_n 1._o that_o place_n in_o the_o cornith_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a private_a member_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o of_o man_n furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o
and_o therefore_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o penitent_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o they_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o will_v not_o have_v a_o offender_n present_v himself_o nor_o his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n while_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o his_o brother_n lie_v upon_o he_o mat._n 5.23_o 24._o or_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o law_n do_v forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n while_o they_o lie_v in_o uncleanness_n leu._n 22._o 3_o 4._o or_o as_o one_o who_o lie_v in_o his_o uncleanness_n do_v rather_o pollute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o than_o receive_v any_o holiness_n from_o it_o mr._n cotton_v way_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 91._o line_n 26._o object_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n this_o be_v not_o a_o church_n censure_n answ_n if_o the_o church_n discern_v the_o offend_a brother_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v but_o not_o yet_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o offence_n as_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n they_o be_v to_o dispense_v to_o he_o a_o public_a admonition_n with_o declare_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v under_o the_o public_a offence_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v thereby_o withhold_v or_o suspend_v he_o from_o the_o holy_a fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o his_o offence_n be_v remove_v by_o penitent_a confession_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n cap._n 14._o sect_n 2._o and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o sâ—spensio_fw-la per_fw-la modum_fw-la censurae_fw-la hitherto_o of_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n now_o out_o of_o these_o particular_n draw_v we_o these_o position_n with_o inference_n thereupon_o 1._o church-government_n or_o rule_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therefore_o be_v call_v ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o the_o seat_n or_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o power_n 2._o the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v unalterable_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o they_o who_o believe_v roll_a elder_n to_o be_v essential_o of_o government_n and_o yet_o constitute_v none_o in_o their_o church_n live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n contrary_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n 3._o church_n censure_n be_v christ_n appointment_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o and_o can_v be_v dispense_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o without_o ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o q._n 19_o therefore_o church_n that_o have_v no_o ruler_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v observe_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o appoinment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o petty_a matter_n and_o small_a aberration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o excommunication_n but_o such_o evil_n as_o be_v either_o heinous_a and_o abominable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v condemn_v in_o any_o upon_o the_o first_o serious_a consideration_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 20_o 21._o 5._o offence_n be_v not_o immediate_o and_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n but_o first_o to_o the_o elder_n to_o be_v consider_v debate_v ripen_v by_o they_o receive_v as_o serious_a and_o weighty_a or_o reject_v as_o slight_v and_o frivolous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 11._o and_o therefore_o that_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a step_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o brethren_n and_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v not_o tell_v the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n but_o tell_v the_o elder_n 6._o the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v in_o censure_n it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n but_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o jury_n the_o eldership_n be_v as_o the_o judge_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16._o 7._o the_o church_n bind_v and_o lose_v only_o by_o consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o consent_n of_o they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v manifest_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 18._o 8._o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o difference_n it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o crave_v the_o help_n and_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_a church_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 19_o 9_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church-member_n some_o complete_a who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n some_o incompleate_a who_o have_v receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church-priviledge_n till_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o trial_n and_o have_v receive_v approbation_n of_o their_o fitness_n for_o those_o enjoyment_n a_o offend_a brother_n lie_v under_o public_a admonition_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n before_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v therefore_o suspension_n be_v a_o censure_n distinct_a from_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n chap._n vi_o of_o combination_n or_o consotiation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n or_o synod_n question_v 1_o whither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o join_v together_o in_o consotiation_n on_o combination_n of_o church_n answ_n though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consotiation_n so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n though_o the_o print_a copy_n say_v consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54._o line_n 27._o quest_n 2._o why_o do_v some_o say_v this_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v useful_a answ_n the_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o useful_a serve_v not_o alone_a to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o settle_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_o mind_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o hooker_n mr._n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 1._o line_n 2._o when_o many_o and_o those_o select_a and_o eminent_a lay_v the_o best_a of_o their_o ability_n together_o improve_v their_o part_n and_o prayer_n disquisition_n consultation_n determination_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o their_o eternal_a peace_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 2._o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v you_o say_v it_o be_v safe_a answ_n it_o be_v safe_a for_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o mr._n cotton_v keys_n pag._n 55._o line_n 4._o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n force_v man_n out_o of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o experience_n to_o confess_v this_o that_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n et_fw-la plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o issue_n of_o the_o council_n evidence_v as_o much_o act._n 16.4_o 5._o they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o faith_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 9_o quest_n 4._o but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_v of_o such_o consotiation_n answ_n though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o
be_v prefer_v before_o obedience_n to_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a though_o therefore_o a_o hoof_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ten_o thousand_o of_o israel_n yet_o when_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v more_o endanger_v by_o the_o want_n of_o public_a order_n than_o by_o the_o present_v not_o observe_v of_o some_o affirmative_a command_n not_o fundamental_a we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o public_a order_n than_o to_o the_o present_a obedience_n of_o such_o a_o command_n 5._o therefore_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o such_o order_n but_o yet_o without_o sin_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n pag._n 118.119_o quest_n 18._o but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v answ_n 1._o the_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v norton_n mr._n norton_n but_o the_o church_n be_v modest_o and_o peaceable_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o effor_o be_v never_o to_o be_v approve_v though_o for_o awhile_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v 3._o wise_o and_o patient_o we_o must_v wait_v in_o our_o station_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o mean_n till_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a season_n shall_v reveal_v the_o truth_n mr._n norton_n against_o apollonius_n page_n 119._o line_n 30._o quest_n 19_o have_v all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n equal_a power_n answ_n a_o synod_n consist_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o do_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n their_o power_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o distinct_a the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n the_o power_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o authority_n the_o brethren_n have_v first_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christianly_o among_o the_o elder_n so_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15.7_o 12._o second_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o three_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodal_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n act_v 13._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o 29._o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o appear_v act_v 16.4_o so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 26._o line_n 1._o quest_n 20._o whether_o may_v a_o person_n or_o person_n wrong_v by_o particular_a church_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o not_o for_o redress_v answ_n there_o be_v a_o right_a of_o appeal_n in_o weighty_a cause_n from_o a_o inferior_a to_o a_o superior_a sentence_n norton_n mr._n norton_n and_o see_v that_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o among_o ecclesiastical_a person_n many_o difference_n do_v arise_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o right_n of_o appeal_n must_v be_v grant_v there_o appeal_n be_v of_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v judge_n mr._n nortons_n answer_n to_o apoll._n 3._o pag._n 112._o line_n antepenult_n &_o page_n 114._o hitherto_o of_o the_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o of_o synod_n and_o their_o power_n now_o from_o these_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v let_v we_o draw_v some_o position_n with_o their_o inference_n first_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o church_n affair_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n about_o they_o see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o hence_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o if_o a_o express_a consent_n and_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n then_o these_o particular_a church_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n not_o representatiuè_a &_o impropriè_fw-la but_o true_o and_o proper_o have_v the_o true_a formale_a of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o that_o essentiam_fw-la 2._o if_o they_o have_v thus_o covenant_v together_o to_o transact_v thing_n by_o common_a consent_n than_o every_o church_n of_o the_o consociation_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o the_o fraternity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o wit_n of_o consent_v or_o of_o dissent_v 3._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o their_o affair_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n then_o quere_z whether_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v for_o 4._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o any_o person_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o weight_n as_o doubtless_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n to_o satan_n be_v and_o also_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n he_o that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o will_v it_o not_o from_o the_o concession_n follow_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v excommunicate_v a_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_v church_n 2._o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v safe_a useful_a and_o wholesome_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 2.3_o 5_o 8._o they_o therefore_o who_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o other_o church_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v let_v these_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n 3._o even_o the_o strong_a and_o best_a church_n have_v need_n of_o association_n first_o that_o they_o may_v help_v the_o weak_a for_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o second_o for_o themselves_o for_o the_o best_a may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o for_o want_v of_o association_n may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 4._o therefore_o 1._o these_o association_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v elective_a for_o then_o the_o strong_a and_o athletic_a church_n may_v combine_v together_o and_o exclude_v the_o weak_a and_o less_o athletic_a say_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o combination_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n be_v for_o church_n that_o be_v in_o vicinity_n to_o combine_v together_o 2._o if_o the_o strong_a church_n may_v need_v consociation_n to_o prevent_v degeneration_n and_o apostasy_n than_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o have_v these_o consociation_n fix_v and_o state_v not_o occasional_a only_o &_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la sero_fw-la med_a cina_fw-la paratur_fw-la quum_fw-la mala_fw-la per_fw-la long_o as_o inualuêre_fw-la moras_fw-la 4._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o not_o only_o live_v without_o this_o ordinance_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v think_v so_o to_o do_v 5._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v no_o more_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n than_o the_o consociation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o their_o apostolical_a power_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 6._o 6._o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o congregational_a church_n to_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o their_o brethren_n of_o another_o judgement_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n what_o do_v it_o declare_v but_o this_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o think_v we_o in_o our_o ministry_n work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o hinder_v our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v because_o though_o we_o do_v god_n work_v
not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v nor_o admonish_v from_o these_o or_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n or_o seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a platform_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 13._o sect_n 5._o quest_n 6._o but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v many_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o the_o church_n tolerate_v they_o in_o it_o ought_v not_o the_o godly_a to_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o such_o a_o church_n answ_n 1._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o want_n of_o some_o ordinance_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n be_v unlawful_a mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o 2._o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o nor_o to_o â—bstain_v from_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 8_o 9_o 3._o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o sundry_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o toleration_n of_o some_o open_a scandal_n do_v not_o present_o take_v away_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v separation_n present_o to_o be_v make_v from_o it_o mr._n cotton_n of_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n pag._n 2._o line_n 8._o 4._o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o godly_a in_o they_o do_v lawful_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n command_v ordinance_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o never_o teach_v nor_o practise_v separation_n from_o the_o same_o though_o unworthy_a one_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v therein_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 8._o and_o the_o apostle_n keep_v communion_n with_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n pag._n 56._o line_n 28._o and_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a cause_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 8._o quest_n 7._o but_o if_o i_o can_v go_v to_o a_o church_n that_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o where_o thing_n be_v better_o order_v and_o more_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n why_o may_v i_o not_o leave_v communion_n with_o one_o church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o as_o suppose_v i_o think_v the_o congregational_a church_n pure_a than_o the_o presbyterian_a may_v i_o not_o leave_v the_o presbyterian_a and_o join_v to_o the_o congregational_a answ_n we_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o safe_a or_o meet_v for_o any_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a church_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n forthwith_o to_o desert_n his_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n though_o he_o may_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o estate_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o 1._o for_o first_o faithfulness_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o church_n relation_n require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v first_o convince_v their_o brethren_n of_o their_o sinful_a defect_n and_o due_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n before_o they_o depart_v from_o they_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v such_o a_o course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n by_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o like_a tenderness_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n 2._o second_o by_o the_o hasty_a departure_n of_o sound_a member_n from_o a_o defective_a church_n reformation_n be_v not_o promote_v but_o many_o time_n retard_v and_o corruption_n increase_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o sincere_a member_n breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o reformation_n abide_v together_o they_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o faithful_a endeavour_n prevail_v much_o with_o their_o elder_n and_o neighbour_n towards_o a_o reformation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o that_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o own_o church_n shall_v receive_v none_o to_o the_o seal_v but_o visible_a saint_n and_o in_o the_o class_n shall_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritative_a act_n touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n but_o consultative_a only_o nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o with_o the_o consent_n silent_a consent_n at_o least_o of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o two_o thing_n if_o they_o can_v obtain_v with_o any_o holy_a humble_a meek_a faithful_a endeavour_n we_o conceive_v they_o may_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n find_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o continue_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o presbyterian_a church_n without_o scruple_n platform_n of_o discipline_n preface_n pag._n 5._o line_n i_o object_n but_o we_o scruple_n not_o only_o these_o but_o many_o other_o thing_n as_o first_o your_o minister_n many_o of_o they_o have_v their_o ordination_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o they_o from_o rome_n and_o so_o your_o ministry_n be_v antichristian_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n which_o be_v a_o power_n foreign_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o the_o church_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v answ_n first_o for_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n take_v it_o thus_o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o power_n whereby_o the_o minister_n in_o england_n do_v administer_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v either_o spiritual_a and_o proper_a essential_a to_o their_o call_n or_o adventitious_a or_o accidental_a the_o former_a they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n by_o a_o twofold_a act_n of_o he_o first_o he_o have_v furnish_v many_o of_o they_o with_o ministerial_a gift_n second_o he_o have_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o as_o in_o many_o parish_n in_o the_o city_n and_o in_o sundry_a market-town_n and_o elsewhere_o or_o at_o least_o to_o accept_v they_o and_o submit_v to_o they_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o patron_n the_o latter_a power_n which_o be_v adventitious_a and_o accidental_a that_o which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o patron_n who_o present_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o from_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v and_o license_v they_o to_o minister_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o people_n this_o power_n though_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o adventitious_a and_o accidental_a for_o the_o minister_n power_n be_v complete_a without_o it_o and_o it_o be_v also_o usurp_v for_o neither_o have_v the_o law_n lawful_a power_n from_o christ_n to_o give_v such_o power_n to_o the_o patron_n and_o bishop_n neither_o have_v the_o bishop_n or_o patron_n lawful_a power_n to_o receive_v it_o neither_o can_v the_o people_n then_o choose_v their_o minister_n without_o the_o leave_n of_o their_o patron_n nor_o induct_v he_o into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o ordination_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n thus_o when_o pirate_n have_v invade_v a_o ship_n no_o man_n in_o it_o neither_o officer_n nor_o passenger_n can_v come_v by_o his_o own_o good_n but_o by_o leave_n of_o the_o pirate_n who_o upon_o their_o submission_n will_v give_v they_o their_o key_n of_o their_o own_o vessel_n and_o chest_n this_o power_n to_o come_v to_o their_o own_o good_n receive_v from_o the_o pirate_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v they_o true_a and_o proper_a right_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n and_o use_n of_o their_o own_o good_n for_o that_o right_a they_o have_v by_o a_o former_a just_a title_n which_o pirate_n can_v disannul_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o it_o be_v only_o adventitious_a and_o accidenttal_n i_o need_v not_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n the_o application_n be_v obvious_a mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n pag._n 181._o line_n 25._o and_o as_o for_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o class_n or_o presbytery_n as_o you_o call_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o ordination_n be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n and_o pertain_v to_o presbyter_n mr._n cotton_n way_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 49._o line_n 4._o and_o second_o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n so_o desire_v we_o see_v not_o why_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n.e._n chap._n 9_o sect_n 5._o quest_n 8._o may_v then_o we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o gather_v or_o constitute_v
unkindness_n or_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o which_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v etc._n etc._n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a see_v chap._n 4._o quest_n 5._o answ_n 2._o therefore_o o_o that_o those_o who_o have_v rend_v themselves_o from_o we_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o distinct_a church_n will_v be_v wiâ—ling_a to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o and_o judge_v it_o by_o this_o friendly_a glass_n and_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v unlawful_o and_o sinful_o 6._o neither_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o some_o member_n nor_o the_o toleration_n of_o open_a scandal_n nor_o want_v of_o some_o ordinance_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n therefore_o our_o brethren_n can_v allege_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o separation_n on_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v sometime_o member_n 7._o faithfulness_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o church_n relation_n require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v first_o convince_v their_o brethren_n of_o their_o sinful_a defect_n and_o due_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n before_o they_o depart_v from_o they_o for_o second_o by_o the_o hasty_a departure_n of_o sound_a member_n from_o a_o defective_a church_n reformation_n be_v not_o promote_v but_o many_o time_n retard_v chap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o let_v those_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o the_o ministry_n and_o assembly_n they_o do_v sometime_o attend_v upon_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o serious_o as_o before_o the_o lord_n consider_v whether_o they_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n where_o their_o fix_a abode_n be_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o by_o their_o hasty_a departure_n or_o by_o other_o indirect_a mean_n hinder_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o lord_n lie_v it_o not_o to_o their_o charge_n if_o for_o this_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o brethren_n 8._o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n by_o the_o bishop_n be_v adventitious_a and_o accidental_a to_o their_o call_n see_v chap._n 4._o quest_n 7._o answer_n to_o object_n 4._o therefore_o their_o ordination_n by_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o make_v their_o call_a null_n and_o void_a nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v renounce_v that_o call_v and_o put_v themselves_o upon_o a_o new_a call_n unless_o withal_o they_o change_v their_o station_n 9_o the_o difference_n between_o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v heal_v and_o there_o may_v a_o be_v a_o union_n if_o some_o distemper_n and_o carnal_a corrupt_a respect_n do_v not_o prevail_v above_o principle_n of_o judgement_n and_o love_n to_o peace_n and_o truth_n see_v chap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 8._o 10_o no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n unless_o you_o find_v in_o it_o blasphemy_n idolatry_n or_o persecution_n see_v chap._n 4._o quest_n 9_o answ_n 3._o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o crime_n be_v prove_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o have_v do_v unjust_o who_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o the_o conclusion_n and_o now_o brethren_n if_o i_o can_v with_o jotham_n get_v up_o into_o some_o mount_n gerizim_n where_o i_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o not_o see_v or_o at_o least_o where_o i_o may_v be_v extra_fw-la jactum_fw-la lapidum_fw-la i_o will_v speak_v plain_o to_o you_o and_o not_o as_o he_o in_o parable_n and_o i_o will_v numble_o and_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n desire_v you_o to_o give_v not_o i_o but_o the_o christian_a world_n some_o conscientious_a and_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o your_o depart_n and_o yet_o continue_v so_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n into_o which_o you_o be_v baptize_v wherein_o you_o be_v convert_v which_o reverend_a mr._n cotton_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o say_v we_o can_v we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o and_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v mr._n cotton_n let_v print_n a._n 1641._o pag._n 3._o line_n 27._o the_o most_o of_o you_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o whereof_o many_o of_o you_o be_v sometime_o minister_n yet_o now_o you_o have_v not_o only_o make_v a_o negative_a secession_n from_o they_o but_o a_o positive_a and_o have_v draw_v and_o cull_v out_o of_o those_o congregation_n who_o yet_o you_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a church_n as_o many_o of_o the_o choice_a member_n as_o you_o can_v and_o gather_v they_o as_o you_o speak_v into_o church_n not_o only_o distinct_a from_o but_o opposite_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o nation_n i_o say_v opposite_a for_o very_o if_o you_o live_v among_o papist_n or_o jew_n you_o can_v scarce_o show_v a_o great_a opposition_n or_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o worship_n than_o you_o do_v of_o these_o some_o of_o you_o may_v be_v will_v hear_v some_o of_o their_o minister_n sometime_o preach_v though_o other_o of_o you_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v that_o so_o some_o of_o you_o have_v hear_v a_o rabbi_n in_o a_o jewish_a synagogue_n you_o know_v this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n you_o know_v you_o hear_v they_o equivocal_o not_o as_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o gift_a brethren_n but_o who_o of_o you_o will_v break_v bread_n in_o their_o assembly_n though_o the_o principal_a leader_n of_o your_o way_n have_v give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n see_v pap._n of_o accommodat_fw-la first_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o since_o to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o who_o of_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v your_o presence_n at_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n in_o their_o church_n let_v it_o be_v the_o infant_n of_o never_o so_o holy_a parent_n but_o make_v as_o much_o have_v out_o of_o their_o assembly_n as_o john_n the_o evangelist_n do_v out_o of_o the_o bath_n when_o he_o hear_v cerinthus_n be_v in_o it_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o lay_v all_o these_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o at_o least_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o non_fw-fr communion_n and_o for_o this_o practice_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o hear_v any_o thing_n allege_v but_o what_o be_v here_o full_o answer_v and_o refell_v out_o of_o your_o own_o author_n 1._o if_o you_o say_v their_o church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n see_v cap_n 3._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la 2._o if_o you_o say_v these_o church_n they_o have_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o true_a church_n which_o be_v visible_a saint_n answ_n this_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o first_o for_o the_o matter_n master_n cotton_n have_v tell_v you_o chap._n 1._o quest_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o no_o other_o matter_n than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a consist_v of_o and_o what_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v you_o that_o unregeneracy_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o fruit_n as_o be_v open_o scandalous_a do_v not_o keep_v any_o from_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n to_o quest_n 3._o cap._n 1._o that_o federal_a holiness_n or_o holiness_n by_o separation_n admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n cap._n 1._o quest_n 4._o and_o that_o person_n who_o receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n prove_v notorious_o scandalous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o church-membership_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v that_o separation_n must_v not_o present_o be_v make_v be_v the_o judgement_n both_o of_o master_n hooker_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o new_a england_n see_v this_o chap._n 7._o answ_n to_o quest_n 6._o 3._o if_o you_o say_v these_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v not_o the_o right_a form_n and_o constitution_n that_o be_v express_v consent_n and_o covenant_n answ_n why_o this_o have_v be_v answer_v for_o master_n hooker_n and_o master_n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n agree_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n have_v that_o which_o do_v as_o true_o constitute_v they_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o covenant_n as_o appear_v cap._n 2._o answer_n to_o question_v 4._o see_v more_o cap._n 3._o 4._o if_o you_o say_v in_o these_o presbyterian_a church_n the_o officer_n lord_n it_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o rob_v and_o spoil_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o bequeath_v to_o they_o answ_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v already_o that_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v no_o more_o nor_o other_o power_n than_o what_o the_o brethren_n in_o
the_o presbyterian_a way_n for_o mâ—_n cotton_n say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v but_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o elder_n see_v cap._n 5._o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16._o 1._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o so_o much_o liberty_n as_o in_o the_o congregational_a for_o first_o they_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o prophesy_v answ_n master_n cotton_n and_o master_n hooker_n both_o have_v tell_v we_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o allow_v this_o liberty_n which_o some_o presume_v to_o take_v to_o themselves_o see_v before_o cap._n 4._o answer_v 〈◊〉_d question_v 6._o 2._o if_o you_o say_v they_o in_o the_o presbytery_n have_v not_o that_o liberty_n of_o consent_v or_o dissent_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n as_o the_o congregational_a have_v but_o the_o examination_n be_v take_v in_o private_a by_o the_o elder_n answ_n so_o it_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o congregational_a church_n and_o for_o some_o person_n constant_o as_o we_o have_v see_v above_o cap._n 14._o ans_fw-fr to_o quest_n 14_o 15._o 3._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o the_o same_o liberty_n and_o power_n in_o censure_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o congregational_a answ_n yea_o the_o same_o for_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v not_o power_n to_o receive_v complaint_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v and_o examine_v witness_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o and_o among_o the_o elder_n second_o the_o elder_n they_o make_v report_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n and_o withal_o declare_v what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o censure_v or_o not_o censure_v of_o the_o person_n three_o the_o people_n they_o upon_o this_o relation_n judge_v of_o the_o whole_a but_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n four_o they_o thus_o judge_v bound_v the_o offender_n by_o consent_n not_o authority_n five_o this_o consent_n be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n not_o of_o power_n all_o these_o we_o have_v see_v clear_o assert_v cap._n 5._o in_o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o now_o all_o this_o the_o brethren_n may_v and_o do_v enjoy_v and_o exercise_v in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n if_o you_o say_v brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n can_v excommunicate_v without_o their_o officer_n answ_n no_o more_o may_v they_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o appear_v cap._n 3._o answ_n to_o quest_n 20._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o congregational_a answ_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n they_o have_v and_o the_o practice_n be_v so_o in_o france_n netherlands_o geneva_n scotland_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o england_n it_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v yet_o invest_v the_o patron_n with_o a_o power_n of_o nominate_v and_o present_v a_o minister_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v their_o vote_n in_o choose_v the_o other_o officer_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a affirm_v and_o they_o grant_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o teach_a elder_n much_o more_o beside_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o england_n that_o do_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n can_v depose_v their_o minister_n or_o other_o officer_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n answer_n no_o more_o may_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n regular_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o assertion_n see_v cap._n 6._o quest_n 1.13_o 14._o if_o you_o say_v these_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v ordinance_n that_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n as_o 1._o they_o examine_v those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n although_o they_o own_v they_o for_o member_n answ_n yet_o they_o nowhere_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o prudential_a practice_n which_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n own_o and_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o see_v cap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15._o 2._o if_o you_o say_v the_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v suspension_n of_o person_n not_o excommunicate_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n answ_n they_o own_o and_o use_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v as_o appear_v cap._n 3_o answer_n to_o quest_n 22_o 23._o if_o you_o say_v they_o have_v class_n and_o synod_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v the_o congregational_a church_n own_o they_o for_o such_o and_o ascribe_v more_o than_o a_o consultative_a power_n to_o they_o see_v cap._n 6._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la if_o you_o except_v against_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o minister_n see_v cap._n 7._o quest_n 7._o answ_n to_o the_o objection_n if_o you_o say_v their-churche_n be_v true_a church_n but_o not_o pure_a you_o have_v pure_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n i_o answer_v these_o be_v indeed_o the_o device_n whereby_o people_n be_v draw_v away_o from_o they_o to_o you_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o tell_v we_o particular_o what_o ordinance_n have_v you_o pure_a than_o your_o brethren_n be_v the_o word_n more_o pure_o preach_v among_o you_o than_o among_o they_o come_v the_o gospel_n forth_o from_o you_o or_o come_v it_o unto_o you_o only_o be_v there_o pure_a prayer_n and_o pure_a sacrament_n among_o you_o than_o among_o they_o do_v not_o they_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a jehovah_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o you_o do_v abhor_v and_o renounce_v all_o other_o object_n and_o mean_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o they_o baptise_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o you_o do_v do_v not_o they_o break_v the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o cup_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n as_o you_o do_v where_o then_o or_o what_o be_v these_o pure_a ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v more_o than_o your_o brethren_n and_o for_o the_o purity_n of_o your_o church_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o answer_v as_o our_o reform_a divine_n answer_v the_o like_a cavil_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o brownist_n by_o recrimination_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v be_v there_o not_o with_o you_o even_o with_o you_o also_o sinner_n against_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o for_o answer_v to_o your_o own_o friend_n cap._n 1._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o cap._n 7._o quest_n 6_o 7._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o have_v make_v and_o do_v yet_o continue_v this_o sad_a division_n and_o if_o you_o have_v no_o other_o than_o these_o as_o i_o think_v you_o have_v not_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v and_o overthrow_v by_o your_o own_o concession_n and_o let_v i_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o once_o again_o in_o the_o word_n of_o jotham_n harken_v to_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v to_o you_o you_o have_v be_v study_v the_o purity_n of_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a apex_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v beyond_o there_o may_v be_v a_o purity_n supra_fw-la statutum_fw-la as_o well_o as_o a_o devotion_n but_o o_o that_o you_o will_v study_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o these_o of_o your_o own_o idea_n and_o platform_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o much_o complain_n of_o rigid_a presbyterian_o do_v not_o you_o derive_v that_o title_n of_o rigid_a to_o yourselves_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o peace_n in_o their_o several_a model_n of_o association_n publish_v by_o several_a country_n to_o which_o these_o collection_n out_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n come_v so_o near_o that_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o come_v in_o and_o unite_v especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o we_o have_v see_v already_o such_o ill_a fruit_n of_o our_o division_n and_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v yet_o worse_o the_o rigidness_n will_v lie_v at_o your_o door_n see_v your_o brethren_n and_o you_o agree_v in_o faith_n and_o worship_n why_o shall_v you_o live_v like_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n like_o protestant_n and_o papist_n like_a lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n know_v you_o not_o it_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n why_o see_v yourselves_o be_v convince_v and_o have_v declare_v that_o member_n of_o reform_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o principle_n respective_o and_o communion_n with_o presbyterian_o may_v consist_v with_o your_o principle_n at_o least_o it_o do_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o from_o who_o you_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o principle_n of_o your_o way_n why_o shall_v you_o yet_o abhor_v their_o communion_n if_o you_o do_v judge_v whether_o your_o own_o mouth_n and_o hand_n have_v not_o condemn_v you_o harken_v therefore_o to_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v unto_o you_o or_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o yet_o hark_v to_o irenaeus_n lib._n 4._o adv_n haeres_fw-la cap._n 4._o probatio_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la contradictioni_fw-la obnoxia_fw-la quae_fw-la etiam_fw-la ab_fw-la adversary_n ipsis_fw-la symbola_fw-la testificationis_fw-la profert_fw-la i._n e._n that_o be_v a_o true_a proof_n and_o not_o to_o be_v contradict_v that_o bring_v forth_o the_o testimony_n even_o of_o the_o adversary_n harken_v to_o basil_n homil_n in_o chr._n nativ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n the_o witness_n of_o adversary_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o credit_n harken_v to_o chrysostome_n homil_n 82_o â—n_v johan._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o unrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o man_n call_v adversary_n to_o witness_v what_o he_o speak_v harken_v to_o cyprian_a de_fw-fr uni_fw-la eccles_n quomodo_fw-la possunt_fw-la duo_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la christi_fw-la colligi_fw-la quos_fw-la constat_fw-la a_o christo_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la ejus_fw-la evangelio_n separari_fw-la non_fw-it enim_fw-la nos_fw-la ab_fw-la illis_fw-la sed_fw-la illi_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la recesserunt_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la haereses_fw-la &_o schismata_fw-la postmodumnatae_fw-la sunt_fw-la dum_fw-la conventicula_fw-la sibi_fw-la diversa_fw-la constituunt_fw-la veritatis_fw-la caput_fw-la atque_fw-la originem_fw-la reliquerunt_fw-la i_o e._n how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o gospel_n for_o we_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o they_o from_o we_o etc._n etc._n harken_v to_o aust_n epistola_fw-la ad_fw-la orthod_n con._n donat._n quicunque_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la &_o scripture_n sanctis_fw-la consentiunt_fw-la &_o unitati_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la non_fw-la communicant_a non_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la libr._n 3._o cont._n donat._n non_fw-la habet_fw-la dei_fw-la charitatem_fw-la qui_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la non_fw-la diligit_fw-la unitatem_fw-la i.e._n they_o that_o agree_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o church_n unity_n harken_v to_o paul_n l_o cor._n 1.10_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n phil._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowllness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o gal._n 5.15_o but_o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o errata_fw-la page_n 9_o line_n 3._o read_v on_o p._n 22._o l._n 13._o r._n endue_v p._n 29._o l._n 24._o r._n governor_n p._n 43._o l._n 35._o r._n this_o p._n 46._o l._n 36._o r._n or_o p._n 47._o l._n 32._o r._n consotiation_n p._n 54._o l._n 1._o r._n be_v finis_fw-la