particular_a matter_n concern_v one_o of_o our_o minister_n about_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o be_v a_o point_n also_o leave_v to_o further_a consideration_n among_o we_o beside_o that_o it_o fall_v out_o since_o their_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o perteyne_v not_o to_o the_o plea_n about_o their_o division_n which_o be_v make_v before_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o answer_n which_o follow_v here_o to_o their_o five_o and_o next_o exception_n will_v both_o give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o show_v good_a reason_n of_o the_o needful_a discuss_n thereof_o which_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o consider_v of_o as_o follow_v but_o first_o by_o occasion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v print_v i_o will_v here_o annexe_v a_o little_a more_o for_o now_o they_o do_v in_o particular_a express_v this_o matter_n concern_v one_o that_o be_v minister_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v since_o choose_a teacher_n of_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v among_o we_o without_o any_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n so_o now_o refer_v hither_o to_o this_o objection_n the_o three_o and_o five_o in_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v print_v touch_v which_o let_v i_o first_o signify_v that_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o confession_n be_v not_o by_o we_o reverse_v or_o weaken_v any_o way_n but_o now_o be_v rather_o more_o sound_a and_o strong_a also_o than_o it_o be_v hitherto_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v not_o only_o against_o the_o apostasy_n of_o antichrist_n but_o also_o against_o the_o error_n &_o confusion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n whereabout_o we_o have_v be_v encumber_a not_o a_o little_a for_o the_o anabaptist_n hold_v that_o antichrist_n have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o true_a baptism_n retain_v and_o have_v among_o they_o thereupon_o they_o begin_v to_o baptise_v then selve_o again_o who_o error_n while_o we_o confute_v as_o by_o our_o book_n publish_v thereabouts_o may_v appear_v and_o while_o some_o of_o they_o object_v that_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o retain_v the_o baptism_n than_o the_o ministry_n there_o receive_v we_o have_v thereupon_o just_a occasion_n give_v we_o to_o consider_v thereof_o and_o so_o weigh_v with_o ourselves_o that_o one_o main_n and_o special_a reason_n against_o rebaptisation_n be_v because_o baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o she_o fall_v into_o apostasy_n and_o have_v be_v there_o continue_a ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n however_o it_o be_v commingle_v among_o they_o with_o many_o corruption_n &_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o we_o begin_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o like_a may_v not_o be_v observe_v and_o say_v concern_v imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v have_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o her_o apostasy_n &_o be_v there_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n though_o mix_v with_o many_o pollution_n and_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o and_o enter_v into_o consideration_n thereof_o we_o observe_v these_o thing_n among_o other_o about_o it_o 1._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o a_o invention_n of_o man_n not_o a_o post_n or_o threshold_n first_o bring_v by_o antichrist_n into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o have_v therein_o afore_o antichrist_n sit_v there_o 2._o that_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v join_v together_o among_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o foundation_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6_o 2._o which_o we_o think_v therefore_o shall_v in_o this_o behalf_n be_v well_o regard_v 3._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n still_o give_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n &_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o do_v also_o still_o administer_v baptism_n 4._o that_o we_o find_v not_o either_o precept_n example_n or_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n bind_v we_o to_o the_o repetition_n thereof_o 5._o that_o the_o priest_n &_o levite_n in_o israel_n become_v unclean_a when_o afterward_o they_o be_v cleanse_v retain_v still_o their_o place_n of_o be_v priest_n and_o levite_n and_o that_o the_o child_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n succeed_v after_o they_o do_v minister_v without_o a_o new_a anoint_v or_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n yea_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n the_o levite_n repent_v keep_v their_o function_n &_o the_o priest_n also_o be_v only_o debar_v from_o the_o altar_n but_o still_o remain_v priest_n both_o do_v such_o duty_n and_o enjoy_v such_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o the_o other_o israelite_n may_v not_o no_o nor_o the_o levite_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n levit._fw-la 22_o 1-9_a and_o ezech._n 44_o 10-14_a 2_o king_n 23.9_o with_o lev._n 21._o and_o 24_o 9_o mat._n 12_o 4.6_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n wefinde_v how_o some_o officer_n be_v admit_v with_o it_o &_o some_o without_o it_o as_o about_o the_o levite_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o about_o the_o apostle_n also_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v act._n 13_o 1_o 2_o 3.7_o that_o some_o church_n hold_v it_o not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v have_v that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o we_o hear_v do_v not_o use_v it_o at_o all_o but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o the_o first_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a reform_v church_n have_v no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o at_o their_o first_o come_v into_o order_n they_o have_v no_o elder_n to_o impose_v hand_n that_o the_o roll_a elder_n and_o deacon_n at_o this_o day_n have_v no_o imposition_n of_o hand_n among_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v that_o neither_o the_o apostate_n nor_o the_o reform_a church_n repeat_v it_o to_o the_o minister_n when_o they_o go_v from_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o it_o may_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o thus_o we_o show_v the_o keep_n of_o communion_n with_o all_o other_o christian_n &_o church_n what_o in_o we_o be_v as_o we_o do_v also_o by_o retain_v our_o baptism_n and_o any_o other_o truth_n &_o ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v among_o they_o which_o still_o we_o keep_v purge_v they_o only_o from_o the_o corruption_n wherewith_o they_o be_v defile_v among_o they_o now_o when_o upon_o our_o occasion_n divers_a thing_n hereabout_o be_v observe_v among_o we_o we_o think_v it_o best_a to_o stay_v and_o consider_v further_o thereof_o know_v that_o if_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v we_o can_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o that_o then_o this_o course_n which_o we_o take_v be_v the_o best_a other_o reason_n we_o consider_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o i_o need_v not_o here_o mention_v but_o see_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n long_o before_o she_o become_v apostate_n as_o baptism_n be_v and_o that_o the_o repeat_n of_o it_o among_o we_o and_o not_o regard_v the_o have_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o their_o error_n and_o observe_v withal_o such_o consideration_n about_o it_o as_o be_v here_o before_o relate_v we_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n do_v choose_v he_o into_o office_n and_o that_o we_o do_v by_o prayer_n commend_v he_o unto_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o ministration_n thereof_o which_o we_o do_v without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o both_o ourselves_o have_v before_o do_v at_o our_o first_o grow_v into_o order_n and_o as_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n also_o do_v when_o they_o first_o begin_v reformation_n among_o they_o whereabout_o if_o any_o sound_a and_o better_a course_n be_v show_v hereafter_o at_o any_o time_n we_o can_v then_o proceed_v further_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o here_o be_v observe_v how_o these_o that_o thus_o object_n and_o their_o partaker_n can_v all_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o office_n may_v excommunicate_v and_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v also_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o can_v except_v against_o such_o as_o be_v in_o office_n if_o they_o do_v but_o make_v question_n of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o any_o thing_n thereabouts_o and_o last_o let_v themselves_o consider_v how_o the_o anabaptist_n object_n against_o we_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o for_o member_n of_o our_o church_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o prelate_n and_o priest_n in_o apostate_n church_n so_o as_o
no_o weight_n in_o it_o to_o say_v thus_o we_o hold_v heretofore_o &_o now_o we_o hold_v thus_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o now_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o nay_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o only_a which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n &_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o common_a &_o ancient_a faith_n which_o be_v hold_v by_o israel_n of_o old_a &_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n it_o follow_v there_o upon_o that_o wherein_o so_o ever_o we_o have_v swarve_v in_o faith_n or_o practice_v therfrom_o it_o have_v be_v our_o aberration_n &_o not_o our_o faith_n indeed_o three_o concern_v the_o special_a particular_a in_o question_n our_o ancient_a profession_n have_v be_v 19_o cons_n aâ—t_fw-la 17._o &_o 19_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o those_o law_n and_o officer_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o by_o none_o other_o from_o which_o howsoever_o we_o have_v err_v in_o our_o practice_n yet_o this_o be_v our_o ancient_a faith_n so_o as_o that_o which_o now_o we_o do_v be_v to_o retain_v our_o euncient_a faith_n &_o to_o reform_v our_o practice_n according_a thereunto_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v daily_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o our_o practice_n also_o if_o we_o will_v insist_v upon_o it_o our_o ancient_a practice_n itself_o be_v otherwise_o then_o as_o late_o of_o a_o few_o year_n it_o have_v be_v which_o late_a course_n the_o people_n that_o be_v depart_v from_o we_o will_v have_v have_v we_o to_o retain_v and_o so_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v have_v we_o keep_v a_o late_a and_o leave_v our_o auncient_a practice_n thus_o much_o also_o we_o write_v to_o leyden_n before_o the_o division_n be_v make_v &_o then_o mr._n ainsw_o himself_o subscribe_v unto_o it_o four_o observe_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v object_v in_o much_o like_a manner_n and_o a_o weak_a cause_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o rely_v upon_o the_o anabaptist_n or_o any_o other_o erroneous_a groud_n how_o much_o better_o have_v they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o when_o christ_n himself_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o only_o sound_v &_o true_a but_o evident_a also_o &_o comfortable_a to_o such_o as_o can_v understand_v it_o aright_o yet_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v hear_v it_o &_o so_o both_o murmur_v at_o it_o &_o be_v so_o offend_v with_o it_o as_o they_o go_v back_o &_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o joh._n 6.60.62.66_o or_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v that_o which_o m._n ain_n have_v well_o observe_v in_o his_o arrow_n 4._o pag._n 4._o against_o idolatry_n that_o satan_n have_v separate_v man_n from_o the_o church_n as_o by_o other_o mean_n 10.25_o 1_o king_n 12.27_o 28.29_o jude_n v._n 19_o heb._n 10.25_o so_o also_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o withdraw_v and_o schism_n themselves_o for_o some_o pretend_v cause_n or_o quarrel_n as_o do_v the_o israelite_n &_o other_o after_o they_o etc._n etc._n five_o if_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v exception_n against_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v against_o we_o we_o can_v send_v &_o spread_v our_o private_a letter_n as_o they_o do_v accompany_v with_o more_o sound_n &_o better_a observation_n against_o they_o touch_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v pass_v among_o we_o as_o for_o example_n a_o little_a to_o imitate_v &_o resemble_v their_o veyn_n of_o writing_n thus_o many_o troublesome_a day_n &_o full_a of_o contention_n have_v god_n exercise_v we_o here_o together_o withal_o while_o we_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o singleness_n of_o hart_n with_o humility_n to_o obey_v the_o governor_n &_o observe_v the_o government_n prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n &_o to_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n with_o love_n &_o peace_n for_o love_v of_o preeminence_n which_o have_v always_o trouble_v the_o church_n have_v also_o trouble_v we_o while_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o governor_n will_v be_v over_o &_o above_o they_o etc._n etc._n for_o 1._o whereas_o we_o have_v learned_a &_o profess_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a king_n &_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n 127.128_o conf._n art_n 10_o 17.19.20_o conterp_v pag._n 175.176_o and_o in_o other_o treatise_n every_o where_o as_o defen_v against_o m._n sm._n p._n 126_o 127.128_o &_o have_v leave_v unto_o it_o among_o man_n but_o a_o ministerial_a government_n &_o that_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o member_n the_o saint_n aught_o to_o obey_v &_o submit_v to_o the_o eldership_n in_o every_o church_n now_o we_o have_v late_o be_v teach_v etc._n teach_v in_o their_o dispute_n against_o we_o &_o in_o m._n rob._n justif_a 217.225_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o people_n as_o king_n have_v power_n one_o over_o another_o and_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v king_n be_v superior_a to_o their_o officer_n because_o the_o order_n of_o king_n be_v the_o high_a order_n or_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n &_o so_o a_o order_n superior_a unto_o &_o above_o the_o order_n of_o officer_n or_o eldership_n also_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o officer_n be_v servant_n therein_o be_v call_v a_o lord_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n they_o affirm_v for_o proof_n of_o their_o opinion_n touch_v the_o point_n in_o question_n betweme_v we_o about_o the_o church_n government_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v still_o profess_v that_o the_o people_n be_v inferior_a and_o under_o the_o officer_n now_o we_o have_v have_v it_o much_o urge_v about_o the_o question_n controvert_v that_o the_o people_n be_v superior_a &_o above_o they_o thus_o to_o advance_v the_o people_n one_o over_o another_o as_o king_n and_o to_o make_v they_o superlour_n above_o their_o governor_n and_o to_o entitle_v they_o with_o kingly_a and_o lordly_a power_n in_o the_o outward_a policy_n &_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o whereas_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o church_n no_o other_o but_o a_o ministerial_a power_n &_o government_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o in_o deed_n to_o set_v up_o such_o church_n &_o people_n as_o so_o many_o idol_n like_a as_o mr._n ainsw_n show_v against_o the_o prelate_n 20._o mr._n a._n atrowe_v against_o idol_n pag._n 19_o &_o 20._o that_o idol_n be_v set_v up_o with_o impiety_n when_o among_o man_n one_o be_v set_v up_o as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n other_o as_o archbishop_n and_o lord_n spiritual_a etc._n etc._n for_o do_v it_o not_o thus_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o the_o prelate_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o the_o people_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v even_o become_v idol_n while_o both_o of_o they_o run_v to_o extremity_n in_o such_o advaunce_n of_o themselves_o &_o neither_o of_o they_o will_v keep_v or_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o mean_a &_o in_o the_o ministerial_a way_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n 24._o confess_v art_n 24._o 2_o we_o profess_v heretofore_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o &_o cut_v off_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o christian_a congregation_n &_o not_o to_o any_o one_o or_o most_o member_n sequester_v from_o the_o whole_a etc._n etc._n now_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n be_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o power_n that_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_o carry_v be_v the_o church_n they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v in_o and_o cut_v off_o though_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o few_o and_o of_o much_o better_a judgement_n be_v against_o it_o 177._o m._n ain_n conterp_v p._n 177._o 3._o we_o write_v heretofore_o that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o reins_n of_o government_n commit_v to_o they_o now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o aristocratical_a yea_o that_o the_o people_n as_o king_n have_v the_o power_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o in_o error_n be_v the_o church_n as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o so_o then_o by_o their_o opinion_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v king_n have_v the_o reins_n in_o their_o
hand_n &_o may_v decide_v stay_v determine_v and_o conclude_v all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o elder_n &_o other_o brethren_n be_v against_o they_o 177._o cons_n art_n 34._o plea_n for_o infant_n p._n 180._o to_o 185._o contempt_n pag._n 177._o 4_o we_o profess_v heretofore_o that_o no_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v minister_v until_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v into_o their_o office_n now_o it_o be_v hield_n by_o some_o that_o see_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n without_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n therefore_o they_o may_v without_o officer_n have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n &_o consequent_o may_v receive_v in_o by_o baptism_n confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n supper_n cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o writing_n send_v unto_o you_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v how_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n without_o officer_n may_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o may_v receive_v in_o there_o be_v one_o power_n for_o both_o 176.177_o conf._n art_n 21._o conterp_v pag._n 176.177_o 5_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o none_o may_v usurp_v or_o execute_v a_o ministry_n but_o such_o as_o be_v right_o call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n unto_o such_o office_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n now_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o some_o that_o people_n out_o of_o office_n may_v execute_v all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o man_n in_o their_o second_o exception_n here_o write_v there_o be_v one_o power_n for_o receive_v in_o &_o cast_v out_o &_o that_o people_n without_o officer_n may_v do_v both_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o etc._n conf._n art_n 1.10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 21_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27.34_o 36._o &_o throughout_o the_o conf._n apol_n &_o other_o of_o our_o treatise_n as_o defence_n against_o mr._n sm._n pag._n 10_o 13_o 88_o etc._n etc._n 6_o we_o learn_v and_o use_v heretofore_o to_o apply_v to_o our_o estate_n and_o use_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v concern_v the_o governor_n and_o people_n in_o israel_n now_o we_o be_v except_v &_o oppose_v against_o if_o we_o do_v so_o with_o these_o exception_n and_o the_o like_a viz._n that_o they_o have_v civil_a authority_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o israel_n forgive_v one_o another_o sin_n as_o we_o can_v now_o that_o the_o people_n now_o have_v more_o power_n then_o in_o israel_n because_o now_o we_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n be_v typical_o carry_v in_o by_o the_o hyepriest_n in_o the_o precious_a stone_n on_o his_o shoulder_n &_o breast_n as_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n itself_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o people_n may_v not_o follow_v the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o if_o any_o other_o will_v say_v that_o by_o like_a reason_n the_o elder_n now_o shall_v have_v more_o power_n than_o the_o elder_n in_o israel_n because_o the_o elder_n now_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o elder_n than_o may_v not_o follow_v the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n and_o that_o king_n shall_v have_v more_o power_n nov_fw-mi in_o religion_n than_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n because_o king_n now_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o king_n than_o may_v not_o follow_v the_o hiepriest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o holy_a place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o offer_v incense_n 2_o chron._n 26._o and_o note_v here_o also_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o civil_a estate_n of_o the_o governor_n &_o people_n of_o israel_n &_o apply_v the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o the_o governor_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n now_o shall_v by_o this_o new_a learning_n of_o these_o man_n be_v think_v to_o misapply_v those_o scripture_n and_o place_n so_o allege_v by_o they_o as_o mat._n 21.24_o john_n 10.34_o act._n 1.20_o ephes_n 12.13.19.20.21_o and_o in_o a_o number_n the_o like_a place_n etc._n plea_n for_o infant_n p._n 166.167_o 268_o etc._n etc._n treat_n against_o the_o anabap._n p_o 16._o etc._n etc._n &_o some_o ground_n tend_v this_o way_n in_o the_o apol_n p._n 108_o etc._n etc._n &_o in_o answer_n to_o m._n jacob_n p._n 7_o &_o 13_o etc._n etc._n 7_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o true_a baptism_n as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o israel_n be_v true_a circumcision_n and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v renounce_v and_o repeat_v now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o baptism_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o idol_n and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o idol_n yea_o and_o all_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v and_o reject_v esa_n 30.22_o and_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o wood_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8_o 4._o so_o as_o then_o such_o baptism_n be_v nothing_o &_o such_o people_n be_v a_o unbaptised_a people_n &_o aught_o therefore_o with_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o get_v themselves_o baptize_v thus_o if_o i_o will_v follow_v their_o course_n you_o may_v see_v i_o can_v note_v down_o some_o doctrine_n and_o assertion_n not_o all_o of_o the_o sound_a which_o our_o opposite_n have_v of_o late_o deliver_v and_o give_v forth_o although_o i_o have_v hitherto_o hold_v my_o peace_n there_o about_o neither_o will_v i_o yet_o publish_v they_o if_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o for_o your_o better_a information_n concern_v they_o &_o their_o deal_n i_o have_v thus_o imparâ—ed_v they_o unto_o you_o by_o which_o any_o may_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o to_o look_v to_o these_o person_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n when_o they_o veer_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n &_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n among_o we_o now_o next_o for_o answer_n of_o their_o exception_n send_v unto_o you_o against_o we_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o private_a letter_n see_v we_o have_v publish_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o division_n they_o make_v whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o give_v answer_n yet_o have_v i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o unto_o you_o as_o your_o case_n stand_v to_o write_v somewhat_o thereabouts_o for_o the_o first_o therefore_o which_o be_v make_v by_o compare_v together_o the_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18_o 17._o with_o the_o confession_n art_n 24._o and_o the_o apol._n pag._n 62.63_o i_o have_v already_o write_v and_o publish_v a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o exposition_n of_o that_o scripture_n where_o also_o the_o reason_n allege_v in_o the_o apology_n be_v purposely_o and_o particular_o treat_v of_o to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o thereabouts_o and_o what_o deal_n be_v this_o of_o they_o that_o have_v make_v such_o a_o division_n as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o leave_v the_o treatise_n unanswer_v which_o be_v purposely_o write_v upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o argument_n and_o yet_o cease_v not_o private_o thus_o to_o insinuate_v as_o they_o do_v beside_o if_o for_o their_o wont_a phrase_n the_o church_n of_o elder_n they_o will_v use_v such_o term_n as_o otherwhere_o the_o scripture_n in_o our_o translation_n have_v and_o as_o the_o word_n itself_o do_v signify_v namely_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o like_a then_o both_o themselves_o &_o other_o might_n soon_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o they_o neither_o shall_v they_o forget_v how_o m._n ainsworth_n himself_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n show_v that_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o so_o use_v for_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o governor_n mr._n ainsw_n conterpoys_n pag._n 113._o last_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o article_n of_o our_o confession_n here_o allege_v 24._o conf._n art_n 24._o that_o for_o the_o declaration_n and_o proof_n thereof_o these_o scripture_n among_o other_o be_v cite_v psal_n 122.3_o lev._n 20.4_o 5._o &_o 24.14_o numb_a 5.2.3_o deut._n 13.9_o all_o which_o do_v direct_o carry_v we_o for_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o which_o now_o through_o love_n of_o their_o error_n they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v unto_o for_o the_o consideration_n and_o decide_n of_o the_o matter_n between_v we_o observe_v also_o hereabout_o that_o the_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o and_o cut_v off_o give_v
function_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o and_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o help_n and_o service_n of_o all_o to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n show_v it_o also_o by_o the_o similitude_n &_o proportion_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o of_o the_o several_a faculty_n thereof_o which_o he_o appli_v and_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o feeble_a member_n and_o to_o the_o least_o and_o young_a child_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v but_o new_o baptize_v 1_o cor._n 12_o 13-22_a etc._n etc._n to_o who_o yet_o he_o appoint_v not_o the_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o plea_n of_o the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v bring_v for_o judgement_n &_o censure_n as_o these_o man_n hereupon_o will_v infer_v and_o as_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v about_o mat._n 18_o 17._o moreover_o the_o thing_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o the_o part_n thereof_o may_v likewise_o of_o old_a be_v apply_v to_o israel_n according_a to_o their_o estate_n and_o they_o be_v then_o bind_v according_o to_o walk_v as_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n afford_v all_o help_n service_n and_o comfort_n they_o can_v one_o unto_o another_o yet_o this_o may_v not_o then_o nor_o may_v not_o now_o hinder_v nor_o pervert_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n about_o the_o elder_n hear_v and_o judge_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o brethren_n &_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o their_o demerit_n but_o in_o deed_n it_o do_v much_o more_o strong_o establish_v it_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o governor_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o use_n and_o so_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o gift_n fit_a for_o examine_v of_o person_n and_o decide_n of_o case_n and_o question_n that_o do_v fall_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v otherwise_o their_o good_a use_n be_v fit_o employ_v and_o must_v be_v holpen_v of_o the_o rest_n as_o their_o need_n be_v and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o other_o for_o their_o good_a and_o comfort_n and_o yet_o further_o this_o scripture_n be_v more_o direct_a against_o they_o in_o that_o it_o show_v how_o in_o the_o church_n some_o have_v a_o more_o chief_a place_n than_o other_o as_o the_o head_n &_o eye_n &_o hand_n in_o the_o body_n &_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v respect_v &_o employ_v according_a to_o their_o gift_n and_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o 1_o cor._n 12.14_o 28._o which_o be_v little_o regard_v of_o they_o who_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n where_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o most_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n will_v then_o look_v where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n be_v though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o give_v the_o sentence_n yea_o albeit_o that_o all_o the_o elder_n &_o other_o brethren_n of_o better_a judgement_n but_o fewer_n in_o number_n be_v against_o they_o as_o if_o the_o multitude_n shall_v still_o be_v follow_v &_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n or_o inequality_n of_o gift_n of_o office_n or_o other_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v which_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o the_o intendment_n of_o this_o scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o let_v all_o that_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n judge_n and_o let_v these_o man_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v teach_v otherwise_o 3-8_a 1_o cor._n 12._o &_o compare_v with_o it_o rome_n 12._o 3-8_a yet_o learn_v of_o their_o own_o body_n from_o which_o the_o apostle_n borrow_v his_o similitude_n here_o and_o there_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o give_v or_o use_v for_o counsel_n and_o determination_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v it_o though_o yet_o they_o have_v their_o other_o profitable_a use_n whereupon_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n be_v hurt_v the_o hand_n be_v not_o use_v or_o seek_v unto_o to_o see_v withal_o nor_o the_o foot_n to_o hear_v neither_o do_v the_o head_n take_v they_o to_o consult_v and_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v there_o about_o but_o when_o the_o head_n itself_o have_v consider_v &_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o gift_n &_o duty_n thereof_o than_o it_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o any_o or_o all_o the_o member_n according_a as_o there_o be_v need_n and_o occasion_n and_o thus_o have_v all_o the_o member_n their_o good_a use_n &_o service_n in_o the_o body_n be_v right_o use_v &_o apply_v thereunto_o but_o shall_v now_o hereupon_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n say_v because_o they_o be_v not_o seek_v unto_o and_o employ_v to_o see_v hear_v &_o determine_v as_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o head_n be_v that_o therefore_o they_o lose_v their_o right_n and_o be_v not_o use_v or_o regard_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v yet_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n plead_v the_o people_n aforesaid_a that_o they_o be_v wrong_v &_o loose_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n if_o when_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n arise_v between_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o seek_v unto_o and_o bind_v to_o come_v together_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o case_n to_o examine_v and_o censure_v the_o person_n so_o deal_v withal_o nay_o though_o the_o elder_n sit_v public_o to_o hear_v and_o judge_v such_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a for_o any_o of_o the_o people_n to_o come_v that_o will_v yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v injury_n unless_o that_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o and_o bind_v to_o come_v together_o and_o that_o they_o also_o make_v inquisition_n and_o censure_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n deal_v withal_o &_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o their_o voice_n though_o without_o and_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n sentence_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o deed_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o as_o if_o either_o the_o whole_a body_n shall_v become_v one_o member_n a_o eye_n a_o ear_n a_o head_n or_o the_o like_a or_o as_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n or_o as_o if_o the_o hand_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o employ_v as_o the_o eye_n ear_n or_o head_n therefore_o i_o lose_v my_o right_n and_o be_o not_o use_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o body_n as_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v yea_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o bondage_n and_o in_o deed_n to_o bring_v a_o antichristian_a servitude_n on_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a unto_o they_o to_o come_v or_o not_o to_o come_v yet_o that_o shall_v not_o suffice_v unless_o they_o be_v bind_v thereunto_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o elder_n by_o their_o office_n be_v bind_v unto_o it_o 5.17.18_o rom._n 12_o 7_o 8._o 1_o thes_n 5.12.13_o 1_o tim._n 5.17.18_o and_o aught_o to_o have_v maintenance_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n but_o the_o man_n must_v without_o any_o allowance_n for_o it_o leave_v their_o trade_n and_o calling_n the_o woman_n their_o house_n and_o samily_n the_o child_n their_o school_n and_o employment_n the_o servant_n their_o work_n and_o labour_n etc._n as_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o great_a congregation_n &_o when_o many_o case_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v etc._n etc._n and_o must_v come_v together_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v day_n after_o day_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n that_o fall_v out_o between_v brother_n and_o brother_n according_a to_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o by_o this_o scripture_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o chap._n they_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n that_o can_v sorrow_v and_o rejoice_v with_o other_o as_o before_o be_v show_v and_o many_o more_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v about_o this_o and_o the_o other_o scripture_n speak_v of_o but_o these_o few_o observation_n may_v suffice_v yet_o afore_o i_o proceed_v let_v i_o by_o this_o occasion_n note_v two_o thing_n more_o hereabout_a in_o general_n the_o one_o that_o as_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v with_o heretic_n schismatik_n &_o antichristian_o that_o the_o very_a scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o be_v search_v and_o due_o weigh_v they_o be_v fit_a &_o forceable_a against_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o these_o man_n in_o this_o case_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o
transgression_n of_o those_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o where_o now_o they_o be_v or_o where_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o thus_o have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o like_a in_o bear_v reproach_n and_o calumniation_n to_o his_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o old_a who_o feel_v the_o burden_n thereof_o to_o be_v heavy_a and_o grievous_a complain_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v how_o long_o shall_v the_o adversary_n reproach_n shall_v the_o enemy_n blaspheme_v thy_o name_n for_o ever_o psal_n 74.10_o and_o again_o they_o utter_v forth_o their_o complaint_n say_v we_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o scorn_n and_o derision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o psal_n 79.4_o and_o even_o this_o be_v our_o case_n who_o also_o be_v make_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o laugh_a stock_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o have_v our_o soul_n also_o as_o they_o have_v they_o fill_v too_o full_a of_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o wealthy_a and_o dispitefulnes_n of_o the_o proud_a psal_n 44.13_o and_o 123.4_o so_o that_o in_o respect_n hereof_o we_o may_v complain_v with_o david_n who_o say_v i_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o all_o my_o enemy_n but_o special_o among_o my_o neighbour_n and_o a_o fear_n to_o my_o acquaintance_n who_o see_v i_o in_o the_o street_n flee_v from_o i_o and_o again_o i_o be_o become_v a_o stranger_n unto_o my_o brother_n even_o a_o alien_n unto_o my_o mother_n son_n i_o become_v a_o proverb_n unto_o they_o and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o gatespake_v against_o i_o and_o the_o drunkard_n song_n of_o i_o psal_n 31.11_o and_o 69.7.8.11.12_o and_o although_o our_o love_a father_n do_v thus_o humble_a &_o chastise_v we_o just_o for_o our_o sin_n yet_o do_v he_o also_o in_o mercy_n cover_v they_o and_o give_v we_o now_o to_o bear_v these_o sclanderous_a report_n of_o schismatic_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o lord_n indeed_o honour_v we_o for_o our_o church_n estate_n and_o our_o conscience_n do_v witness_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o have_v not_o willing_o leave_v any_o truth_n or_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v former_o receive_v with_o other_o in_o our_o apostate_n stand_v but_o be_v careful_a to_o retain_v they_o all_o what_o in_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o in_o our_o former_a corrupt_a receive_n of_o they_o neither_o have_v we_o make_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o ancient_a way_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n keep_v the_o ordinance_n worship_n and_o order_n of_o government_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o antichristian_a or_o other_o humane_a addition_n and_o therefore_o unjust_o be_v we_o term_v schismatic_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v otherwise_o in_o any_o thing_n let_v the_o witness_n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v bring_v forth_o against_o we_o and_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yield_v thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v be_v careful_a hitherto_o to_o show_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o redress_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v among_o we_o to_o swarve_v any_o way_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n great_a be_v our_o trial_n by_o man_n on_o all_o hand_n which_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o witness_n bear_v of_o jesus_n while_o beside_o our_o exile_n &_o other_o affliction_n some_o be_v speak_v bitter_a and_o sclanderous_a word_n against_o we_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o neighbour_n spare_v we_o not_o and_o other_o also_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n to_o reproach_n we_o and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v reproachful_a book_n against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a psal_n 124._o 13_a yet_o if_o these_o reproach_n &_o hard_a deal_n touch_v ourselves_o only_o and_o do_v not_o with_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o witness_v we_o can_v and_o will_v rest_v patient_o wait_v until_o the_o lord_n avenge_v our_o cause_n &_o will_v not_o once_o open_v our_o mouth_n or_o set_v our_o pen_n to_o paper_n to_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o porsonall_a injury_n but_o see_v thus_o together_o with_o detract_n of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v reproach_v and_o despise_v in_o this_o respect_n if_o we_o shall_v pass_v over_o these_o thing_n altogether_o with_o silence_n and_o not_o stand_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o lord_n cause_n we_o may_v be_v arraign_v just_o as_o guyltie_n of_o betray_v his_o truth_n &_o as_o man_n ashamed_a of_o christ_n before_o man_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o herein_o be_v want_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n when_o man_n thus_o labour_v the_o darken_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n do_v set_v themselves_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v against_o the_o same_o of_o late_o there_o be_v come_v forth_o a_o pamphlet_n and_o sclanderous_a book_n full_a of_o reproach_n publish_v by_o one_o christopher_n lawn_n and_o other_o his_o companion_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v sundry_a thing_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o touch_v our_o general_a cause_n about_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o concern_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o some_o about_o personal_a matter_n concern_v divers_a of_o we_o &_o other_o some_o touch_v a_o divisio_fw-la make_v late_o by_o divers_a among_o we_o etc._n etc._n concern_v our_o general_a cause_n although_o we_o have_v write_v often_o and_o many_o treatise_n thereabouts_o which_o remain_v yet_o unanswer_v yet_o see_v we_o be_v here_o again_o thus_o abuse_v about_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a which_o we_o may_v better_o pass_v by_o but_o by_o one_o m._n robert_n parker_n who_o testimony_n be_v here_o insert_v we_o purpose_v therefore_o godwilling_a to_o write_v in_o particular_a about_o his_o testimony_n &c_n &c_n so_o again_o by_o this_o occasion_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o more_o about_o that_o our_o general_a cause_n aforesaid_a although_o for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v both_o some_o occasion_n to_o deal_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o stay_v we_o yet_o a_o while_n from_o publish_v of_o that_o which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o purpose_v to_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v this_o be_v note_v concern_v m._n parker_n and_o his_o testimony_n how_o he_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o large_a book_n plead_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n &_o other_o ceremony_n retain_v among_o they_o they_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n as_o also_o of_o communion_n with_o antichrist_n &_o slavery_n under_o he_o etc._n etc._n now_o we_o purpose_v to_o try_v how_o he_o can_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n approve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v and_o as_o it_o be_v witness_v against_o by_o we_o &_o how_o he_o can_v warrant_v we_o communion_n with_o the_o same_o in_o that_o their_o estate_n or_o whether_o it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o give_v he_o &_o other_o better_o to_o observe_v and_o regard_v their_o halt_a between_n two_o opinion_n than_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v we_o find_v that_o for_o the_o former_a plea_n handle_v in_o his_o book_n he_o have_v allege_v the_o scripture_n plentiful_o as_o throughout_o the_o book_n may_v be_v see_v but_o whether_o he_o can_v so_o do_v for_o this_o latter_a speak_v of_o in_o his_o testimony_n against_o we_o time_n and_o further_a occasion_n will_v manifest_v yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o may_v see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a do_v against_o our_o cause_n either_o in_o his_o testimony_n publish_v or_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n wherewith_o his_o testimony_n be_v join_v which_o be_v as_o barren_a of_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v into_o question_n as_o m._n parker_n former_a book_n against_o it_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o which_o let_v the_o reader_n well_o observe_v touch_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o whereof_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a speak_v also_o their_o pleasure_n in_o their_o book_n we_o be_v purpose_v ere_o long_o if_o god_n willto_fw-mi publish_v they_o whatsoever_o those_o man_n say_v or_o will_v insinuate_v to_o the_o contrary_a or_o in_o any_o other_o respect_n thereabouts_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o
i_o be_v with_o he_o show_v great_a trouble_n in_o mind_n yet_o not_o without_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o servant_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o die_v the_o word_n utter_v by_o he_o and_o other_o circumstance_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n aforesaid_a we_o spare_v yet_o to_o set_v down_o as_o we_o will_v also_o still_o have_v do_v the_o thing_n itself_o but_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o continual_o provoke_v hereunto_o and_o that_o we_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o stay_v they_o from_o such_o course_n and_o above_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v so_o often_o object_v by_o m._n bernard_n m._n hall_n m._n white_a christopher_n lawn_n and_o other_o that_o the_o pastor_n brother_n be_v excommunicate_v among_o we_o and_o his_o father_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o yet_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o cause_n to_o be_v unjust_a or_o the_o thing_n unlawful_a nay_o when_o mr._n white_a make_v it_o one_o head_n of_o his_o book_n to_o except_v what_o he_o can_v about_o the_o excommunication_n that_o have_v pass_v in_o this_o church_n and_o write_v of_o sundry_a person_n &_o their_o cause_n in_o particular_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o offer_v to_o insist_v upon_o they_o which_o of_o all_o other_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v most_o of_o all_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v think_v he_o can_v have_v make_v any_o plea_n thereabouts_o and_o who_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o will_v thus_o blame_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o any_o person_n shall_v first_o be_v able_a and_o careful_a to_o show_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o the_o proceed_n against_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o be_v just_a and_o lawful_a so_o as_o none_o can_v except_v thereagainst_a it_o be_v the_o more_o godly_a and_o commendable_a though_o accompany_v with_o great_a trial_n when_o neither_o father_n nor_o mother_n brother_n nor_o sister_n son_n nor_o daughter_n be_v spare_v as_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v how_o moses_n commend_v and_o god_n bless_v levi_n for_o not_o know_v his_o own_o father_n or_o mother_n brethren_n or_o child_n but_o observe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n against_o they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o death_n upon_o they_o deut._n 33.8.9_o with_o exod._n 32_o 26-29_a either_o therefore_o let_v man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n disprove_v the_o cause_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o excommunication_n they_o except_v against_o at_o any_o time_n or_o else_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v the_o more_o they_o write_v against_o we_o the_o more_o it_o make_v for_o we_o in_o deed_n and_o so_o will_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o godliness_n beside_o see_v the_o party_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n if_o m._n johnson_n shall_v write_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v now_o be_v find_v blame_n worthy_a who_o can_v not_o perceive_v that_o this_o then_o also_o will_v be_v abuse_v against_o he_o and_o that_o man_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o now_o he_o may_v speak_v what_o he_o will_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o live_v to_o answer_n for_o themselves_o and_o that_o although_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a &_o so_o near_o unto_o he_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o will_v write_v thus_o and_o thus_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o that_o spare_v not_o so_o to_o abuse_v he_o as_o now_o they_o do_v even_o about_o thing_n public_o hear_v and_o know_v whereof_o there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n yet_o live_v how_o will_v they_o much_o more_o abuse_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o shall_v now_o say_v or_o write_v concern_v they_o when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o depart_v this_o life_n they_o that_o observe_v how_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o we_o be_v deal_v withal_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o he_o and_o we_o all_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n &_o to_o wait_n on_o the_o lord_n trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n make_v our_o refuge_n in_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n till_o our_o calamity_n be_v overpast_v and_o that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o will_v swallow_v we_o up_o for_o doubtless_o god_n will_v send_v forth_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o truth_n as_o he_o have_v hitherto_o gracious_o deliver_v our_o soul_n from_o death_n &_o our_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o we_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 57_o the_o other_o that_o write_v in_o like_a sort_n as_o these_o have_v do_v be_v thomas_n white_a speak_v off_o before_o who_o after_o his_o live_n here_o and_o writing_n so_o ungodly_a as_o he_o do_v return_v and_o live_v a_o minister_n at_o london_n under_o the_o prelate_n where_o when_o he_o have_v after_o some_o while_n get_v a_o benefice_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o do_v the_o lord_n soon_o end_v his_o day_n these_o thing_n i_o think_v thus_o brief_o to_o mention_v be_v it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o not_o regard_v as_o they_o shall_v and_o how_o ever_o the_o lord_n spare_v such_o man_n &_o let_v they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o course_n a_o while_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o his_o hand_n will_v find_v they_o out_o and_o bring_v their_o way_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n as_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v psal_n 52._o &_o 55_o 12.13.14.15-23_a but_o now_o omit_v to_o write_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o they_o that_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o we_o &_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o and_o last_o special_a matter_n which_o at_o this_o time_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o last_o book_n who_o of_o late_o divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o have_v since_o that_o time_n give_v forth_o some_o exception_n and_o article_n of_o difference_n both_o here_o at_o amsterdam_n and_o otherwhere_o here_o they_o give_v out_o some_o which_o we_o hear_v of_o but_o never_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o until_o now_o that_o these_o man_n have_v print_v they_o be_v take_v as_o they_o say_v from_o the_o original_a copy_n otherwise_o also_o they_o have_v give_v out_o the_o like_a in_o letter_n send_v into_o england_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v &_o by_o mean_n of_o one_o there_o to_o who_o they_o send_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n thereof_o who_o deal_v more_o godly_a and_o indifferent_o thereabouts_o than_o any_o other_o of_o they_o that_o have_v in_o such_o sort_n ben_fw-mi possess_v and_o praejudice_v against_o we_o and_o as_o that_o party_n deal_v well_o with_o we_o in_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o thus_o covert_o be_v write_v &_o give_v out_o against_o we_o so_o do_v we_o also_o for_o his_o better_a satisfy_n write_v unto_o he_o again_o in_o particular_a thereabouts_o the_o which_o both_o article_n and_o answeres_n thereunto_o we_o have_v think_v good_a to_o keep_v they_o by_o ourselves_o hitherto_o but_o see_v that_o other_o the_o like_a in_o effect_n though_o increase_v in_o number_n be_v thus_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o therein_o they_o have_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v handle_v &_o justify_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o separate_v from_o we_o which_o be_v annex_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o treatise_n upon_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o shall_v also_o be_v again_o annex_v here_o but_o have_v go_v about_o also_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o other_o matter_n than_o those_o for_o which_o they_o make_v their_o breach_n and_o by_o these_o their_o course_n do_v impute_v blame_v unto_o our_o doctrine_n as_o if_o we_o maintain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n labour_v thereby_o to_o set_v a_o more_o glorious_a show_v upon_o their_o popular_a government_n and_o plead_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o perceive_v the_o truth_n be_v much_o hinder_v and_o we_o injury_v and_o many_o by_o their_o mean_n and_o opinion_n so_o deceive_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o holy_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o elder_n thereof_o &_o refuse_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v thus_o write_v &_o deal_v here_o but_o other_o also_o in_o our_o own_o country_n praejudice_v with_o these_o matter_n and_o sinister_o possess_v with_o some_o of_o their_o write_n against_o we_o and_o our_o cause_n be_v likewise_o corrupt_v and_o so_o have_v show_v it_o
both_o when_o occasional_o some_o of_o we_o have_v be_v with_o they_o there_o and_o also_o among_o themselves_o as_o we_o hear_v we_o have_v therefore_o for_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a reason_n think_v it_o good_a not_o to_o keep_v these_o thing_n any_o long_o private_a by_o we_o but_o for_o the_o better_a satisfy_n of_o all_o touch_v the_o thing_n we_o hold_v and_o the_o clear_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n lay_v upon_o we_o hereabout_o and_o remove_v the_o scandal_n which_o some_o have_v take_v &_o be_v like_o yet_o more_o to_o take_v upon_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o writing_n of_o they_o now_o therefore_o to_o print_v also_o the_o say_a answer_n to_o their_o exception_n that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o be_v able_a the_o better_a to_o judge_v bentween_v we_o &_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v hear_v both_o of_o we_o speak_v &_o shall_v have_v aswell_o our_o answer_n as_o their_o objection_n to_o read_v and_o consider_v of_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v thus_o fall_v out_o between_v we_o and_o our_o brethren_n &_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o continue_v with_o we_o in_o communion_n wise_a man_n will_v consider_v it_o be_v but_o a_o ancient_a practice_n of_o satan_n thus_o to_o disquiet_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v contention_n and_o dissension_n raise_v up_o among_o the_o brethren_n so_o that_o some_o hold_v of_o one_o teacher_n some_o of_o a_o other_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 10-12_a and_o afterward_o what_o contention_n grew_a between_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o have_v read_v thereabouts_o the_o ancient_a history_n also_o what_o fall_v out_o between_o our_o own_o countryman_n at_o franckfurt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o q._n marry_o they_o be_v then_o in_o exile_n for_o the_o truth_n as_o now_o we_o be_v their_o trouble_n and_o contention_n be_v extant_a in_o print_n thereabouts_o yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v mat._n 18.7_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o must_v be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11.18.19_o now_o see_v the_o like_a trouble_n division_n and_o disagreement_n have_v fall_v out_o in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o man_n have_v their_o infirmity_n though_o otherwise_o be_v religious_a and_o fear_v god_n they_o which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a discern_a will_v not_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o personal_a sin_n and_o infirmity_n open_v their_o mouth_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_v of_o god_n though_o some_o take_v pleasure_n therein_o who_o shall_v find_v one_o day_n the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o touch_v these_o person_n aforesaid_a that_o have_v so_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o thus_o offensive_o write_v i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v persuade_v though_o deceive_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n that_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o do_v run_v at_o the_o first_o into_o these_o extremity_n be_v carry_v as_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o other_o also_o have_v be_v with_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n against_o that_o antichristian_a apostasy_n &_o government_n which_o former_o the_o prelate_n &_o minister_n of_o that_o usurp_a authority_n oppress_v they_o withal_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o hope_v that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n elect_v he_o will_v in_o time_n by_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o good_a give_v they_o to_o see_v both_o their_o error_n they_o stand_v in_o &_o their_o grievous_a sin_n in_o so_o rash_o and_o unjust_o break_v off_o themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v member_n &_o that_o other_o by_o their_o example_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o the_o like_a hereafter_o these_o thing_n i_o thus_o write_v not_o to_o excuse_v evil_a in_o any_o but_o to_o take_v away_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n to_o raise_v up_o slander_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n thus_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o the_o way_v of_o god_n hang_v not_o upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o author_n thereof_o very_o evil_a therefore_o do_v they_o that_o take_v occasion_n upon_o such_o dissension_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n itself_o the_o erroneous_a walk_n of_o any_o professor_n shall_v not_o excuse_v other_o that_o embolden_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o stand_v in_o apostasy_n and_o seek_v not_o after_o the_o truth_n and_o way_v of_o god_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v all_o to_o walk_v in_o thus_o have_v good_a reader_n prefix_a this_o short_a advertisement_n for_o thy_o better_a information_n about_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o about_o this_o my_o purpose_n in_o set_v forth_o of_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n aforesaid_a receive_v now_o the_o answer_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o writer_n thereof_o with_o some_o addition_n thereunto_o by_o the_o same_o author_n upon_o occasion_n of_o inlargeing_n and_o publish_v of_o the_o say_a exception_n now_o print_v this_o answer_n i_o pray_v thou_o christian_n reader_n view_v and_o consider_v well_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_v of_o god_n thou_o may_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n we_o hold_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o fail_v hereabout_o through_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o understanding_n we_o shall_v willing_o receive_v and_o that_o with_o thanks_o thy_o brotherly_a advertisement_n thereof_o and_o because_o among_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v much_o abuse_v about_o a_o particular_a concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o have_v therefore_o hereunto_o annex_v somewhat_o out_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o m._n junius_n against_o bellarmine_n about_o that_o matter_n not_o that_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n in_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o because_o we_o know_v that_o many_o who_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o praejudice_n against_o we_o will_v yet_o more_o stay_v they_o when_o they_o see_v what_o m._n junius_n have_v write_v of_o that_o argument_n in_o who_o writing_n although_o there_o be_v some_o school_n term_n hard_o to_o be_v english_v well_o in_o our_o tongue_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o as_o we_o desire_v yet_o we_o have_v so_o do_v it_o into_o english_a as_o we_o hope_v the_o meaning_n thereof_o will_v by_o all_o be_v conceive_v and_o attain_a unto_o and_o thus_o leave_v these_o â—hings_n with_o the_o event_n thereof_o unto_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o good_a blessing_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o most_o wise_a god_n to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o heavenly_a word_n to_o shine_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o discover_v of_o all_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n &_o course_n hinder_v the_o success_n of_o the_o ancient_a truth_n and_o so_o to_o establish_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o old_a and_o good_a way_v prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n amen_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o writing_n touch_v the_o division_n make_v among_o we_o which_o be_v send_v to_o a_o friend_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n h._n a._n because_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o sorrow_n that_o have_v befall_v we_o here_o letter_n m._n ain_n letter_n whereby_o your_o grief_n be_v the_o more_o augment_v and_o because_o the_o true_a report_n &_o estate_n of_o thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v unto_o you_o i_o will_v also_o brief_o touch_v the_o smart_n wherewith_o god_n have_v humble_v we_o &_o cause_v our_o breach_n to_o be_v as_o the_o sea_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v many_o day_n of_o comfort_n god_n give_v we_o here_o together_o while_o in_o singleness_n of_o hart_n we_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o mid_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n with_o love_n &_o peace_n but_o love_v of_o pre-eminence_n which_o have_v always_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v also_o trouble_v we_o while_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v serve_v it_o with_o meekness_n will_v rule_v it_o with_o lordship_n 26.63_o 1._o confess_v artic_a 24._o apol._n pag_n 26.63_o 1_o for_o whereas_o we_o have_v learned_a and_o profess_v that_o christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n to_o receive_v in_o or_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o congregation_n
&_o not_o to_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n sequester_v from_o the_o whole_a now_o we_o have_v be_v late_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n send_v to_o for_o the_o redress_n of_o sin_n mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o elder_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o power_n the_o elder_n be_v the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n together_o 2_o we_o have_v learn_v 63._o 2._o treâ—â—_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o eng._n pag._n 63._o apol._n pag._n 63._o that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o among_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_a when_o it_o have_v officer_n but_o also_o when_o it_o want_v they_o but_o wow_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v not_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n which_o doctrine_n among_o other_o evil_n overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o christian_n without_o officer_n receive_v in_o the_o repentant_a and_o cast_v out_o the_o disobedient_a whereas_o by_o this_o opinion_n they_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o do_v neither_o for_o they_o that_o can_v not_o cast_v out_o can_v not_o receive_v in_o one_o power_n be_v for_o both_o 3_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n and_o commandment_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n 46._o 3._o confess_v art_n 23._o &_o 35._o apol._n pag._n 46._o and_o upon_o such_o default_n in_o life_n doctrine_n or_o administration_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o ministry_n by_o due_a order_n to_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o ministry_n they_o exercise_v yea_o if_o the_o case_n so_o require_v orderly_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o excommunication_n but_o now_o it_o be_v by_o some_o maintain_v that_o the_o congregation_n can_v neither_o put_v into_o office_n nor_o put_v out_o of_o office_n unless_o they_o have_v officer_n to_o do_v both_o and_o can_v neither_o for_o heresy_n nor_o other_o wickedness_n excommunicate_a or_o depose_v their_o eldership_n 4_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o none_o may_v execute_v a_o ministry_n 21._o 4._o confess_v art_n 21._o but_o such_o as_o be_v right_o call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n unto_o such_o office_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n but_o now_o those_o will_v execute_v a_o ministry_n which_o have_v not_o right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n according_a to_o their_o own_o account_n and_o doctrine_n which_o hold_v as_o before_o that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o make_v or_o depose_v minister_n 5_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o it_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o notorious_a absurdity_n 112._o 5._o apol._n p._n 113._o &_o 116_o n._n 112._o either_o to_o hold_v the_o popish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n have_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o true_a sacrament_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v admit_v of_o rebaptise_v but_o now_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v true_a baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communion_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 6_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a to_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o 38._o 6._o conf._n art_n 38._o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n yet_o here_o when_o difference_n have_v arisen_a about_o our_o common_a faith_n and_o can_v not_o among_o ourselves_o be_v compose_v they_o will_v not_o desire_v nor_o consent_n to_o have_v desire_v the_o help_n of_o our_o sister_n church_n at_o leyden_n although_o it_o be_v instant_o urge_v by_o many_o member_n that_o their_o assistance_n shall_v be_v have_v and_o when_o without_o their_o consent_n the_o help_n of_o that_o church_n be_v obtain_v &_o they_o labour_v our_o peace_n &_o a_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v agree_v off_o between_o the_o church_n this_o agreement_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o stand_v unto_o but_o reverse_v by_o they_o contrary_a to_o our_o will_n &_o to_o the_o will_n and_o like_n of_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o the_o same_o church_n can_v testify_v for_o we_o wherefore_o after_o long_o dispute_v these_o matter_n when_o no_o way_n of_o peace_n can_v by_o we_o be_v find_v to_o continue_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n &_o holiness_n but_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o the_o church_n &_o member_n begin_v to_o grow_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n name_n &_o wound_v of_o our_o heart_n we_o follow_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o say_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o diligent_o which_o cause_n division_n &_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o have_v since_o labour_v to_o build_v up_o ourselves_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o in_o love_n &_o peace_n mourn_v for_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o satan_n have_v wrought_v by_o this_o breach_n among_o we_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o sorrow_n which_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o mercy_n &_o pity_v the_o dispersion_n of_o zion_n and_o you_o as_o you_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v seal_v to_o your_o conscience_n so_o abide_v therein_o faithful_a unto_o the_o end_n know_v it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n people_n thus_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o trouble_n in_o itself_o which_o if_o we_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o constansie_n &_o do_v overcome_v our_o portion_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n h._n a._n the_o article_n and_o objection_n about_o the_o division_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o lawn_n discovery_n of_o schism_n page_n 79._o etc._n etc._n the_o 23_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n whereto_o also_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n 46.47_o profess_v that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n &_o upon_o desert_n again_o to_o depose_v yea_o &_o excommunicate_v they_o these_o have_v defend_v that_o a_o congregation_n without_o minister_n can_v not_o ordain_v officer_n and_o that_o if_o the_o eldership_n fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o wickedness_n the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v depose_v nor_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o that_o a_o congregation_n without_o a_o eldership_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o wicked_a person_n whatsoever_o 2._o the_o 24_o article_n confirm_v in_o our_o apology_n page_n 60.62.63_o profess_v that_o the_o power_n to_o receive_v in_o or_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o christian_a congregation_n mat._n 18.17_o etc._n etc._n these_o have_v plead_v for_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o &_o to_o have_v both_o rightful_a power_n and_o able_a power_n to_o excommunicate_v though_o without_o &_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n 3._o the_o 29_o article_n as_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 51.52_o profess_v that_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o archbishop_n lordbishoppe_n priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o strange_a and_o antichristian_a ministry_n &_o officer_n not_o institute_v by_o christ_n testament_n nor_o place_v in_o or_o over_o his_o church_n these_o have_v place_v over_o they_o one_o that_o be_v make_v priest_n by_o a_o lordbishops_n ordination_n so_o as_o because_o of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o ordain_v or_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o other_o who_o together_o with_o he_o they_o set_v over_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o 31_o article_n and_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 109._o profess_v that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o remain_v so_o in_o confusion_n &_o bondage_n under_o that_o antichristian_a ministry_n court_n canon_n &c._n &c._n can_v be_v esteem_v true_a visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o now_o plead_v not_o only_o for_o they_o but_o for_o rome_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o 32_o article_n whereto_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n
52.53.54_o testify_v that_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o of_o those_o false_a office_n of_o lordbishop_n priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v over_o and_o leave_v they_o and_o so_o have_v it_o be_v practise_v here_o before_o by_o all_o such_o priest_n as_o come_v to_o our_o faith_n &_o church_n now_o one_o be_v minister_n over_o they_o ordain_v priest_n by_o the_o prelate_n as_o be_v before_o say_v 6._o the_o 33_o article_n which_o our_o apology_n also_o confirm_v page_n 45._o profess_v that_o people_n be_v come_v forth_o of_o the_o antichristian_a estate_n etc._n etc._n be_v willng_o to_o join_v together_o in_o christian_a communion_n and_o orderly_a covenant_n &_o to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o peculiar_a and_o visible_a congregation_n etc._n etc._n these_o have_v plead_v that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o baptism_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n 7._o the_o 35_o article_n confirm_v also_o in_o our_o apology_n page_n 46.47.48_o profess_v that_o a_o people_n so_o join_v together_o may_v proceed_v to_o choice_n &_o ordination_n of_o officer_n etc._n etc._n now_o these_o plead_v that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n of_o officer_n except_o they_o have_v officer_n before_o to_o do_v it_o 8._o in_o our_o apology_n page_n 113_o it_o be_v maynteyn_v to_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o notorious_a absurdity_n either_o to_o hold_v the_o popish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n have_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o true_a sacrament_n or_o else_o that_o man_n be_v unbaptise_v &_o must_v admit_v of_o the_o anabaptist_n rebaptisation_n these_o have_v themselves_o much_o object_v to_o we_o that_o either_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n of_o rome_n be_v true_a or_o else_o we_o must_v be_v rebaptise_v both_o which_o we_o still_o deny_v 9_o the_o 38_o article_n of_o our_o confession_n profess_v that_o congregation_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a to_o have_v the_o counsel_n &_o help_v one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n etc._n etc._n the_o practice_n of_o this_o be_v be_v deny_v when_o in_o our_o great_a need_n &_o trouble_n they_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o counsel_n &_o help_v of_o the_o english_a church_n at_o leyden_n which_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o 1._o before_o our_o part_n we_o offer_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o will_v continue_v together_o if_o our_o former_a practice_n may_v be_v retain_v but_o this_o be_v refuse_v 2._o we_o desire_v that_o then_o we_o may_v have_v a_o peaceable_a part_n and_o to_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n each_o practise_v as_o they_o be_v persuade_v yet_o nourish_v brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n this_o also_o they_o will_v not_o agree_v to_o unless_o we_o will_v leave_v this_o city_n 3._o we_o procure_v though_o without_o their_o consent_n the_o help_n of_o the_o english_a church_n at_o leyden_n who_o labour_v our_o peace_n a_o way_n of_o peace_n by_o these_o themselves_o propound_v &_o by_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n &_o we_o agree_v to_o these_o after_o reverse_v &_o stand_v not_o unto_o unless_o we_o will_v go_v dwell_v out_o of_o this_o city_n and_o although_o in_o the_o treaty_n of_o the_o agreement_n it_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apparent_a undo_n of_o we_o and_o of_o our_o family_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v again_o to_o dwell_v here_o yet_o because_o we_o will_v not_o absolute_o promise_v to_o leave_v this_o city_n they_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o agreement_n which_o themselves_o have_v madâ—_n these_o be_v the_o article_n &_o objection_n that_o be_v in_o the_o print_a copy_n aforesaid_a which_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o think_v to_o have_v print_v again_o but_o when_o we_o have_v finish_v this_o book_n we_o receive_v out_o of_o england_n from_o another_o friend_n another_o of_o m._n a._n his_o letter_n send_v thither_o wherein_o these_o also_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o manner_n &_o order_n and_o in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o very_o little_a alteration_n thereof_o we_o consider_v also_o that_o in_o the_o answer_n here_o follow_a there_o be_v often_o reference_n make_v to_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o these_o article_n and_o exception_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v good_a for_o the_o reader_n to_o have_v they_o here_o ready_a at_o hand_n whereupon_o we_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o print_v they_o again_o and_o to_o advertise_v those_o that_o have_v the_o book_n to_o insert_v they_o between_v c._n &_o d._n if_o it_o be_v not_o already_o do_v to_o their_o hand_n now_o follow_v the_o answer_n which_o be_v first_o make_v to_o the_o former_a letter_n according_a to_o the_o six_o particular_n thereof_o but_o be_v since_o enlarge_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o print_a copy_n aforesaid_a concern_v which_o also_o we_o can_v note_v &_o answer_n more_o and_o other_o thing_n then_o now_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o shortness_n of_o time_n as_o about_o some_o special_a respect_n &_o use_n in_o some_o case_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o father_n of_o family_n or_o of_o the_o chief_a &_o fit_a of_o they_o as_o upon_o occasion_n some_o of_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o reason_n have_v among_o we_o also_o that_o whereas_o they_o will_v seem_v in_o their_o letter_n &_o exception_n as_o if_o they_o have_v desire_v peace_n and_o accord_n with_o we_o yet_o beside_o all_o the_o thing_n note_v hereafter_o about_o their_o deal_n etc._n pag._n 74.75_o etc._n etc._n this_o also_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o some_o way_v of_o accord_n some_o of_o they_o public_o say_v they_o will_v never_o yield_v thereunto_o unless_o we_o will_v revoke_v our_o agreement_n about_o the_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o that_o also_o as_o a_o error_n which_o we_o can_v not_o yield_v unto_o as_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o agreement_n itself_o which_o be_v hereafter_o set_v down_o page_n 95.96_o etc._n etc._n but_o omit_v now_o to_o speak_v any_o further_a of_o these_o or_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v also_o be_v note_v about_o their_o objection_n and_o deal_n we_o will_v for_o the_o present_a only_o desire_v the_o reader_n about_o the_o particular_n still_o to_o remember_v that_o which_o sometime_o we_o have_v mention_v here_o &c_n pag._n 44._o &_o 45._o &c_n &c_n that_o extraordinary_a case_n must_v have_v their_o warrant_n according_o &_o that_o the_o thing_n concern_v a_o people_n without_o officer_n be_v leave_v to_o further_a consideration_n among_o we_o &_o need_v not_o by_o we_o now_o be_v stand_v upon_o see_v our_o estate_n &_o question_n be_v of_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o a_o church_n establish_v with_o officer_n for_o which_o also_o see_v the_o treatise_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o towards_o the_o end_n thereof_o and_o now_o read_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o foresay_a letter_n and_o objection_n as_o here_o it_o follow_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o writing_n and_o exception_n aforesaid_a send_v to_o the_o same_o party_n by_o mr._n fr._n io._n whereunto_o he_o have_v also_o add_v some_o thing_n more_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o other_o copy_n late_o print_v towch_v they_o that_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o m._n a._n writing_n unto_o you_o thereabout_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n of_o weight_n which_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o careful_o to_o observe_v and_o first_o how_o they_o have_v leave_v we_o upon_o two_o particular_a matter_n concern_v the_o church_n government_n and_o the_o exposition_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o keep_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v neither_o answer_v the_o thing_n print_v thereabouts_o so_o long_o since_o whereunto_o both_o we_o and_o all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o desire_v their_o conversion_n must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v &_o hold_v they_o and_o even_o by_o this_o their_o deal_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o needful_a that_o our_o publication_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v both_o for_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n hold_v by_o we_o &_o for_o meet_v with_o their_o clamour_n and_o all_o their_o disorderly_a and_o unapproveable_a course_n so_o much_o affect_v by_o they_o second_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o our_o profession_n always_o have_v be_v and_o must_v be_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o direction_n in_o all_o thing_n by_o it_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v and_o redress_v whatsoever_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n err_v therefrom_o for_o which_o see_v the_o praeface_n of_o our_o confession_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o apology_n pag._n 13._o &_o 41_o as_o also_o the_o answer_n to_o thomas_n white_a pag._n 36._o so_o as_o there_o be_v
to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v by_o they_o use_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o order_n and_o not_o any_o way_n to_o weaken_v but_o to_o establish_v the_o elder_n authority_n and_o we_o must_v not_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o policy_n of_o israel_n eph._n 2.12_o etc._n etc._n yea_o this_o very_a instruction_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v such_o as_o it_o accord_v with_o and_o have_v reference_n unto_o the_o ground_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n teach_v of_o old_a by_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v show_v in_o particular_a in_o the_o treatise_n aforesaid_a and_o in_o the_o church_n agreement_n publish_v there_o about_o so_o as_o their_o opposition_n against_o we_o therein_o be_v indeed_o against_o israel_n against_o moses_n &_o against_o the_o prophet_n and_o whether_o they_o it_o be_v not_o also_o consequent_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o ordinance_n prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n let_v all_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v such_o be_v their_o error_n and_o so_o great_a be_v their_o transgression_n and_o iniquity_n and_o hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o objection_n which_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n be_v the_o second_o where_o furthermore_o observe_v how_o when_o they_o do_v here_o quote_v the_o scripture_n allege_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o 24_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n they_o do_v it_o thus_o mat._n 18.17_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o the_o confession_n it_o be_v thus_o psal_n 122.3_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o be_v note_v in_o divers_a respect_n first_o because_o it_o show_v that_o at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o the_o confession_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v observe_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o aswell_o as_o of_o the_o new_a second_o that_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o may_v agree_v with_o the_o other_o scripture_n &_o namely_o with_o psal_n 122.3_o lev._n 20.4.5_o and_o 24.14_o numb_a 5.2.3_o deut._n 13_o 9_o which_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o article_n also_o allege_v and_o join_v with_o that_o of_o mat._n 18.17_o three_o that_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o agreement_n and_o proportion_n to_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o israel_n whereof_o these_o scripture_n do_v direct_o speak_v four_o that_o therefore_o our_o understanding_n of_o it_o now_o as_o we_o do_v be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n itself_o according_o to_o our_o ancient_n say_v and_o not_o they_o who_o will_v make_v we_o stranger_n from_o israel_n and_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o christ_n doctrine_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v a_o new_a rule_n for_o the_o church_n now_o which_o israel_n have_v not_o and_o that_o these_o people_n therefore_o have_v in_o deed_n leave_v the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o thing_n they_o object_n unto_o other_o moreover_o by_o the_o scripture_n asoresayd_a join_v together_o and_o compare_v with_o the_o estate_n of_o israel_n it_o do_v appear_v &_o reason_n itself_o do_v teach_v it_o that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betweme_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o between_v the_o execution_n thereof_o as_o between_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n of_o leprosy_n or_o the_o like_a and_o between_v the_o execution_n follow_a thereupon_o now_o in_o israel_n the_o elder_n in_o cause_n of_o death_n &_o the_o priest_n in_o case_n of_o leprosy_n have_v a_o rightful_a power_n to_o give_v out_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o of_o leprosy_n and_o the_o like_a according_a to_o the_o la_o of_o god_n without_o ask_v the_o people_n consent_n yea_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o call_v here_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n deu._n 1.16_o and_o 17_o 8-12_a and_o 24.8_o with_o 2_o chron._n 26_o 16-20_a levit._fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o the_o elder_n and_o priest_n have_v so_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n then_o be_v it_o for_o the_o people_n to_o perform_v the_o execution_n according_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o scripture_n aforesaid_a &_o many_o other_o the_o like_a thus_o also_o the_o elder_n may_v now_o by_o virtue_n &_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n give_v out_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o la_o of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v according_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n by_o avoid_v the_o excommmunicate_v person_n till_o they_o repent_v etc._n etc._n or_o if_o any_o of_o the_o people_n can_v except_v against_o the_o elder_n proceed_v therein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v as_o in_o the_o foresay_a treatise_n upon_o mat._n 18_o 17._o i_o have_v write_v heretofore_o where_o note_n further_a how_o in_o that_o treatise_n it_o be_v often_o mention_v &_o particular_o in_o our_o agreement_n about_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o scripture_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o understand_v and_o observe_v these_o thing_n according_a as_o in_o israel_n in_o the_o due_a proportion_n &_o perpetual_a equity_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o abridge_v the_o brethren_n of_o their_o assent_n or_o any_o right_n that_o do_v apperteyne_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n acconrd_v to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v therein_o etc._n etc._n and_o here_o let_v i_o then_o ask_v of_o this_o people_n thus_o divide_v hereabout_o first_o whether_o in_o israel_n the_o lord_n abridge_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n &_o liberty_n any_o way_n in_o that_o by_o his_o word_n the_o elder_n and_o priest_n may_v admonish_v sinner_n &_o give_v sentence_n of_o death_n and_o leprosy_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n without_o ask_v or_o take_v the_o people_n consent_n thereunto_o second_o whether_o the_o people_n have_v any_o more_o right_a and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n government_n now_o than_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v in_o those_o day_n three_o whether_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o king_n &_o priest_n even_o a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n and_o a_o holy_a nation_n aswel_n as_o the_o christian_a people_n be_v now_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6._o psal_n 149.1_o etc._n etc._n with_o 1_o pet._n 2.9.10_o rev._n 1.6_o four_o whether_o the_o church_n power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ministerial_a power_n only_o five_o whether_o the_o elder_n power_n be_v not_o ministerial_a under_o the_o lord_n in_o and_z for_o the_o church_n so_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n primary_o the_o church_n secondary_o and_o the_o officer_n ministerial_o or_o instrumental_o for_o the_o lord_n &_o the_o church_n who_o officer_n they_o be_v and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o weight_n in_o their_o objection_n about_o the_o elder_n power_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o perteyn_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o that_o in_o deed_n it_o be_v the_o church_n &_o so_o to_o be_v minister_v by_o the_o officer_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o church_n use_n and_o benefit_n and_o that_o they_o which_o oppugn_v the_o officer_n herein_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v against_o they_o but_o even_o against_o the_o lord_n &_o the_o church_n for_o which_o they_o will_v seem_v so_o much_o to_o plead_v and_o final_o whether_o the_o opposite_n in_o the_o church_n government_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o make_v we_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n &_o that_o so_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o body_n of_o they_o and_o we_o one_o lord_n over_o they_o and_o we_o one_o say_v of_o they_o and_o we_o &c_n &c_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o ephes_n 2_o 12-22_a and_z 3_o 6._o and_o 4.4_o etc._n etc._n which_o how_o absurd_a and_o ungodly_a it_o be_v to_o hold_v we_o wish_v they_o may_v in_o time_n well_o consider_v with_o themselves_o afore_o more_o error_n and_o further_a evil_n grow_v upon_o they_o than_o yet_o be_v furthermore_o let_v i_o also_o ask_v why_o they_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o themselves_o aswell_o as_o of_o we_o what_o they_o plead_v to_o be_v the_o church_n speak_v of_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o namely_o how_o some_o of_o they_o teach_v public_o that_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n &_o congregation_n allege_v to_o that_o end_n num._n 15.33_o &_o 27.2_o and_o 35.12_o as_o also_o that_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o some_o also_o plead_v that_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n woman_n &_o child_n that_o can_v sorrow_v &_o rejoice_v with_o other_o press_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o which_o paul_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n and_o part_n thereof_o sorrow_v and_o
rejoice_v one_o with_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 22-26_a and_o furthermore_o how_o it_o be_v also_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n of_o question_n and_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n though_o without_o &_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n be_v the_o body_n and_o the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o yea_o though_o they_o be_v in_o error_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o in_o their_o exception_n plead_v about_o it_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o opposition_n against_o the_o eldership_n and_o so_o seem_v here_o to_o imply_v also_o such_o a_o understanding_n thereof_o touch_v all_o which_o it_o be_v long_o to_o rehearse_v either_o what_o reason_v we_o have_v or_o what_o may_v be_v show_v about_o these_o point_n but_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v note_v thereabouts_o and_o first_o if_o this_o rule_n befound_v in_o the_o book_n of_o number_n and_o law_n of_o israel_n as_o by_o the_o doctrine_n &_o allegation_n aforesaid_a appear_v then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o new_a rule_n first_o give_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o be_v hold_v and_o urge_v both_o often_o and_o earnest_o among_o we_o second_o these_o scripture_n in_o the_o book_n of_o number_n speak_v of_o civil_a case_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o allege_v these_o or_o the_o like_a about_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o do_v about_o the_o people_n they_o except_v against_o we_o as_o if_o we_o misapply_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v the_o elder_n civil_a authority_n which_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o give_v to_o the_o people_n though_o they_o make_v such_o allegation_n about_o they_o in_o this_o question_n as_o we_o do_v about_o the_o elder_n 35.12_o num._n 15.33_o &_o 27.2_o &_o 35.12_o three_o touch_v these_o scripture_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sinner_n and_o plea_n in_o israel_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o num._n 36.2_o deut._n 19.12.17_o and_o 1.12.16_o and_o 16.18_o and_o 17_o 8-12_a josh_n 20.4.5.6_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5-11_a psal_n 82_o 1-6_a mat._n 5.22_o lnk._n 22.66_o act._n 6.12_o etc._n etc._n moreover_o 27.2_o num._n 15.33_o and_o 27.2_o two_o of_o the_o scripture_n allege_v speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o they_o be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o child_n exod._n 12.37_o and_o will_v they_o have_v we_o think_v that_o this_o people_n come_v together_o to_o hear_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o question_v there_o speak_v of_o or_o that_o the_o party_n there_o mention_v be_v bring_v or_o come_v unto_o all_o that_o congregation_n as_o they_o will_v have_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o we_o yea_o and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v &_o judge_v the_o brethren_n cause_n that_o do_v fall_v out_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o for_o the_o three_o scripture_n so_o allege_v by_o they_o 35.12_o num._n 35.12_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o deut._n 19_o 4-12_a it_o make_v the_o point_n yet_o more_o plain_a against_o themselves_o for_o moses_n speak_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o both_o those_o place_n 25.12_o num._n 25.12_o use_v in_o the_o one_o place_n the_o word_n congregation_n &_o in_o the_o other_o the_o term_n of_o elder_n as_o if_o he_o will_v himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n 19.12_o deut._n 19.12_o to_o which_o end_n also_o see_v josh_n 20.4.5.6_o where_o the_o same_o matter_n be_v again_o speak_v of_o &_o deut._n 19_o 15-18_a where_o after_o the_o treat_v of_o the_o former_a matter_n he_o give_v a_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o case_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o among_o they_o and_o whether_o now_o we_o shall_v believe_v moses_n or_o they_o let_v themselves_o judge_v touch_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n howsoever_o many_o have_v be_v carry_v thereby_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a rule_n and_o perteyn_a only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o people_n now_o be_v otherwise_o interest_v in_o the_o church_n government_n than_o they_o be_v in_o israel_n of_o old_a yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v also_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n and_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o therefore_o such_o collection_n from_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v not_o sound_a and_o what_o be_v there_o here_o teach_v by_o christ_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v aswell_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o harmless_a as_o little_a child_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 18_o 14_a with_o psal_n 131.1.2_o prov._n 15.33_o and_o 16.19_o and_o 18.12_o and_o 25.6.7_o 1_o sam._n 12.3.4_o psal_n 138.6_o shall_v they_o not_o avoid_v give_v offience_n to_o other_o &_o when_o other_o offend_v they_o shall_v they_o not_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o show_v they_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o amend_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n to_o be_v further_o deal_v with_o according_a to_o their_o demerit_n or_o if_o they_o do_v repent_v forgive_v they_o mat._n 18_o 5-22_a with_o lev._n 19.14.16.17.18_o deut_n 19_o 15-19_a and_o 21_o 18-21_a and_o 25_o 5-9_a with_o ruth_n 3_o 9-13_a and_z 4_o 1-13_a 1_o sam._n 2.25_o esa_n 58.6.7_o and_o further_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v etc._n mat._n 18.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o christ_n teach_v how_o god_n require_v man_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o king_n take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n propound_v it_o by_o the_o same_o phrase_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o the_o jew_v always_o aswell_o as_o of_o we_o now_o lev._n 19.18_o exod._n 23_o 4.5_o psal_n 7.4_o act._n 7_o 26._o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 19.13.14_o mat._n 19.13.14_o christ_n speak_v of_o little_a child_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o say_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v always_o true_a of_o the_o infant_n and_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o of_o we_o now_o but_o if_o any_o will_v gather_v hereupon_o for_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n as_o some_o do_v for_o the_o man_n woman_n &_o great_a child_n upon_o the_o like_a manner_n of_o speech_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n government_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o aswell_o as_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o they_o bind_v to_o be_v present_a to_o hear_v and_o judge_v all_o such_o cause_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n i_o suppose_v the_o people_n themselves_o that_o hold_v the_o former_a opinion_n and_o make_v such_o collection_n to_o maintain_v it_o for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o will_v think_v it_o absurd_a thus_o to_o reason_n about_o the_o lesser_a child_n although_o they_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n &_o that_o of_o such_o also_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n again_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n save_o one_o 21.43_o mat._n 21.43_o matthew_n show_v how_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n a_o nation_n that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21_o 43._o so_o as_o then_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o god_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v &_o we_o now_o be_v the_o difference_n about_o some_o worldly_a ceremonial_a and_o mutable_a thing_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v carry_v with_o they_o a_o abolition_n of_o the_o thing_n spiritual_a moral_n and_o perpetual_a neither_o may_v we_o at_o any_o hand_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v make_v alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n as_o be_v note_v before_o for_o the_o other_o scripture_n chap._n 1_o cor._n 12._o chap._n 1_o cor._n 12_o chap._n the_o apostle_n purpose_n be_v not_o there_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o case_n and_o plea_n about_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o deal_v therein_o as_o in_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o as_o our_o question_n be_v among_o we_o but_o of_o the_o diversity_n and_o inaequalitie_n of_o gift_n &_o
scripture_n thus_o allege_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o m._n ainsw_n have_v well_o observe_v about_o idolatry_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o cleave_v fast_o to_o all_o flesh_n etc._n arrow_n against_o idol_n ch_n 2_o p._n 23._o etc._n etc._n so_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n do_v easy_o fall_v into_o it_o do_v take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o be_v hardly_o draw_v from_o it_o a_o example_n whereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o people_n aforesaid_a who_o be_v carry_v with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o error_n about_o the_o matter_n speak_v of_o will_v choose_v bondage_n afore_o liberty_n yea_o and_o a_o bondage_n accompany_v with_o many_o other_o evil_n ensue_v upon_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o error_n and_o idol_n set_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o i_o hope_v their_o child_n if_o not_o themselves_o will_v in_o time_n grow_v wiser_n how_o ever_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v too_o common_a that_o the_o child_n remember_v their_o father_n altar_n and_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v of_o the_o people_n in_o his_o day_n jer._n 17.2_o let_v i_o also_o about_o the_o matter_n themselves_o concern_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o body_n thereof_o the_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n of_o year_n plead_v to_o be_v the_o church_n speak_v of_o mat._n 18_o 17._o desire_n to_o know_v by_o what_o scripture_n they_o will_v now_o manifest_v and_o confirm_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v 18.17_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 5_o chap._n as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v purposely_o handle_v in_o the_o treatise_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o also_o if_o the_o woman_n and_o child_n shall_v in_o a_o controversy_n be_v the_o great_a part_n whether_o then_o they_o be_v the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o &_o have_v the_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o man_n and_o whether_o these_o person_n divide_v not_o themselves_o from_o the_o church_n when_o they_o leave_v we_o see_v we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n both_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n who_o they_o depart_v from_o also_o whether_o the_o elder_n be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n whereof_o they_o speak_v or_o not_o for_o here_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o opposition_n between_v the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o eldership_n and_o if_o they_o be_v what_o place_n they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o a_o superior_a or_o inferior_a place_n and_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o presence_n of_o they_o the_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n mat._n 18.17_o to_o examine_v rebuke_n and_o admonish_v their_o husband_n parent_n &_o master_n be_v there_o deal_v withal_o for_o sin_n see_v the_o church_n be_v tell_v and_o the_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n there_o speak_v of_o may_v examine_v &_o admonish_v &_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v &_o obey_v etc._n etc._n neither_o let_v they_o think_v much_o that_o i_o propound_v such_o questipn_n or_o that_o i_o speak_v thus_o about_o woman_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o know_v that_o such_o assertion_n and_o plead_v we_o have_v have_v from_o they_o and_o that_o such_o opinion_n be_v among_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o if_o they_o answer_n direct_o to_o the_o thing_n here_o and_o before_o propound_v the_o truth_n will_v better_o appear_v and_o the_o controversy_n be_v soon_o end_v between_o we_o and_o what_o they_o hold_v &_o mainteyn_a concern_v these_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o still_o to_o insist_v upon_o see_v that_o about_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o scripture_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o they_o have_v so_o deal_v and_o leave_v we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v other_o thing_n i_o will_v omit_v that_o may_v here_o also_o have_v their_o place_n and_o use_v note_v this_o only_a that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a &_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o a_o controversy_n shall_v so_o stand_v as_o all_o the_o elder_n shall_v be_v one_o way_n &_o all_o the_o people_n another_o way_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o course_n and_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v according_o be_v have_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v among_o we_o &_o whereabout_o it_o be_v particular_o mention_v at_o the_o beginning_n that_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v last_o what_o weight_n be_v there_o in_o this_o exception_n of_o they_o against_o our_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o more_o than_o may_v be_v against_o israel_n of_o old_a who_o can_v understand_v such_o speech_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n without_o impeach_v any_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n or_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v hereof_o before_o and_o of_o this_o matter_n more_o large_o than_o i_o purpose_v though_o yet_o not_o so_o large_o as_o i_o may_v consider_v the_o point_n itself_o and_o how_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o thereabouts_o now_o i_o will_v come_v to_o the_o next_o objection_n for_o the_o second_o which_o concern_v excommunication_n by_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n i_o have_v in_o the_o foresay_a treatise_n write_v particular_o thereabouts_o 18.17_o treat_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o where_o also_o i_o have_v treat_v purposely_o and_o large_o of_o the_o place_n of_o the_o apology_n which_o they_o have_v here_o allege_v so_o as_o that_o shall_v first_o have_v ben_fw-mi answer_v afore_o they_o have_v thus_o deal_v as_o they_o have_v do_v especial_o see_v that_o there_o i_o desire_v answer_n &_o confirmation_n of_o that_o opinion_n writing_n in_o this_o sort_n about_o it_o where_o find_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v thus_o lay_v upon_o the_o people_n without_o officer_n to_o excommunicate_v where_o be_v the_o precept_n for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o example_n of_o it_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n require_v and_o bear_v it_o out_o in_o the_o same_o place_n also_o i_o note_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v not_o only_o sundry_a example_n show_v how_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o officer_n but_o also_o divers_a ordinance_n &_o ground_n direct_v and_o warrant_v we_o to_o do_v likewise_o the_o particular_n whereof_o see_v in_o that_o treatise_n with_o divers_a other_o consideration_n and_o reason_n thereabouts_o which_o may_v have_v cause_v they_o either_o to_o answer_n we_o or_o at_o least_o as_o there_o be_v note_v to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o how_o the_o church_n excommunication_n can_v be_v administer_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o overseer_n and_o how_o people_n without_o officer_n can_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o ministration_n of_o this_o any_o more_o than_o of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o beside_o you_o may_v percenive_v both_o by_o our_o church_n estate_n and_o by_o particular_a note_n set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a treatise_n that_o our_o controversy_n be_v about_o a_o church_n establish_v with_o officer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v before_o our_o part_n agree_v among_o we_o to_o leave_v the_o thing_n concern_v people_n without_o officer_n to_o further_a consideration_n to_o which_o also_o i_o do_v still_o refer_v it_o only_o where_o he_o say_v here_o that_o our_o doctrine_n overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o christian_n without_o officer_n receive_v in_o the_o repentant_a and_o cast_v out_o the_o disobedient_a etc._n etc._n i_o will_v hereupon_o note_v a_o few_o thing_n brief_o to_o show_v the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o their_o exception_n herein_o and_o first_o omit_v what_o be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o know_v by_o who_o or_o by_o what_o church_n the_o first_o man_n or_o first_o two_o man_n of_o this_o church_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v receive_v in_o and_o by_o what_o power_n second_o it_o be_v know_v and_o not_o to_o be_v forget_v 2.41.42_o eph._n 4.4.5_o 1_o cor._n 10.1_o 2._o and_o 12_o 13._o act._n 2.41.42_o that_o by_o our_o baptism_n as_o also_o by_o accord_n in_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communion_n in_o any_o thing_n lawful_a as_o god_n give_v occasion_n &_o opportunity_n thereunto_o which_o thing_n be_v heretofore_o show_v unto_o they_o though_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v three_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a and_o vudenyable_a that_o to_o choose_v or_o give_v voice_n in_o election_n be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o government_n or_o a_o duty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o interest_n
power_n right_a and_o liberty_n that_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n out_o of_o office_n have_v and_o shall_v use_v in_o election_n not_o only_o at_o first_o when_o they_o have_v no_o officer_n but_o always_o after_o in_o other_o election_n also_o even_o when_o they_o have_v officer_n over_o they_o last_o see_v our_o doctrine_n overthrow_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n afore_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o christ_n it_o can_v not_o therefore_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v according_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n corner_n stone_n ephess_n 2_o 19_o 20._o by_o all_o which_o you_o may_v see_v how_o vain_a &_o frivolous_a this_o their_o exception_n be_v to_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v the_o first_o sixth_o and_o seven_o of_o the_o objection_n in_o the_o print_a copy_n and_o so_o touch_v they_o observe_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o in_o the_o foresay_a treatise_n upon_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o the_o three_o it_o be_v of_o much_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o second_o before_o the_o same_o answer_n that_o be_v there_o give_v may_v suffice_v for_o it_o yet_o thus_o much_o i_o will_v acquaint_v you_o with_o further_a that_o the_o like_a thing_n be_v object_v here_o against_o i_o and_o write_v of_o unto_o we_o from_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n i_o give_v this_o answer_n unto_o it_o viz_o that_o the_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v any_o officer_n deserve_v it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o member_n also_o that_o if_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v joint_o transgress_v and_o so_o persist_v than_o the_o church_n which_o do_v choose_v they_o may_v also_o depose_v and_o refuse_v they_o for_o be_v their_o officer_n any_o long_o &_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o that_o the_o people_n may_v excommunicate_v all_o their_o officer_n or_o whole_a eldership_n together_o i_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o show_v and_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o answer_v &_o send_v from_o hence_o in_o a_o general_a letter_n to_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v by_o mr._n ainsw_n himself_o also_o subscribe_v at_o that_o time_n for_o my_o answer_n hereunto_o howsoever_o now_o they_o speak_v not_o of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o choose_v reach_v which_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o government_n may_v be_v do_v by_o people_n out_o of_o office_n so_o far_o also_o may_v the_o refuse_v go_v and_o whatsoever_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v attempt_v further_o must_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o now_o for_o the_o exception_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o the_o three_o but_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n be_v the_o first_o note_v these_o thing_n moreover_o concern_v it_o that_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o 23_o article_n of_o our_o confession_n here_o allege_v be_v find_v true_a in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n before_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n since_o christ_n the_o exception_n make_v hereabout_o can_v not_o be_v of_o weight_n against_o this_o or_o any_o other_o church_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o those_o be_v but_o must_v be_v also_o against_o those_o church_n withal_o for_o which_o see_v &_o consider_v the_o scripture_n allege_v in_o the_o confession_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o and_o observe_v here_o also_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v show_v by_o those_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n that_o any_o in_o israel_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v ordain_v officer_n or_o depose_v or_o excomunicate_v either_o they_o or_o any_o wicked_a person_n deserve_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v governor_n and_o officer_n among_o they_o heretofore_o which_o scripture_n we_o have_v indeed_o thus_o allege_v heretofore_o if_o any_o insist_v upon_o numb_a 8.9.10_o which_o of_o all_o other_o place_n be_v the_o like_a or_o only_o like_a to_o be_v object_v because_o there_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v put_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n then_o note_v also_o further_o that_o by_o this_o phrase_n of_o speech_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o other_o such_o speech_n of_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n often_o mean_v &_o understand_v as_o for_o example_n in_o another_o the_o like_a case_n they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n lev._n 9.1_o be_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n call_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n lev._n 9.3_o where_o the_o septuagint_n have_v in_o both_o place_n alike_o the_o senate_n or_o eldership_n of_o israel_n as_o also_o josh_o 7.23_o where_o the_o hebrew_n have_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o greek_a translation_n have_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o very_a reason_n itself_o teach_v so_o to_o understand_v it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o israel_n as_o then_o be_v of_o the_o people_n either_o at_o once_o hear_v or_o do_v the_o thing_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v some_o do_v it_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o israel_n than_o i_o ask_v first_o who_o those_o some_o be_v but_o the_o elder_n who_o israel_n now_o have_v exo._n 3.16_o and_o 4.29_o lev._n 9.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o second_o under_o who_o they_o do_v it_o but_o under_o the_o lord_n who_o set_v they_o over_o the_o people_n to_o minister_v &_o govern_v in_o his_o stead_n exod._n 20_o 12._o num._n 11_o 16-30_a deu._n 1_o 9-18_a and_o 16.18_o and_o 17_o 12._o and_o 19_o 12.17_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n jos_n 9_o 6_o 7_o 14._o be_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o congregation_n jos_n 9_o 15_o 18_o 19_o 21._o and_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n 2_o sam._n 7.7_o be_v otherwhere_o call_v the_o judge_n of_o israel_n 1_o chron._n 17.6_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n exod._n 20.18_o 19_o 1_o sam._n 8.7_o 10_o 19_o 21._o be_v otherwhere_o say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n deut._n 5.23_o 1_o sam._n 8_o 4._o in_o which_o place_n &_o action_n common_a reason_n also_o teach_v so_o to_o understand_v the_o speech_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n may_v be_v observe_v how_o the_o word_n church_n or_o congregation_n be_v divers_a time_n use_v for_o the_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o elder_n num._n 35_o 12_o 24_o 25_o 29._o with_o deut._n 19_o 11.13.16.17_o and_o 31.28.30_o josh_n 20.4.5.6_o psal_n 82.1_o 1_o chron._n 29.1.6_o with_o 28.1_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v note_v in_o the_o other_o treatise_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o many_o such_o synechdochicall_a speech_n where_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v give_v to_o a_o part_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o while_n man_n will_v needs_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n they_o grow_v into_o many_o error_n some_o one_o way_v some_o another_o as_o other_o also_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n mistake_v figurative_a speech_n as_o if_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o shall_v be_v understand_v literal_o and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v to_o write_v further_o hereabout_o and_o this_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v better_o observe_v the_o clause_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o article_n speak_v of_o 23._o conf._n art_n 23._o as_o namely_o that_o the_o elect_n and_o ordain_v of_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o god_n word_n prescribe_v that_o deposition_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v by_o due_a order_n and_o that_o the_o cut_n off_o by_o excommunication_n must_v be_v do_v orderly_o which_o clause_n as_o they_o bound_v we_o to_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n not_o be_v in_o office_n may_v choose_v their_o officer_n as_o be_v prove_v both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o apology_n here_o cite_v pag._n 46.47_o so_o do_v they_o also_o bind_v these_o person_n thus_o make_v exception_n to_o show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n like_a rule_n practice_n or_o warrant_v of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n minister_v and_o perform_v by_o people_n out_o of_o office_n which_o till_o they_o do_v what_o weight_n or_o use_n be_v there_o of_o their_o exception_n save_v that_o it_o turn_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v better_o find_v out_o and_o more_o clear_v from_o time_n to_o tyme._n for_o the_o four_o it_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o second_o and_o three_o herebefore_n where_o therefore_o see_v the_o answer_n and_o if_o they_o will_v here_o imply_v a_o
2-5_a and_o 15.4_o etc._n etc._n for_o now_o it_o will_v be_v answer_v they_o that_o in_o israel_n apostasy_n they_o keep_v circumcision_n which_o need_v not_o to_o be_v repeat_v see_v it_o be_v true_a and_o seal_v god_n covenant_n unto_o they_o but_o that_o these_o can_v so_o plead_v for_o the_o baptism_n have_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o rome_n because_o themselves_o say_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o true_a baptism_n and_o so_o not_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o they_o which_o have_v no_o other_o but_o it_o whereunto_o what_o they_o will_v answer_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o let_v they_o show_v we_o by_o what_o scripture_n they_o can_v approve_v their_o stand_n now_o who_o witting_o &_o willing_o remain_v without_o true_a baptism_n to_o seal_v unto_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n final_o if_o the_o baptism_n have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o true_a baptism_n than_o as_o they_o also_o say_v it_o be_v a_o idol_n bear_v the_o show_v and_o image_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o substance_n and_o so_o then_o apply_v hither_o that_o which_o mr._n ain_v have_v observe_v in_o his_o arrow_v against_o idolatry_n how_o god_n manife_v the_o vanity_n and_o filthynes_n of_o idol_n by_o title_n and_o name_n give_v unto_o they_o 14._o pag._n 13._o &_o 14._o for_o idol_n say_v he_o be_v call_v thing_n of_o naught_o as_o it_o be_v filth_n dung_n or_o excrement_n loathe_v some_o thing_n or_o detestable_a and_o abomination_n vanity_n lie_n unprofitable_a false-vanity_n leasing_n and_o vayn-iniquitie_n thus_o he_o write_v of_o idol_n in_o that_o place_n so_o as_o by_o their_o opinion_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o naught_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v filth_n or_o dung_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o a_o loath_a some_o thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v detest_v a_o abomination_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abhor_v a_o vanity_n a_o lie_n unprofitable_a false-vanitie_n lease_v and_o vayn-iniquitie_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o shall_v renounce_v it_o &_o cast_v it_o away_o as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o say_v unto_o it_o get_v thou_o hence_o as_o esay_n teach_v when_o he_o show_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v even_o thus_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o monument_n and_o most_o precious_a ornament_n of_o idolatry_n &_o therefore_o much_o more_o with_o the_o idol_n themselves_o esa_n 30.21.22_o which_o till_o these_o man_n be_v careful_a to_o do_v with_o the_o idol_n retain_v among_o they_o they_o must_v be_v content_v by_o their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v account_v among_o those_o many_o sort_n of_o idolater_n which_o defile_v themselves_o with_o idol_n of_o who_o mr._n ainsw_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o place_n of_o his_o book_n aforesaid_a a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v that_o they_o fall_v into_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o but_o it_o that_o without_o just_a cause_n they_o break_v away_o &_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v but_o see_v that_o therewith_n they_o have_v also_o other_o very_a erroneous_a opinion_n and_o the_o sinful_a usurpation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n use_v among_o they_o what_o a_o heavy_a estate_n do_v they_o stand_v in_o and_o how_o great_o do_v it_o import_v they_o to_o consider_v their_o way_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n otherwise_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o 1_o cor._n 10.22_o and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v here_o by_o this_o occasion_n to_o write_v about_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o i_o will_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o touch_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v also_o at_o that_o time_n speech_n about_o it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o do_v in_o deed_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_o teach_v 2_o thes_n 2.4_o and_o by_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n understand_v the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o to_o be_v seek_v and_o find_v and_o not_o among_o the_o jew_n turk_n pagan_n or_o the_o like_a as_o the_o papist_n &_o other_o will_v persuade_v we_o neither_o that_o antichrist_n take_v away_o whole_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o anabaptist_n and_o such_o as_o be_v herein_o anabaptistical_o incline_v will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n observe_v also_o here_o again_o that_o which_o be_v say_v rev._n 18_o 4._o go_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n and_o partake_v not_o in_o her_o sin_n etc._n etc._n where_o those_o word_n my_o people_n imply_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n continue_v among_o they_o for_o thus_o be_v the_o covenant_n teach_v and_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o so_o be_v israel_n often_o call_v the_o lord_n people_n &_o be_v thus_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o apostasy_n by_o the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 9_o 6._o &_o 13.23_o 2_o chron._n 30_o 6-9_a hos_fw-la 4_o 6_o 12._o and_o 5.4_o and_o 14.2_o amos_n 7.15_o and_o 8.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o note_v here_o also_o how_o the_o other_o clause_n partake_v not_o in_o her_o sin_n show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v namely_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n wherein_o they_o transgress_v the_o la_o of_o god_n and_o not_o whatsoever_o be_v have_v or_o retain_v by_o they_o furthermore_o it_o be_v undeniable_a and_o we_o have_v heretofore_o urge_v it_o much_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o first_o set_v in_o the_o way_v of_o god_n &_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 16.19_o rom._n 2.8_o &_o 16.19_o but_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v also_o very_o famous_a over_o the_o world_n since_o which_o time_n she_o be_v fall_v into_o great_a apostasy_n and_o adultery_n etc._n esa_n 1.2_o jer._n 2.21_o ezec._n 16._o &_o 23._o ch_z 1_o kin._n 12_o 28-33_a &_o 14.22.23.24_o 2_o chro._n 13.5_o etc._n etc._n as_o israel_n do_v in_o former_a time_n in_o all_o which_o her_o adulterate_a &_o apostate_n estate_n she_o have_v notwithstanding_o still_o keep_v even_o to_o this_o day_n sundry_a truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n &_o mix_v with_o they_o her_o own_o invention_n &_o tradition_n as_o israel_n also_o do_v which_o be_v observe_v aright_o cause_v a_o twofold_a consideration_n of_o her_o estate_n as_o of_o israel_n one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n still_o retain_v among_o they_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o abomination_n withal_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o one_o to_o hold_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n &_o church_n of_o god_n there_o against_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v and_o observe_v their_o apostasy_n and_o babylonish_n confusion_n against_o antichrist_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n namely_o for_o this_o defection_n and_o mixture_n aforesaid_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o and_o witness_v against_o they_o be_v always_o careful_a in_o our_o testimony_n and_o practice_n to_o retain_v and_o maintain_v every_o truth_n &_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o that_o church_n before_o their_o apostasy_n and_o be_v yet_o continue_a therein_o to_o this_o day_n leave_v only_o and_o forsake_v their_o corruption_n and_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n therewith_n lest_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v bring_v ourselves_o or_o be_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o anabaptistry_n and_o divers_a other_o error_n and_o evil_n as_o by_o lamentable_a example_n of_o other_o we_o have_v see_v note_v here_o also_o a_o double_a consideration_n about_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o his_o people_n one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o on_o the_o one_o part_n the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n take_v into_o covenant_n by_o he_o on_o the_o other_o part_n deut._n 26.17.18.19_o judg._n 2.1_o 20._o for_o it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o people_n do_v on_o their_o part_n transgress_v &_o break_v the_o covenant_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o so_o on_o his_o part_n but_o still_o remember_v his_o covenant_n count_v they_o his_o people_n call_v they_o to_o
repentance_n follow_v they_o sometime_o with_o judgement_n sometime_o with_o mereie_n and_o compassion_n etc._n etc._n levit._n 26_o 15-45_a ezech._n 16_o 59-62_a judg._n 2_o 1-20_a etc._n etc._n thus_o in_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n it_o may_v be_v note_v how_o they_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o their_o own_o invention_n fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n run_v into_o sin_n after_o sin_n and_o become_v a_o harlot_n transgress_v the_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n exod._n 32._o judg._n 2._o and_o 3._o with_o psa_n 78_o 56-58_a 1_o sam._n 7_o 3_o 4._o 1_o king_n 12_o 28-33_a and_o 14.22.23.24_o with_o 2_o chron._n 12._o and_o 13._o and_o 1_o king_n 19.10_o hos_fw-la 6.7_o and_o 8.1_o yet_o the_o lord_n break_v it_o not_o on_o his_o part_n but_o sometime_o of_o himself_o sometime_o at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o his_o prophet_n &_o servant_n he_o spare_v they_o and_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o or_o present_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n according_a to_o their_o demerit_n but_o in_o his_o mercy_n as_o a_o love_a husband_n he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o send_v unto_o they_o prophet_n after_o prophet_n a_o long_a time_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o amendment_n and_o call_v they_o still_o his_o people_n and_o help_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o not_o of_o yet_o so_o as_o beside_o his_o word_n send_v unto_o they_o he_o also_o adjoin_v correction_n &_o punishmment_n both_o for_o avenge_a the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n upon_o they_o and_o for_o procure_v their_o conversion_n by_o all_o manner_n mean_n what_o may_v be_v as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n samuel_n king_n and_o chronicle_n compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v see_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o scripture_n here_o note_v before_o and_o the_o like_a as_o exod._n 33._o and_o 34._o etc._n etc._n levit._fw-la 26_o 14.15-25-42-44.45_a judg._n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 78._o 1_o king_n 13._o and_o 16._o and_o 18._o 2_o king_n 5.8.15.17_o with_o jer._n 51.5_o and_o ezech_v 16.59.60_o etc._n etc._n hoseas_n and_o amos_n their_o prophecy_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o these_o two_o divers_a respect_n sometime_o have_v reference_n to_o god_n sometime_o to_o israel_n may_v there_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v speak_v diverse_o for_o example_n israel_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o their_o idolatrous_a estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o god_n without_o priest_n to_o teach_v and_o without_o la_o to_o forsake_v and_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_v by_o their_o vanity_n not_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n wife_n but_o a_o harlot_n go_v a_o whore_v after_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o have_v child_n of_o whooredome_n yea_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o with_o israel_n or_o with_o any_o of_o ephraim_n 2_o chron._n 15.3_o 1._o king_n 12.28.33_o and_o 15.34_o and_o 16_o 13.26.31-33_a and_o 19.14_o hose_n 2_o 15_a and_o 5.3.4_o and_o 8.1_o and_o 9.1_o with_o psalm_n 106.29.39_o ezech._n 16._o and_o 23._o chap._n 2_o chron._n 25.7_o but_o again_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o covenant_n into_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_z which_o he_o break_v not_o on_o his_o part_n but_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n be_v call_v their_o god_n and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o child_n bear_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o israel_n not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o widow_n forsake_v of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o pity_v they_o and_o respect_v they_o because_o of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v they_o nor_o cast_v they_o off_o from_o he_o as_o yet_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o continue_v israel_n a_o long_a time_n respect_v of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o her_o apostasic_a etc._n etc._n judg._n 2_o 1._o etc._n etc._n 1_o king_n 18_o 36._o 2_o king_n 9_o 6_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o 12._o and_o 5_o 4._o and_o 7_o 10._o and_o 8_o 2._o &_o 9_o 1._o &_o 14.1_o 2._o amos_n 7_o 15._o with_o psal_n 89_o 30-34_a and_o ezech._n 16_o 20_o 60._o and_o jer._n 51.5_o and_o 2_o king_n 13_o 23._o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o these_o time_n the_o prophet_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o plead_v with_o their_o mother_n about_o her_o adultery_n to_o separate_v themselves_o and_o not_o to_o come_v at_o the_o place_n of_o their_o worship_n nor_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n thither_o because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v multiply_v their_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 2_o 15_a and_z 4_o 12.14.15_o amos_n 4_o 4_o 5._o and_o 5_o 4_o 5._o and_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n &_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o apostasy_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o christ_n rom._n 15_o 4._o with_o 1_o cor._n 10.11_o moreover_o beside_o that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v sometime_o more_o large_o sometime_o more_o strict_o which_o about_o this_o question_n likewise_o may_v be_v observe_v there_o be_v yet_o further_o also_o a_o double_a regard_n that_o may_v be_v have_v of_o apostate_n church_n in_o all_o age_n according_a as_o they_o be_v consider_v and_o speak_v of_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o people_n of_o divers_a sort_n as_o namely_o israel_n in_o apostasy_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o syrian_n philistines_n moabite_n and_o other_o nation_n be_v call_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v account_v the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 3.8_o 15.17_o and_o 9_o 6._o etc._n etc._n but_o be_v compare_v with_o judah_n which_o rule_v with_o god_n and_o be_v faithful_a with_o the_o saint_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n not_o the_o wife_n of_o god_n but_o a_o whore_n commit_v adultery_n and_o compass_v god_n about_o with_o lie_n and_o deceit_n etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 2.2.5_o &_o 4_o 15._o &_o 5.3_o 4._o and_o 9_o 1._o and_o 11.12_o etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o apostasy_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n where_o also_o be_v verify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 2_o thes_n 2.4_o not_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o some_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o truth_n have_v imagine_v but_o the_o temple_n of_o christian_n the_o church_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o the_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o profess_v to_o be_v christian_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o scripture_n and_o the_o like_v compare_v together_o 2_o thes_n 2.4_o with_o ezech._n 43.7.8_o zath_n 6.12.13_o ephes_n 2_o 11-13.19_a 21._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 11.19_o and_o as_o it_o be_v also_o under_o stand_v by_o all_o sound_a writer_n both_o old_a and_o new_a but_o again_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o such_o as_o now_o walk_v in_o their_o step_n and_o in_o the_o good_a and_o old_a way_n rule_v with_o god_n and_o abide_v faithful_a with_o his_o saint_n she_o be_v call_v and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o harlot_n the_o great_a whore_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o whooredome_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n believe_v &_o speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n etc._n etc._n revel_v 17.1.5_o 1_o tim._n 4.1.2.3_o 2_o thes_n 2_o 3-10_a 11.12_o and_o thus_o there_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n a_o double_a consideration_n have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o as_o of_o israel_n heretofore_o it_o will_v appear_v how_o in_o one_o respect_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a church_n there_o &_o in_o another_o respect_n there_o be_v a_o apostate_n or_o a_o false_a church_n there_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o woman_n that_o she_o be_v dead_a and_o alive_a in_o divers_a respect_n 1_o tim._n 5.6_o and_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o yet_o belove_v in_o another_o rom._n 11_o 28._o so_o john_n baptist_n be_v elias_n and_o be_v not_o elias_n in_o divers_a respect_n john_n 1_o 21._o with_o mat._n 11_o 7-14_a and_o 17_o 10-13_a judas_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o yet_o a_o devil_n mat._n 10.2_o 4._o joh._n 6.70_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n joh._n 8.33.34_o as_o the_o prophet_n also_o
ancient_a faith_n both_o we_o and_o they_o 4._o that_o when_o we_o write_v to_o they_o again_o hereabout_o we_o acknowledge_v great_a difference_n to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o other_o but_o touch_v the_o doctrine_n and_o question_n controvert_v we_o pray_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o church_n be_v that_o only_a which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o common_a and_o ancient_a faith_n which_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a &_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n from_o which_o wherein_o soever_o we_o have_v swarve_v in_o faith_n or_o practice_n it_o have_v be_v our_o aberration_n and_o not_o our_o faith_n indeed_o against_o which_o also_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o retain_v or_o defend_v it_o be_v against_o our_o common_a and_o ancient_a faith_n both_o they_o &_o we_o and_o whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v about_o the_o word_n sacrament_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o about_o all_o these_o we_o have_v find_v opposition_n it_o come_v to_o a_o like_a end_n also_o that_o in_o all_o the_o three_o we_o have_v resist_v the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o among_o we_o new_a doctrine_n &_o faith_n in_o they_o all_o though_o in_o the_o last_o we_o have_v do_v it_o least_o of_o all_o and_o that_o now_o still_o we_o purpose_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v against_o all_o that_o either_o in_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v oppose_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o by_o this_o occasion_n we_o entreat_v to_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o also_o be_v not_o like_v mind_v with_o the_o other_o man_n aforesaid_a agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o government_n as_o they_o hold_v and_o write_v thereof_o before_o they_o fall_v to_o their_o error_n of_o anabaptism_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o we_o have_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n also_o to_o be_v observe_v 5._o that_o in_o this_o time_n &_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n we_o write_v to_o they_o about_o a_o letter_n send_v unto_o they_o by_o many_o of_o our_o people_n concern_v these_o matter_n as_o themselves_o have_v certify_v we_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o name_n that_o be_v subscribe_v thereunto_o and_o the_o thing_n deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n &_o of_o our_o people_n deal_v thereabouts_o and_o when_o thus_o we_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o of_o they_o we_o allege_v divers_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o send_v it_o unto_o we_o viz_o that_o the_o matter_n write_v of_o be_v touch_v our_o public_a affair_n &_o estate_n whatsoever_o may_v concern_v any_o of_o we_o more_o particular_o beside_o that_o the_o person_n which_o send_v it_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n that_o if_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v good_a it_o will_v abide_v the_o light_n and_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n example_n who_o show_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n both_o the_o party_n and_o the_o particular_n signify_v unto_o he_o by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 11._o but_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a than_o it_o behove_v they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o give_v etc._n gen._n 37.2_o exod._n 20.12_o 16._o job_n 29.16_o prov._n 18.17_o act._n 20.28_o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o to_o have_v from_o they_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v they_o do_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o evil_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o duty_n according_a to_o that_o which_o lay_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o behalf_n etc._n etc._n that_o whereas_o they_o write_v their_o purpose_n be_v to_o come_v unto_o we_o according_a to_o the_o request_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o have_v move_v they_o etc._n etc._n they_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o till_o we_o know_v who_o those_o brethren_n be_v and_o what_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o we_o can_v not_o so_o well_o admit_v thereof_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o we_o be_v constrain_v the_o more_o to_o defier_n they_o to_o send_v it_o we_o because_o when_o the_o elder_n here_o ask_v some_o for_o it_o who_o they_o understand_v to_o be_v of_o those_o party_n they_o answer_v that_o here_o they_o have_v not_o either_o the_o original_a perfect_a or_o a_o perfect_a copy_n neither_o any_o note_n of_o the_o name_n subscribe_v &_o final_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o send_v it_o but_o still_o keep_v it_o from_o we_o than_o they_o and_o the_o party_n here_o give_v we_o cause_n to_o refuse_v to_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o about_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o &_o that_o so_o the_o hindrance_n shall_v be_v in_o themselves_o &_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o hindrance_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v afterward_o have_v reason_v with_o they_o about_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a and_o do_v in_o deed_n seek_v the_o peace_n &_o good_a of_o this_o church_n they_o shall_v show_v it_o forth_o by_o send_v unto_o we_o a_o copy_n of_o those_o thing_n whereabout_o we_o have_v write_v unto_o they_o three_o time_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o any_o entreaty_n or_o reason_n allege_v about_o it_o we_o can_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n get_v a_o copy_n thereof_o either_o there_o or_o here_o what_o we_o hear_v be_v in_o it_o &_o other_o circumstance_n &_o deal_n about_o it_o i_o do_v omit_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o will_v proceed_v to_o other_o thing_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o all_o the_o letter_n and_o matter_n aforesaid_a write_v by_o we_o to_o leyden_n hereabout_o m._n a._n himself_o subscribe_v as_o well_o as_o we_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a in_o we_o it_o be_v also_o evil_a in_o himself_o which_o let_v he_o acknowledge_v knowledge_n take_v away_o the_o former_a reason_n and_o show_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v do_v likewise_o or_o if_o he_o can_v warrant_v his_o own_o do_v therein_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o object_v against_o we_o that_o very_a thing_n wherein_o himself_o join_v and_o subscribe_v with_o we_o at_o that_o time_n let_v he_o also_o tell_v we_o whether_o therein_o he_o deny_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o article_n in_o the_o confession_n about_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o that_o church_n or_o whether_o he_o yield_v unto_o it_o by_o permission_n but_o absteyn_v from_o send_v for_o they_o or_o give_v approbation_n to_o their_o come_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a let_v he_o also_o call_v to_o mind_n whether_o himself_o as_o i_o remember_v do_v not_o say_v or_o at_o least_o hear_v some_o of_o we_o say_v 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be_v procure_v and_o that_o they_o be_v come_v how_o be_v the_o thing_n then_o carry_v where_o omit_v to_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o pass_v from_o they_o &_o to_o keep_v to_o those_o that_o concern_v ourselves_o they_o all_o know_v that_o we_o reason_v with_o they_o public_o about_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o that_o we_o consult_v &_o advise_v with_o they_o about_o some_o course_n to_o be_v take_v for_o procure_v and_o keep_v peace_n between_v we_o and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n but_o afterward_o also_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writing_n so_o then_o we_o both_o reason_v with_o they_o about_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n &_o we_o use_v their_o counsel_n and_o help_v
omit_v divers_a thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o remember_v as_o first_o what_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v that_o be_v propound_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o for_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v content_a with_o protestation_n peaceable_o to_o walk_v with_o either_o church_n at_o leyden_n or_o here_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a for_o they_o to_o go_v from_o the_o one_o church_n and_o pastor_n to_o the_o other_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n lie_v against_o they_o this_o be_v in_o deed_n propound_v by_o my_o self_n have_v much_o thought_n and_o consider_v what_o i_o can_v of_o any_o lawful_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o good_a end_n and_o agreement_n after_o our_o so_o long_a and_o lamentable_a trouble_n and_o contention_n as_o we_o have_v be_v exercise_v withal_o which_o when_o i_o have_v propound_v they_o of_o leyden_n answer_v that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o motion_n little_o think_v that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o incline_v to_o peace_n and_o agreement_n about_o this_o to_o my_o remembrance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o pass_v here_o about_o which_o if_o they_o have_v think_v they_o shall_v have_v carry_v themselves_o otherwise_o towards_o we_o than_o they_o have_v do_v and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o with_o their_o church_n and_o if_o either_o they_o or_o we_o mind_v otherwise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v signify_v it_o which_o caution_n be_v thus_o speak_v of_o by_o they_o myself_o then_o say_v as_o i_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v think_v so_o to_o have_v speak_v also_o concern_v it_o but_o have_v forget_v when_o i_o speak_v to_o mention_v it_o and_o so_o then_o it_o be_v mind_v of_o we_o both_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o and_o prosecute_v with_o this_o condition_n and_o limitation_n of_o be_v find_v lawful_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v this_o for_o hereafter_o be_v still_o remember_v because_o it_o will_v clear_v all_o the_o question_n about_o this_o matter_n second_o at_o the_o first_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n between_o we_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n then_o present_a do_v so_o conceive_v it_o as_o that_o our_o people_n which_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o this_o church_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a shall_v go_v and_o remain_v with_o they_o at_o leyden_n which_o some_o of_o they_o here_o observe_v &_o except_v against_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o mean_n of_o live_v have_v here_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v answer_v by_o they_o of_o leyden_n that_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o suffer_v or_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o or_o to_o such_o effect_n then_o also_o concern_v the_o course_n aforesaid_a there_o be_v note_v a_o double_a consideration_n about_o it_o the_o one_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o urge_v the_o late_a be_v the_o point_n which_o they_o do_v so_o much_o urge_v as_o to_o live_v and_o remain_v with_o the_o other_o church_n whither_o they_o shall_v go_v the_o other_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o have_v once_o go_v and_o join_v thewselue_n to_o the_o other_o church_n they_o may_v then_o return_v again_o to_o the_o town_n where_o they_o live_v before_o and_o there_o live_v apart_o from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o have_v former_o be_v and_o hereupon_o have_v speech_n about_o these_o two_o course_n the_o first_o be_v soon_o conceir_v of_o and_o general_o like_v of_o all_o the_o latter_a be_v less_o conceive_v of_o and_o more_o call_v in_o question_n as_o afterward_o do_v appear_v though_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v myself_o so_o mind_n and_o like_v of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o some_o among_o we_o propound_v that_o such_o as_o go_v from_o we_o to_o leyden_n and_o join_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v dismiss_v back_o by_o they_o again_o to_o live_v apart_o from_o we_o in_o this_o town_n both_v myself_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o other_o church_n to_o my_o remembrance_n answer_v that_o this_o matter_n will_v concern_v that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v join_v to_o look_v unto_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o but_o afterward_o consider_v yet_o further_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o dismission_n thither_o &_o hither_o again_o i_o show_v my_o mind_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v &_o divers_a reason_n thereabouts_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o that_o matter_n three_o when_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a which_o we_o have_v propound_v be_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n and_o their_o elder_n return_v hither_o again_o they_o signify_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v sudden_o upon_o their_o church_n yet_o for_o the_o present_a as_o they_o can_v in_o that_o time_n consider_v thereof_o they_o like_v well_o of_o it_o or_o to_o such_o effect_n so_o now_o again_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v more_o speech_n together_o thereabouts_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o course_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v general_o well_o approve_v and_o consent_v unto_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o doubt_v of_o and_o more_o question_n make_v about_o it_o &_o in_o the_o end_n more_o &_o more_o dislike_v by_o divers_a the_o more_o that_o it_o be_v perceive_v to_o be_v the_o brethren_n purpose_n so_o to_o do_v and_o this_o most_o appear_v the_o next_o morning_n when_o the_o likelihood_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o night_n before_o be_v then_o so_o change_v upon_o further_a reason_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o as_o we_o can_v not_o accord_v thereabout_o and_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o other_o church_n signify_v that_o they_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o return_v home_o and_o can_v then_o no_o long_o stay_v depart_v and_o say_v it_o will_v be_v heavy_a to_o their_o church_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o no_o better_a issue_n between_o we_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v go_v we_o still_o continue_v speech_n among_o ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n be_v sorry_a that_o they_o stand_v thus_o and_o that_o no_o better_a tiding_n shall_v be_v carry_v to_o the_o other_o church_n and_o then_o upon_o some_o speech_n so_o have_v together_o as_o we_o can_v in_o that_o short_a time_n we_o come_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o we_o think_v it_o best_a to_o agree_v upon_o the_o matter_n aforesaid_a in_o this_o sort_n that_o whatsoever_o blame_n shall_v follow_v hereupon_o if_o our_o people_n be_v by_o they_o of_o leyden_n dismiss_v to_o live_v here_o apart_o from_o we_o in_o this_o city_n it_o shall_v lie_v upon_o they_o and_o we_o be_v free_a of_o it_o and_o so_o thereupon_o we_o present_o send_v three_o with_o this_o message_n after_o the_o brethren_n of_o leyden_n if_o they_o can_v overtake_v they_o in_o time_n to_o signify_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v also_o signify_v it_o unto_o their_o church_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o agreement_n speak_v of_o which_o when_o it_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n agree_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n present_a there_o be_v then_o but_o a_o sew_a at_o that_o time_n come_v to_o the_o elder_n show_v how_o they_o think_v it_o needful_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o &_o other_o say_v to_o this_o day_n they_o never_o consent_v unto_o it_o and_o some_o that_o they_o say_v then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o these_o man_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v loath_a to_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o position_n about_o it_o that_o in_o a_o controversy_n the_o great_a part_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o elder_n be_v with_o they_o or_o against_o they_o and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o question_n touch_v the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o end_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v on_o to_o other_o matter_n that_o follow_v afterward_o about_o these_o thing_n four_o while_o thing_n stand_v thus_o among_o we_o we_o have_v the_o lord_n day_n follow_v speech_n hereabout_o again_o at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v a_o new_a motion_n make_v for_o a_o other_o course_n to_o be_v take_v by_o which_o we_o may_v keep_v together_o rather_o than_o to_o part_v asunder_o according_a to_o the_o other_o course_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v then_o propound_v and_o not_o agree_v upon_o be_v leave_v to_o further_a consideration_n and_o so_o that_o week_n we_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n thereabouts_o by_o which_o occasion_n after_o the_o aforesaid_a treat_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n there_o pass_v also_o some_o letter_n between_v we_o concern_v they_o which_o although_o in_o divers_a respect_n we_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o keep_v among_o ourselves_o yet_o consider_v in_o what_o
sort_n and_o with_o what_o scandal_n the_o brethren_n aforesaid_a have_v since_o divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o and_o that_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o be_v spread_v far_o and_o near_o not_o only_o by_o other_o but_o even_o by_o their_o own_o letter_n and_o write_n thereabouts_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o good_a mean_n for_o all_o both_o to_o settle_v their_o own_o judgement_n better_o and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o or_o other_o concern_v these_o matter_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n we_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o note_v down_o here_o the_o content_n of_o the_o letter_n aforesaid_a that_o pass_v between_o we_o hereabout_o before_o the_o other_o depart_v from_o we_o which_o we_o may_v also_o the_o better_a do_v because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o short_a first_o therefore_o when_o we_o have_v afterward_o have_v further_o speech_n among_o ourselves_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o have_v not_o yet_o hear_v from_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n again_o what_o they_o think_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o message_n aforesaid_a or_o whether_o they_o consent_v unto_o it_o or_o not_o we_o write_v unto_o they_o as_o follow_v belove_a touch_v the_o thing_n that_o have_v now_o late_o be_v speak_v off_o between_o the_o two_o church_n you_o and_o we_o about_o the_o dismission_n of_o such_o on_o cyth_a part_n as_o be_v not_o content_a with_o protestation_n peaceable_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o difference_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v occasion_n to_o entreat_v the_o continuance_n of_o your_o consideration_n yet_o further_o thereabouts_o 1._o because_o yourselves_o signify_v it_o come_v sudden_o upon_o your_o church_n and_o if_o either_o you_o or_o we_o mind_v otherwise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v after_o signify_v it_o wherefore_o we_o expect_v to_o hear_v whether_o you_o continue_v like_o mind_v as_o 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of_o these_o thing_n and_o still_o limit_v our_o consultation_n and_o purpose_n with_o this_o caution_n if_o the_o thing_n propound_v be_v find_v warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o against_o these_o person_n who_o have_v take_v such_o a_o course_n together_o with_o their_o opinion_n as_o can_v never_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n next_o follow_v the_o letter_n and_o answer_n which_o then_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n of_o leyden_n again_o which_o be_v thus_o touch_v the_o agreement_n brethren_n between_o the_o church_n for_o our_o mutual_a peace_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v and_o do_v repute_v the_o same_o as_o full_a and_o absolute_a on_o both_o side_n except_o either_o some_o better_a course_n can_v be_v think_v on_o or_o this_o manifest_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o then_o it_o be_v reverse_v with_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o both_o church_n and_o for_o this_o last_o motion_n about_o a_o double_a practice_n as_o we_o be_v glad_a of_o the_o great_a and_o godly_a desire_n to_o continue_v together_o in_o it_o manifest_v so_o do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v stand_v either_o with_o our_o peace_n or_o itself_o but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o nourish_v but_o even_o necessary_o beget_v endless_a contention_n when_o man_n diverse_o mind_v shall_v have_v business_n in_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o it_o will_v please_v the_o lord_n so_o far_o to_o enlarge_v your_o heart_n on_o both_o side_n brethren_n as_o that_o this_o middle_a way_n be_v hold_v namely_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o offence_n may_v first_o be_v bring_v for_o order_n preparatation_n and_o prevention_n of_o unnecessary_a trouble_n unto_o the_o elder_n as_o the_o church_n governor_n though_o it_o be_v like_a we_o for_o our_o part_n shall_v not_o so_o practice_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o after_o if_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o end_v to_o the_o church_n of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n there_o to_o be_v judge_v on_o some_o ordinarte_n know_v day_n ordinary_o the_o admonition_n be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o alteration_n practise_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o part_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n and_o father_n of_o light_n by_o the_o further_a consideration_n &_o discuss_v of_o thing_n either_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n to_o manifest_v otherwise_o for_o our_o joint_a accord_n it_o will_v sure_o make_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o stop_n of_o their_o mouth_n which_o be_v so_o wide_o open_v upon_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o daily_a dissipation_n and_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o matter_n of_o great_a rejoice_v who_o soul_n do_v long_o after_o peace_n &_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o thus_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o holiness_n we_o may_v all_o beg_v at_o god_n hand_n the_o heal_n and_o pardon_n of_o all_o our_o infirmity_n &_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o heal_v and_o forgive_v the_o infirmity_n one_o of_o another_o in_o love_n and_o with_o this_o prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o you_o and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o resalute_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n leyden_n november_n 14._o 1610._o this_o be_v their_o letter_n wherein_o observe_v these_o thing_n about_o the_o matter_n that_o pass_v between_v we_o first_o that_o here_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o they_o give_v we_o about_o the_o agreement_n and_o message_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o to_o the_o letter_n which_o afterward_o we_o send_v unto_o they_o second_o that_o touch_v the_o agreement_n they_o limit_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o &_o their_o account_n of_o it_o with_o a_o double_a exception_n for_o though_o they_o say_v they_o repute_v the_o agreement_n to_o be_v full_a and_o absolute_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o they_o speak_v it_o with_o limitation_n and_o exception_n as_o in_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o needful_a to_o do_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o see_v at_o the_o first_o propound_v of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o mind_v by_o they_o and_o we_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o with_o limitation_n of_o be_v find_v lawful_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o that_o the_o exception_n which_o here_o they_o make_v be_v these_o except_o either_o some_o better_a course_n can_v be_v think_v on_o or_o this_o manifest_v to_o be_v evil_a so_o then_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o either_o a_o better_a course_n can_v be_v show_v or_o this_o manifest_v to_o be_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o yield_v or_o repute_v the_o agreement_n to_o be_v full_a and_o absolute_a now_o touch_v the_o show_v of_o a_o better_a course_n it_o appear_v by_o both_o of_o these_o letter_n they_o and_o we_o that_o both_o of_o we_o be_v think_v of_o it_o &_o therefore_o propound_v other_o course_n each_o to_o other_o to_o be_v consider_v to_o which_o end_n may_v be_v observe_v here_o their_o propound_v of_o another_o way_n unto_o we_o for_o peace_n &_o agreement_n with_o divers_a reason_n to_o persuade_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v or_o we_o to_o think_v of_o if_o the_o other_o have_v be_v absolute_a without_o exception_n and_o irrevocable_a without_o alteration_n though_o it_o be_v find_v never_o so_o evil_a or_o unlawful_a and_o for_o the_o manifest_v of_o it_o to_o be_v evil_a the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o it_o the_o worse_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v and_o mind_v divers_a reason_n against_o it_o which_o first_o we_o signify_v here_o to_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o and_o have_v some_o reason_n with_o they_o thereof_o but_o can_v not_o agree_v thereabouts_o and_o then_o we_o write_v of_o they_o also_o to_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o by_o the_o next_o letter_n here_o follow_a will_v appear_v and_o we_o need_v not_o
present_a together_o and_o careful_o to_o be_v regard_v when_o and_o how_o it_o be_v so_o use_v yet_o i_o suppose_v now_o that_o they_o have_v better_o bethink_v themselves_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o have_v be_v better_a to_o have_v admit_v of_o any_o lawful_a mean_n they_o can_v rather_o than_o to_o have_v divide_v themselves_o as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o have_v bring_v so_o great_a reproach_n &_o many_o evil_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o they_o have_v do_v or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v themselves_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o other_o will_n for_o they_o for_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n beginning_n to_o grow_v if_o they_o have_v name_v any_o particular_n thereabouts_o they_o may_v according_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o which_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v i_o will_v leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o &_o other_o whether_o their_o deal_n &_o depart_v from_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v begin_v but_o even_o have_v cause_v to_o grow_v and_o go_v forward_o a_o most_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o this_o church_n &_o the_o member_n thereof_o have_v not_o god_n disappoint_v they_o and_o in_o mercy_n sustain_v and_o keep_v we_o together_o when_o they_o make_v their_o division_n &_o commit_v so_o great_a offence_n in_o this_o church_n 16.17_o rom._n 16.17_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o we_o also_o show_v unto_o they_o many_o time_n afore_o they_o part_v from_o we_o and_o which_o now_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v we_o must_v end_v all_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_v we_o and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o always_o and_o in_o all_o our_o write_n and_o occasion_n we_o still_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o the_o light_n of_o our_o foot_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o way_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o follow_v as_o it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o more_o &_o more_o and_o likewise_o about_o these_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o last_o letter_n aforesaid_a we_o limit_v our_o deal_n and_o the_o reason_n allege_v with_o the_o same_o caution_n still_o of_o follow_a that_n which_o we_o shall_v among_o ourselves_o or_o by_o other_o best_o discern_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v express_v shall_v always_o be_v understand_v but_o be_v purposely_o and_o so_o often_o mention_v from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o these_o thing_n it_o shall_v the_o more_o be_v remember_v &_o regard_v of_o we_o all_o that_o by_o it_o we_o may_v examine_v &_o determine_v all_o the_o matter_n betweme_v we_o for_o neither_o may_v we_o retain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o yield_v to_o any_o agreement_n with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o shall_v they_o urge_v the_o continuance_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o we_o nor_o follow_v themselves_o any_o course_n in_o their_o practice_n that_o can_v by_v it_o be_v approve_v but_o we_o shall_v still_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n leave_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v inform_v by_o jethro_n that_o the_o course_n of_o government_n which_o he_o take_v in_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o hear_v their_o cause_n so_o as_o he_o do_v be_v not_o good_a but_o wearisome_n both_o to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n and_o have_v another_o way_n show_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n he_o willing_o hearken_v unto_o it_o and_o change_v his_o former_a course_n the_o lord_n also_o approve_v the_o same_o exod._n 18_o 13-26_a when_o david_n in_o a_o godly_a desire_n be_v careful_a to_o bring_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n from_o kirjaâ—h-jearim_a to_o jerusalem_n he_o put_v it_o in_o a_o new_a cart_n and_o begin_v to_o carry_v it_o with_o sing_v and_o play_v on_o instrument_n and_o great_a solemnity_n think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v well_o and_o right_o therein_o but_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o breach_n upon_o they_o by_o the_o death_n of_o vzza_n whereupon_o david_n stay_v the_o further_a remove_v of_o it_o a_o while_n and_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o due_a order_n thereof_o he_o then_o afterward_o take_v another_o course_n appoint_v the_o levite_n to_o bear_v it_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v to_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o minister_v unto_o he_o 1_o chron._n 13._o and_o 15_o 2-13_a etc._n etc._n now_o what_o breach_n contention_n and_o continual_a trouble_n have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o this_o church_n among_o we_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o beside_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o heavy_a one_o which_o about_o the_o same_o time_n befall_v that_o other_o congregation_n of_o our_o countryman_n here_o who_o about_o the_o question_n of_o the_o church_n government_n plead_v also_o against_o the_o eldership_n for_o their_o popular_a course_n with_o some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n and_o other_o like_a as_o these_o have_v do_v and_o run_v into_o sundry_a anabaptisticall_a opinion_n and_o course_n not_o unknowen_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o brethren_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o letter_n here_o before_o make_v mention_n of_o our_o daily_a dissipation_n which_o then_o we_o have_v which_o thing_n i_o note_v here_o by_o this_o occasion_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v both_o what_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v now_o to_o look_v hereunto_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n also_o befall_v we_o while_o we_o hold_v that_o course_n of_o government_n plead_v for_o by_o these_o man_n and_o afore_o they_o make_v this_o schismatical_a depart_n from_o we_o as_o now_o they_o do_v because_o we_o will_v not_o still_o continue_v and_o hold_v on_o the_o same_o course_n as_o before_o beside_o these_o example_n of_o moses_n and_o david_n i_o can_v also_o allege_v the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o experience_n of_o evil_n that_o come_v by_o have_v young_a widow_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n take_v afterward_o another_o course_n and_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o that_o number_n under_o threescore_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5_o 9-15_a and_o for_o change_v of_o thing_n purpose_v and_o determine_v when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o example_n of_o david_n again_o who_o when_o he_o have_v purpose_v and_o solemn_o vow_v the_o death_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o family_n yet_o afterward_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n and_o reason_n use_v by_o abigail_n change_v his_o purpose_n and_o bless_v she_o and_o the_o lord_n for_o her_o counsel_n &_o persuasion_n give_v unto_o he_o 1_o sam._n 25_o 21-35_a and_o of_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n who_o have_v both_o consent_v to_o david_n purpose_n of_o building_n a_o house_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o encourage_v he_o thereunto_o yet_o when_o as_o the_o same_o night_n the_o lord_n show_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o david_n neither_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v it_o he_o thereupon_o go_v and_o show_v it_o to_o david_n who_o also_o rest_v therein_o with_o praise_n and_o thanks_o unto_o god_n 1_o chron._n 17._o chap._n and_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o note_v here_o consider_v the_o person_n &_o matter_n speak_v of_o the_o person_n be_v moses_n david_n nathan_n paul_n some_o prophet_n some_o apostle_n the_o matter_n be_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o etc._n etc._n yet_o such_o person_n in_o such_o matter_n alter_v their_o course_n and_o purpose_n and_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a so_o to_o do_v when_o either_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o or_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o by_o the_o word_n or_o work_n of_o god_n they_o perceive_v any_o error_n to_o be_v commit_v or_o some_o other_o evil_a to_o ensue_v in_o the_o course_n take_v or_o purpose_n intend_v by_o they_o they_o know_v and_o be_v careful_a as_o all_o shall_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n whether_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o duty_n and_o action_n that_o only_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o retain_v which_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v evil_a or_o unwarrantable_a by_o his_o word_n though_o former_o have_v and_o observe_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v correct_v and_o amend_v according_a to_o which_o rule_n
and_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n if_o these_o man_n will_v now_o without_o prejudice_n examine_v their_o opinion_n and_o course_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v find_v it_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o stand_n to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o &_o to_o give_v themselves_o no_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o error_n &_o redress_v their_o crooked_a way_n be_v they_o otherwise_o never_o so_o please_v unto_o they_o or_o ancient_a with_o they_o so_o shall_v they_o in_o deed_n keep_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o old_a and_o good_a way_n prescribe_v of_o god_n let_v they_o therefore_o hearken_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o counsel_n give_v unto_o they_o let_v the_o way_v of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o his_o fear_n before_o their_o eye_n let_v they_o think_v on_o their_o own_o way_n and_o turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n let_v they_o make_v haste_n and_o not_o delay_v to_o keep_v his_o commmandement_n psal_n 119.59.60_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o about_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o consider_v well_o of_o these_o two_o point_n 1._o of_o the_o question_n themselves_o that_o have_v ben_fw-mi and_o be_v between_v we_o and_o therein_o especial_o of_o those_o difference_n whereabout_o they_o sever_v themselves_o from_o we_o 2._o of_o the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o the_o people_n again_o towards_o the_o governor_n who_o the_o lord_n set_v over_o they_o in_o his_o stead_n of_o the_o first_o i_o have_v treat_v here_o and_o in_o another_o treatise_n before_o write_v about_o the_o exposition_n of_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o the_o latter_a see_v these_o &_o the_o like_a scripture_n throughout_o the_o book_n of_o god_n exod._n 20_o 12._o 2_o chron._n 26_o 16-21_a act._n 20_o 17_o 28._o rom._n 12_o 3-8_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 28._o ephes_n 4_o 11-16_a col._n 4_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 5_o 17-21_a and_z 6_o 13.14_o tit._n 2_o 15._o jam._n 5_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5_o 14_a rev._n 2_o &_o 3_o heb._n 13_o 17._o and_o now_o to_o conclude_v beside_o all_o the_o former_a thing_n we_o entreat_v they_o also_o that_o see_v the_o same_o matter_n be_v then_o in_o hand_n both_o between_o mr._n amsworth_n and_o mr._n bernard_n and_o between_o mr._n robinson_n and_o mr._n bernard_n that_o therefore_o they_o will_v stay_v to_o see_v what_o this_o way_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o more_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_v we_o and_o our_o better_a accord_n thereabouts_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o final_o after_o a_o year_n dispute_v public_o have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n common_o once_o a_o week_n common_o &_o all_o the_o other_o mean_v use_v among_o we_o i_o offer_v in_o the_o end_n as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o try_v out_o the_o matter_n in_o writing_n between_v we_o and_o give_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o observation_n which_o then_o i_o have_v collect_v about_o mat._n 18.17_o print_v which_o since_o be_v print_v which_o they_o both_o hear_v public_o read_v and_o have_v they_o to_o copy_n out_o afore_o they_o go_v away_o from_o we_o yet_o will_v they_o not_o yield_v hereunto_o but_o when_o we_o have_v appoint_v another_o day_n in_o the_o week_n about_o these_o thing_n than_o have_v they_o some_o speech_n of_o divers_a particular_n in_o the_o foresay_a writing_n whereabout_o also_o we_o speak_v again_o and_o so_o some_o speech_n pass_v between_o we_o thereabouts_o but_o to_o give_v answer_n unto_o it_o in_o writing_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v neither_o will_v they_o continewe_v any_o long_o with_o the_o church_n but_o with_o great_a sin_n and_o scandal_n divide_v themselves_o from_o we_o which_o they_o profess_v that_o day_n 1610._o december_n 15._o and_o 16._o 1610._o &_o practise_v the_o next_o and_o so_o have_v continue_v ever_o since_o allege_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom._n 16_o 17_o which_o be_v so_o direct_a against_o themselves_o and_o for_o we_o as_o i_o will_v now_o allege_v no_o other_o scripture_n at_o all_o against_o the_o division_n and_o scandal_n cause_v by_o they_o but_o leave_v they_o even_o by_o this_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n which_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n &_o to_o ponder_v serious_o with_o themselves_o see_v that_o by_o the_o very_a scripture_n which_o themselves_o allege_v all_o be_v bind_v to_o mark_v they_o and_o avoid_v they_o as_o have_v make_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n rom._n 16_o 17._o thus_o have_v i_o more_o large_o than_o i_o think_v write_v hereabout_o and_o do_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o wise_a and_o godly_a consideration_n as_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o direct_v and_o persuade_v you_o therein_o farewell_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o remember_v his_o people_n in_o their_o base_a and_o distress_a estate_n and_o give_v a_o issue_n with_o every_o tentation_n who_o also_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n &_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n by_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n his_o grace_n be_v with_o you_o and_o his_o strong_a consolation_n in_o your_o spirit_n for_o ever_o amen_n you_o francis_n johnson_n thus_o good_a reader_n i_o have_v set_v down_o m._n johnsons_n answer_n to_o the_o objection_n contain_v in_o m._n a._n letter_n and_o the_o print_a copy_n about_o the_o division_n aforesaid_a now_o i_o will_v here_o also_o annexe_v a_o note_n that_o be_v print_v heretofore_o concern_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v first_o discuss_v be_v then_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n the_o note_n be_v this_o as_o follow_v ¶_o a_o note_n of_o some_o thing_n call_v into_o question_n and_o controvert_v in_o the_o exile_a english_a church_n at_o amsterdam_n etc._n by_o this_o course_n we_o have_v much_o contention_n &_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v hold_v among_o we_o that_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o public_o for_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n whereupon_o the_o proceed_n against_o they_o if_o they_o persist_v therein_o may_v follow_v but_o that_o the_o people_n consent_n be_v first_o to_o be_v take_v afore_o the_o elder_n do_v so_o admonish_v any_o such_o person_n this_o point_n about_o admonition_n be_v handle_v and_o thus_o agree_v upon_o from_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 8_o 9_o 10._o deut._n 17_o 8-13_a 1_o thes_n 5_o 12._o etc._n etc._n to_o this_o effect_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o government_n &_o in_o matter_n bring_v to_o the_o church_n to_o admonish_v the_o sinner_n and_o unrepentant_a without_o require_v the_o people_n their_o consent_n first_o which_o admonition_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v despise_v the_o party_n upon_o it_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v aright_o our_o bind_a duty_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o freedom_n according_a to_o his_o word_n both_o be_v to_o be_v respect_v &_o observe_v aright_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n be_v bind_v to_o consent_v unto_o such_o just_a rebuke_n or_o admonition_n give_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v to_o assent_v unto_o all_o other_o the_o just_a administration_n of_o the_o governor_n they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o same_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o again_o the_o people_n have_v liberty_n to_o except_v against_o and_o evince_v wherein_o the_o elder_n do_v unjust_o without_o warrant_n as_o also_o in_o all_o good_a order_n without_o disturbance_n and_o under_o correction_n they_o may_v ask_v resolution_n of_o their_o doubt_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o popular_a confusion_n be_v avoid_v &_o liberty_n in_o the_o truth_n retain_v also_o after_o much_o and_o often_o reason_v about_o our_o practice_n and_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o it_o be_v agree_v by_o the_o church_n that_o we_o etre_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o scripture_n &_o namely_o in_o these_o particular_n follow_a first_o in_o that_o we_o have_v so_o understand_v those_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n &c_n &c_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o jew_n synedrion_fw-mi nor_o of_o the_o christian_a presbytery_n or_o eldership_n and_o this_o moreover_o so_o as_o some_o among_o we_o will_v by_o the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o place_n have_v understand_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n in_o their_o own_o person_n meaning_n by_o
child_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v able_a to_o rejoice_v and_o sorrow_v with_o other_o and_o we_o note_v this_o to_o be_v of_o tell_v man_n woman_n and_o child_n in_o their_o own_o person_n because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o congregation_n be_v tell_v according_a to_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o government_n in_o the_o tell_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v how_o it_o have_v often_o be_v signify_v that_o whether_o we_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o tell_v the_o church_n thus_o tell_v the_o congregation_n to_o weet_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o government_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n etc._n note_v here_o that_o the_o elder_n sit_v in_o a_o public_a place_n where_o all_o that_o will_n may_v come_v and_o be_v present_a etc._n etc._n or_o thus_o tell_v the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n not_o hinder_v or_o infringe_v any_o right_a or_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n these_o come_v both_o to_o one_o end_n be_v right_o understand_v and_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v these_o &_o the_o like_a scripture_n mat._n 18_o 17._o compare_v with_o mat._n 5_o 22._o deu._n 21_o 18-20_a num._n 35_o 12_o 24.25_o with_o deu._n 19_o 11-18_a josh_n 20_o 4-6_a 1_o sam._n 2_o 25._o psal_n 82_o 1._o prov._n 26_o 26._o in_o the_o lxx_o compare_v with_o the_o original_a deut._n 1_o 9-17_a and_o 16_o 18._o and_o 17_o 9-12_a and_o 25_o 7_o 8_o 9_o with_o ruth_n 4_o 1-11_a 2_o chron._n 19_o 5-11_a act._n 6_o 11-13_a and_o 20_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 12_o 4-8_a luk._n 12_o 42._o 1_o cor._n 4_o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o chap._n with_o lev._n 20_o 11._o and_o deut._n 17_o 4-7_a 1_o cor._n 6_o 15_a &_o 12_o 28._o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12-14_a 1_o tim._n 3_o 5._o and_o 5_o 17-21_a heb._n 13_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5_o 14_a second_o we_o have_v err_v in_o that_o we_o have_v so_o understand_v those_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o party_n offend_v shall_v not_o without_o take_v consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n whereupon_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o and_o that_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v say_v viz._n the_o admonition_n so_o give_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o be_v afore_o say_v for_o despise_v the_o admonition_n give_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o touch_v which_o we_o have_v agree_v heretofore_o that_o we_o err_v from_o these_o scripture_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 8.9.10_o and_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12._o compare_v with_o deut._n 17_o 8-12_a etc._n etc._n and_o here_o again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v how_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o the_o speech_n of_o tell_v the_o elder_n and_o of_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o person_n for_o despise_v the_o admonition_n give_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o ministration_n and_o government_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v as_o to_o exclude_v the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o head_n for_o who_o they_o do_v administer_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o understand_v &_o observe_v these_o thing_n according_a as_o in_o israel_n in_o the_o due_a proportion_n and_o perpetual_a equity_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o abridge_v the_o brethren_n of_o their_o assent_n or_o any_o right_n that_o do_v apperteyne_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v therein_o as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v to_o which_o end_n likewise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v how_o it_o have_v be_v often_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o and_o primary_o christ_n secundary_o and_o by_o communication_n the_o church_n instrumental_o and_o ministerial_o the_o officer_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o thus_o we_o will_v still_o be_v understand_v as_o also_o that_o thus_o the_o admonition_n be_v give_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o church_n &_o of_o the_o elder_n in_o divers_a respect_n according_a as_o be_v say_v before_o three_o concern_v that_o rule_n in_o general_n we_o have_v have_v this_o error_n among_o we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v a_o new_a rule_n for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o israel_n have_v not_o whereabout_o may_v be_v consider_v &_o compare_v together_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n as_o follow_v mat._n 18.15_o with_o lev._n 19_o 17._o prov._n 25.9.10_o also_o mat._n 18.16_o with_o deu._n 19.15_o and_o 17.6_o joh._n 8_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 13_o 1._o and_o mat._n 18_o 17._o with_o mat._n 5.22_o deut._n 21.18_o 19_o 20._o numb_a 35_o 12-30_a with_o deut._n 19_o 12-17_a etc._n etc._n together_o with_o the_o other_o scripture_n mention_v here_o before_o in_o the_o other_o particular_n as_o in_o they_o may_v be_v see_v and_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o any_o can_v show_v we_o better_o or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v unto_o it_o thus_o be_v the_o church_n agreement_n about_o these_o thing_n where_o note_n that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o about_o admonition_n by_o the_o elder_n be_v soon_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o respect_n that_o except_v and_o stand_v against_o it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o yield_v unto_o it_o the_o latter_a about_o our_o practice_n &_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18_o 17._o be_v very_o long_o debate_v among_o we_o and_o after_o much_o reason_n have_v thereabouts_o we_o be_v often_o and_o earnest_o urge_v by_o the_o opposite_n to_o give_v sentence_n and_o come_v to_o a_o issue_n about_o it_o so_o in_o the_o end_n we_o agree_v concern_v it_o as_o here_o before_o be_v set_v down_o which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v they_o signify_v their_o dissent_n and_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o walk_v with_o we_o practise_v according_o and_o so_o afterward_o they_o go_v away_o and_o leave_v we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n of_o their_o depart_n from_o we_o whatsoever_o other_o thing_n be_v allege_v by_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thereabouts_o and_o this_o i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n well_o to_o observe_v because_o otherwise_o read_v their_o foresay_a difference_n and_o objection_n in_o the_o letter_n and_o print_a copy_n whereabout_o they_o have_v busy_v themselves_o so_o much_o he_o may_v take_v they_o for_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n which_o in_o deed_n be_v not_o and_o whereas_o thus_o it_o please_v they_o to_o trouble_v man_n mind_n with_o their_o position_n and_o intend_v in_o the_o set_n of_o they_o down_o to_o cause_n disgrace_n to_o this_o poor_a church_n which_o they_o so_o unjust_o have_v leave_v as_o if_o we_o have_v apostate_v and_o leave_v the_o ancient_a say_v it_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o try_v and_o warrant_v those_o their_o position_n and_o difference_n as_o also_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o now_o by_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o give_v they_o be_v occasion_v to_o do_v and_o withal_o let_v they_o show_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n how_o it_o can_v be_v warrant_v that_o a_o minister_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o receive_v true_a baptism_n may_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o that_o a_o people_n not_o have_v true_a baptism_n may_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o these_o have_v do_v see_v themselves_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n by_o this_o opinion_n the_o martyr_n of_o late_a year_n have_v not_o true_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n &_o so_o consequent_o of_o other_o church_n in_o apostasy_n to_o be_v true_a baptism_n if_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v consider_v who_o first_o institute_v and_o minister_v the_o lord_n supper_n himself_o he_o have_v receive_v true_a baptism_n before_o mat._n 3_o 16._o with_o 26.26.27.28_o the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v about_o his_o apostle_n &_o namely_o about_o paul_n who_o be_v first_o baptize_v afore_o he_o receive_v or_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n act._n 9.18_o with_o 20.11_o and_o so_o in_o other_o from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o which_o themselves_o may_v perceive_v what_o a_o continual_a profanation_n of_o god_n holy_a thing_n be_v among_o they_o that_o so_o minister_v or_o receive_v not_o have_v true_a baptism_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v discern_v how_o needful_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o better_o to_o have_v think_v of_o their_o position_n and_o objection_n
the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o imperfection_n the_o perfection_n of_o god_n far_o be_v it_o off_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a &_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n we_o will_v make_v the_o matter_n plain_n by_o a_o example_n and_o similitude_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o jeremie_n chap._n 3._o a_o wife_n be_v filthy_a with_o adultery_n if_o her_o husband_n will_v pardon_v she_o and_o consent_n to_o receive_v she_o and_o to_o dwell_v with_o she_o she_o abide_v still_o the_o wife_n of_o her_o husband_n not_o by_o she_o own_o deed_n do_v for_o she_o have_v break_v wedlock_n what_o in_o she_o be_v but_o by_o the_o benefit_n or_o goodness_n of_o her_o husband_n so_o a_o church_n overflow_a not_o only_o with_o light_a infirmity_n but_o also_o with_o heavy_a adultery_n on_o her_o part_n in_o deed_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o wife_n but_o she_o cease_v not_o on_o her_o husband_n part_n for_o touch_v the_o election_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 11.28_o she_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n call_v she_o proclaym_v that_o which_o be_v in_o jer._n 3.13_o only_o acknowledge_v thy_o iniquity_n that_o thou_o have_v transgress_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o have_v scatter_v thy_o way_n to_o the_o stranger_n under_o every_o green_a tree_n and_o you_o have_v not_o obey_v my_o voice_n say_v the_o lord_n turn_v o_o backslide_a people_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o &_o i_o will_v take_v you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v so_o long_a a_o church_n as_o god_n protest_v call_v upon_o it_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o be_v rebellious_a as_o it_o be_v in_o esa_n 50_o 1._o where_o be_v the_o bill_n of_o your_o mother_n divercement_n wherewith_o i_o put_v she_o away_o or_o who_o be_v there_o of_o my_o creditor_n to_o who_o i_o sell_v you_o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n then_o at_o length_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n when_o god_n cease_v to_o call_v it_o back_o &_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o holy_a marriage_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o adulteres_fw-la and_o she_o that_o be_v stubborn_a testify_v that_o the_o matrimony_n be_v dissolve_v on_o his_o part_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o to_o be_v a_o church_n which_o god_n call_v a_o church_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o call_v that_o a_o church_n which_o god_n have_v give_v the_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o take_v away_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o marriage_n contract_n deny_v so_o to_o be_v and_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o papacy_n be_v god_n call_v she_o with_o his_o call_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n and_o the_o public_a record_n of_o that_o holy_a marriage_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o thing_n and_o holy_a action_n which_o before_o we_o have_v brief_o reckon_v up_o these_o thing_n do_v remain_v to_o that_o church_n most_o manifest_o on_o god_n behalf_n but_o in_o that_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n all_o these_o thing_n and_o holy_a action_n together_o with_o the_o very_a person_n themselves_o abound_v and_o overflowe_v with_o most_o grievous_a &_o deadly_a corruption_n that_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o the_o fault_n of_o god_n who_o grace_n &_o truth_n be_v perfect_v in_o infirmity_n on_o god_n part_n she_o be_v yet_o call_v hammi_n my_o people_n and_o ruchama_n find_v mercy_n which_o most_o true_o on_o her_o part_n may_v be_v call_v lo_n hammi_fw-it not_o my_o people_n and_o lo_o ruchama_n not_o obtain_v mercy_n as_o we_o read_v in_o hosea_n the_o prophet_n but_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o grace_n reveal_v we_o speak_v our_o mind_n or_o we_o give_v our_o sentence_n concern_v a_o church_n err_v and_o go_v astray_o but_o this_o church_n have_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o corrupt_a i_o confess_v it_o but_o in_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o divine_a thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v of_o god_n in_o that_o it_o have_v they_o all_o corrupt_a that_o be_v of_o itself_o in_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o church_n in_o that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o all_o corrupt_a it_o be_v a_o corrupt_a church_n the_o church_n be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v total_a as_o they_o speak_v which_o they_o call_v destruction_n a_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o part_n do_v not_o take_v away_o a_o church_n but_o weaken_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v all_o thing_n corrupt_v but_o not_o altogether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o destruction_n but_o be_v to_o be_v call_v a_o corruption_n of_o it_o in_o part_n for_o to_o prosecute_v these_o head_n particular_o which_o we_o have_v brief_o note_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n god_n by_o the_o alone_a presence_n of_o himself_o call_v do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n add_v another_o foundation_n to_o this_o foundation_n and_o to_o this_o head_n another_o new_a head_n whereupon_o it_o be_v call_v papal_a or_o popish_a wherein_o it_o may_v likewise_o rest_v the_o calling_n be_v to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v call_v to_o other_o with_o god_n and_o the_o call_n upon_o they_o here_o be_v call_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o scripture_n alone_o whence_o it_o receive_v the_o ministry_n &_o deliver_v nothing_o more_o they_o that_o which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n there_o it_o receive_v a_o ministry_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o the_o pope_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o ragged_a tradition_n of_o man_n here_o final_o the_o person_n thing_n and_o action_n be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o the_o scripture_n only_o there_o all_o thing_n be_v take_v and_o exercise_v out_o of_o the_o pope_n changeable_a shop_n and_o at_o his_o beck_n as_o they_o say_v they_o stand_v and_o fall_v so_o all_o the_o mark_n on_o god_n behalf_n be_v in_o it_o but_o for_o itself_o on_o it_o own_o part_n as_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n entire_a no_o mark_n that_o be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o the_o papal_a poisonful_a sorcery_n and_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n most_o miserable_o pervert_v for_o which_o cause_n in_o lion_n in_o france_n a_o certain_a friar_n do_v merry_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n when_o he_o say_v the_o hugonot_n for_o so_o they_o be_v call_v in_o france_n do_v consent_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o their_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v one_o shrewd_a word_n the_o word_n only_o at_o the_o crack_n whereof_o war_n be_v enkindle_v for_o they_o believe_v only_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v more_o unto_o faith_n than_o be_v either_o contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o such_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v well_o understand_v all_o man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v how_o that_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o on_o god_n part_n be_v yet_o a_o church_n but_o of_o itself_o be_v most_o corrupt_a &_o very_o never_o to_o destruction_n but_o here_o do_v arise_v two_o doubt_n &_o difficulty_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o be_v trouble_v the_o first_o doubt_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o latter_a what_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o be_v who_o be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o see_v the_o great_a corruption_n thereof_o to_o the_o first_o question_n we_o answer_n on_o this_o manner_n a_o threefold_a judgement_n have_v need_n meet_v together_o in_o this_o cause_n the_o first_o of_o truth_n the_o second_o of_o charity_n the_o three_o of_o prudence_n or_o wisdom_n the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v from_o the_o call_n of_o god_n that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v a_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o presume_v they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whilst_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o this_o way_n as_o david_n call_v it_o psal_a 2._o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n or_o wisdom_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o discern_v and_o distinguish_v person_n thing_n