and_o with_o 6._o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v capable_a as_o namely_o to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o parent_n be_v once_o admit_v their_o child_n be_v thereupon_o baptize_v if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v afore_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 2._o but_o whether_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o privilege_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n be_v another_o question_n of_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n yet_o to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v one_o way_n or_o other_o 3._o but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o we_o will_v say_v it_o seem_v by_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o 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est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o to_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o such_o child_n who_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v neither_o 7._o of_o they_o believer_n and_o sanctify_a be_v count_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o faederal_o holy_a but_o unclean_a what_o ever_o their_o other_o ancestor_n have_v be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o we_o baptise_v they_o not_o if_o you_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o limit_v this_o faederall_a sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o the_o child_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v believer_n we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o therein_o but_o for_o the_o present_a as_o we_o believe_v we_o speak_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o our_o light_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v one_o degree_n beyond_o the_o next_o parent_n we_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v go_v two_o and_o if_o two_o why_o not_o 3._o 4_o 20_o 100_o or_o 1000_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v all_o child_n to_o baptism_n who_o ancestor_n within_o a_o thousand_o generation_n have_v be_v believer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o we_o may_v by_o this_o reason_n baptise_v the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o of_o all_o the_o indian_n and_o barbarian_n in_o the_o country_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v have_v some_o believe_a ancestor_n within_o less_o than_o a_o 1000_o generation_n it_o be_v far_o from_o so_o much_o since_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 8._o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o col._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o thereupon_o we_o count_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a mean_n whereby_o god_n may_v help_v we_o to_o discern_v whether_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n be_v person_n so_o qualify_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o first_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v concern_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o quaery_n second_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o take_v a_o trial_n what_o measure_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o know_v that_o without_o knowledge_n man_n can_v well_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o will_v prevent_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o the_o creep_a in_o of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n
that_o may_v be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o arminianism_n familisme_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a error_n against_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o know_v how_o easy_o such_o man_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v may_v infect_v other_o and_o perhaps_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o your_o second_o particular_a for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n as_o in_o general_n from_o those_o place_n which_o show_v how_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o math._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18_o &_o act_n 8._o 37._o 38._o where_o man_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v make_v profession_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o 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the_o general_n to_o the_o particular_n if_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereunto_o yet_o because_o you_o be_v please_v to_o put_v we_o to_o this_o also_o we_o thus_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o of_o ancient_a time_n there_o have_v be_v many_o true_a church_n in_o england_n consist_v of_o right_a matter_n and_o compact_a and_o unite_v together_o by_o the_o right_a form_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o mr._n fox_n show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o little_a while_n after_o act_n &_o moâ—_n lib._n 2._o begin_n p._n 137._o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arin_n athea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostle_n from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a mr._n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tâ—rtullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o necephorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o brittany_n and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_o there_o be_v church_n plant_v there_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v which_o be_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o church_n and_o by_o way_n of_o holy_a covenant_n as_o the_o right_a form_n for_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o apology_n and_o the_o footstep_n hereof_o though_o mix_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n that_o have_v grow_v in_o aftertime_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n to_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o 3_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o baptism_n abrenuntias_fw-la abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la credo_fw-la spondes_fw-la spondeo_fw-la do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n i_o renounce_v they_o all_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n &_o c_o i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n &_o c_o i_o do_v promise_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o conceive_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n yet_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o judgement_n be_v that_o when_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o sin_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v according_o second_o though_o popish_a apostasy_n do_v afterward_o for_o many_o age_n overspread_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n as_o in_o other_o country_n yet_o we_o believe_v god_n still_o reserve_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o reserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o they_o and_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o trinity_n only_o and_o when_o god_n of_o his_o rich_a grace_n be_v please_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o popish_a church_n government_n though_o at_o first_o some_o shire_n and_o sundry_a parish_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o reformation_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o afterward_o they_o general_o receive_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n agree_v upon_o anno_fw-la 1562._o which_o be_v publish_v and_o consent_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n endow_v in_o every_o congregation_n with_o the_o silent_a consent_n also_o of_o the_o people_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o wherein_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o god_n only_o no_o mediation_n nor_o salvation_n but_o in_o christ_n only_o no_o conversion_n by_o man_n free_a will_n but_o by_o god_n free_a grace_n no_o justification_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o perfection_n nor_o merit_n of_o work_n with_o sundry_a other_o necessary_a and_o save_a truth_n all_o which_o contain_v the_o marrow_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eloquia_fw-la des_fw-mi concredit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3._o 1._o 2._o and_o which_o be_v that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o world_n where_o it_o come_v â—olo_fw-la 1._o 5_o 6._o and_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v and_o build_v and_o which_o also_o it_o hold_v forth_o and_o maintain_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o we_o do_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o people_n do_v with_o common_a and_o mutual_a consent_n gather_v into_o settle_a congregation_n ordinary_o every_o lord_n day_n as_o in_o england_n they_o do_v to_o hear_v and_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o do_v profess_v their_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v bind_v themselves_o and_o their_o
child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n instit_n 4._o 1._o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n wâ—itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la â—cclesiae_fw-la cap._n 17._o and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n which_o give_v we_o suck_v three_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o grievous_a corruption_n of_o latter_a year_n have_v great_o increase_v in_o some_o of_o those_o assembly_n as_o we_o hear_v both_o in_o doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v when_o some_o of_o we_o be_v there_o and_o in_o former_a year_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o grief_n we_o speak_v it_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v unto_o at_o length_n if_o corruption_n shall_v still_o increase_v and_o grow_v '_o they_o may_v come_v in_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o more_o merciful_a unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o unto_o obstinacy_n in_o evil_a and_o to_o wilifull_n rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o than_o you_o know_v it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o account_n and_o number_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o never_o to_o walk_v among_o they_o any_o more_o which_o we_o hearty_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o such_o a_o day_n may_v never_o be_v but_o if_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o of_o her_o declining_n the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o she_o quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n that_o be_v he_o will_v un-church_n they_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n shall_v be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v such_o of_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o betimes_o lest_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v with_o other_o and_o it_o much_o concern_v yourselves_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o speak_v iâ—_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wouâ—d_v accept_v of_o it_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v you_o dear_a brethren_n while_o you_o live_v among_o they_o to_o bear_v faithful_a witness_n against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v remain_v in_o any_o of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ministry_n lâ—st_v by_o any_o sinful_a silence_n or_o slackness_n of_o you_o that_o shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n the_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v wide_a and_o the_o iniquity_n increase_v and_o lest_o man_n shall_v flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o jew_n thought_n themselves_o secure_a because_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o 4._o because_o you_o will_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o we_o count_v those_o assembly_n to_o bâ—_n church_n but_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o join_v in_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o england_n we_o shall_v willing_o join_v in_o some_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o namely_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v true_o preach_v in_o sundry_a assembly_n there_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v church_n or_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a church_n or_o no_o for_o some_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o church_n assembly_n but_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o other_o meeting_n mars-hill_n at_o athens_n be_v no_o church_n nor_o the_o prison_n at_o philippi_n and_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v lawful_o wâ—th_o good_a success_n in_o thâ—se_a place_n act._n 17._o and_o act._n 16._o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o wâ—rd_n in_o many_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o when_o general_o there_o be_v a_o profess_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o of_o they_o mâ—n_z soulâ—s_n that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n as_o any_o be_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o mâ—ny_v congregation_n indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v mr._n robinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o hear_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 5._o but_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o partake_v in_o their_o prescript_n lyturgie_n and_o such_o ordinance_n though_o true_a as_o be_v administer_v therein_o we_o give_v you_o account_v the_o last_o year_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o position_n as_o alâ—o_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n of_o that_o subject_a pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball._n what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o live_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o ourselves_o here_o then_o to_o it_o in_o other_o there_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o never_o yet_o 10._o know_v any_o to_o come_v from_o england_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v here_o describe_v â—_o the_o thing_n you_o mention_v may_v be_v take_v conjunctim_fw-la and_o not_o several_o viz_o to_o be_v man_n famous_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v and_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n we_o say_v we_o never_o yet_o know_v any_o to_o come_v to_o we_o from_o thence_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v be_v want_v and_o general_o this_o be_v want_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v further_o then_o before_o have_v be_v express_v in_o answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o to_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o before_o they_o have_v join_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o church_n for_o though_o some_o that_o come_v over_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a with_o they_o from_o private_a christian_n yet_o neither_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nor_o testimonal_a from_o private_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o church-power_n over_o they_o which_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v if_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v all_o due_a reverent_a respect_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o it_o wâ—uâ—d_v be_v also_o requisite_a if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n that_o wâ—â—_n shall_v know_v the_o congregation_n itself_o from_o which_o they_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v for_o such_o person_n can_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o their_o own_o right_n because_o they_o join_v not_o as_o member_n in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o right_a of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o so_o our_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v now_o as_o we_o can_v of_o faith_n admit_v man_n to_o church_n ordinance_n which_o we_o believe_v belong_v only_o to_o church_n member_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o sometime_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o though_o it_o do_v remain_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o for_o which_o dr._n ames_n give_v sundry_a ground_n and_o reason_n case_n cons_n lib._n c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o or_o at_o least_o to_o protest_v against_o some_o gross_a corruption_n therein_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o information_n what_o that_o congregation_n be_v with_o who_o now_o we_o have_v church_n communion_n when_o in_o heir_n right_o we_o admit_v mâ—n_z into_o
communion_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o admit_v such_o mâ—n_z and_o what_o to_o require_v from_o they_o more_o or_o lâ—sse_v and_o this_o together_o with_o that_o want_n of_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n be_v one_o mainâ—_n reason_n why_o some_o few_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v come_v from_o england_n upon_o occasion_n not_o with_o purpose_n of_o continuance_n here_o but_o of_o return_v against_o have_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o church_n ordinance_n during_o theiâ—_n abode_n in_o the_o country_n though_o this_o we_o may_v say_v also_o that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o that_o have_v request_v to_o be_v receive_v whereas_o â—uch_v as_o have_v come_v in_o lâ—ke_a manner_n from_o one_o câ—uâ—ch_n to_o another_o amongst_o ourselves_o upon_o their_o request_n have_v be_v receive_v the_o reason_n ne_o say_v be_v because_o these_o church_n be_v better_a know_v then_o the_o parish_n assembly_n be_v 3._o but_o if_o man_n come_v from_o one_o church_n in_o this_o country_n to_o another_o with_o purpose_n there_o to_o stay_v and_o not_o to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o or_o the_o most_o that_o come_v from_o england_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n be_v receive_v that_o come_v from_o england_n viz_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o now_o come_v and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o such_o as_o come_v from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n in_o other_o country_n and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o receive_v otherwise_o because_o we_o renounce_v the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n as_o no_o true_a church_n not_o so_o but_o because_o we_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o member_n any_o true_a church_n may_v err_v and_o there_o may_v now_o be_v see_v some_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o man_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v when_o he_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o church_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o the_o like_a shall_v be_v a_o bind_a rule_n unto_o another_o for_o all_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n to_o admit_v and_o receive_v such_o into_o their_o church_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o refuse_v other_o without_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v before_o whether_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o that_o church_n or_o of_o any_o church_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o our_o walk_n and_o practice_n be_v alike_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o towards_o other_o as_o it_o be_v towards_o you_o in_o which_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o alone_o for_o the_o very_a same_o as_o mr._n parker_n report_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o no_o man_n be_v admit_v for_o a_o member_n but_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v formal_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v before_o polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o 3._o 4._o p._n 171._o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o qu._n be_v any_o doubt_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n 11._o concern_v your_o own_o way_n there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o propound_v such_o a_o qu._n for_o further_a light_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o or_o if_o it_o do_v ariâ—e_v from_o any_o unnecessary_a intermeddle_v of_o we_o in_o your_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o take_v on_o we_o to_o condemn_v or_o judge_v your_o present_a stand_n when_o we_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o there_o be_v then_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o do_n or_o say_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o some_o man_n we_o shall_v look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o tempt_a question_n tend_v only_o to_o make_v matter_n and_o pick_v quarrel_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o frame_v it_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frâ—me_v their_o own_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v always_o be_v slow_a and_o loath_a to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v your_o present_a stand_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n rom._n 14._o 4._o but_o now_o know_v you_o well_o reverend_a and_o dear_a brethren_n and_o your_o integrity_n we_o think_v we_o may_v lawful_o and_o safe_o answer_v and_o that_o we_o will_v do_v by_o promise_v a_o few_o distinction_n for_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n 1._o concern_v the_o person_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o dispose_v that_o they_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bind_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o wife_n child_n under_o the_o government_n of_o parent_n servant_n apprentice_n prisoner_n sickefolke_n etc._n etc._n 2._o concern_v the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o such_o as_o want_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n or_o discipline_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o have_v many_o ordinance_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o some_o other_o which_o in_o both_o respect_n be_v reform_v and_o pure_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o 3._o concern_v stand_n in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o habitation_n and_o dwell_v upon_o house_n or_o land_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o else_o in_o conform_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n use_v in_o those_o assembly_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o 4._o concern_v lawful_a and_o safe_a where_o safety_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o safety_n from_o sin_n or_o from_o danger_n by_o persecution_n these_o distinction_n we_o judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v because_o your_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o count_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n lawful_a and_o safe_a or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o so_o our_o answer_n be_v in_o 3._o proposition_n 1._o some_o person_n and_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la may_v lawful_o and_o without_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o safe_o without_o danger_n of_o persecution_n continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o do_v dwell_v within_o the_o prâ—câ—â—cts_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o neither_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n by_o such_o continue_n of_o their_o stand_n nor_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n through_o their_o own_o default_n 2._o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n where_o a_o man_n shall_v and_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o 3._o to_o continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o can_v be_v do_v safe_o without_o sin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v open_v a_o door_n of_o further_a enlargement_n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n we_o suppose_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o second_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o namely_o by_o such_o as_o these_o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n offend_v and_o come_v not_o you_o to_o gilgall_a nor_o go_v up_o to_o bethaven_n nor_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o hos_n 4._o 15._o 17._o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n rev._n 18._o 4._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o reprove_v they_o rather_o eph._n 5._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n hos_fw-la 5._o 11._o
same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n proclamation_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o occasion_n rather_o of_o bring_v some_o into_o the_o church_n who_o come_v not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n but_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o obtain_v favour_n yet_o this_o can_v hinder_v but_o other_o may_v voluntary_o and_o free_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o subjection_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o desire_v though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o in_o it_o if_o any_o shall_v hereupon_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v church_n than_o the_o member_n of_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n in_o new_a england_n before_o they_o join_v to_o our_o church_n such_o one_o may_v find_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o thirty-two_a question_n whereunto_o we_o do_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o this_o point_n only_o add_v this_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o man_n for_o member_n without_o personal_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o covenant_n though_o he_o have_v former_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o another_o place_n as_o be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o master_n parker_n last_o if_o any_o say_v that_o if_o these_o reason_n prove_v the_o english_a congregation_n to_o have_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o rome_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n go_v for_o true_a church_n also_o for_o some_o man_n may_v think_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v for_o they_o that_o here_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o objection_n be_v say_v for_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n such_o one_o must_v remember_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o a_o covenant_n make_v a_o company_n a_o true_a church_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o a_o covenant_n to_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v for_o who_o doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n among_o thief_n pro._n 1._o a_o confederation_n among_o god_n enemy_n psal_n 83._o a_o conspiracy_n among_o the_o arabian_n the_o ammonite_n and_o ashdodite_n to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o jerusalem_n neh._n 4._o 7_o 8._o and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o be_v make_v true_a church_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o confederacy_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n especial_o since_o the_o counsel_n of_o trent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o agreement_n or_o confederacy_n among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n heresy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o other_o antichristian_a pollution_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o combine_v in_o these_o thing_n such_o combination_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o true_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o but_o the_o religion_n of_o papist_n be_v so_o far_o from_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o it_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v witness_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o point_n of_o vilify_a the_o scripture_n and_o in_o point_n of_o freewill_n and_o of_o justification_n by_o work_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n in_o regard_n of_o which_o and_o such_o like_a the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o sea_n become_v as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o every_o soul_n in_o that_o sea_n die_v rev._n 16._o 3._o and_o therefore_o agreement_n in_o such_o a_o religion_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n nor_o any_o assembly_n of_o arrian_n antitrinitary_n anabaptist_n or_o famelist_n suppose_v they_o also_o to_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o but_o now_o for_o the_o assembly_n in_o england_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o hold_v and_o observe_v though_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o some_o of_o those_o article_n and_o though_o many_o person_n live_v contrary_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v such_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v save_v therein_o and_o therefore_o assembly_n unite_v by_o covenant_n to_o observe_v this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a church_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o may_v be_v false_a although_o they_o also_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n rise_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o several_o profess_v and_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v fundamental_o corrupt_a and_o consequent_o pernicious_a the_o other_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n orthodoxal_a and_o sound_a second_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v also_o which_o be_v intimate_v before_o that_o if_o fundamental_a corruption_n be_v profess_v in_o with_o impenitency_n and_o obstinacy_n than_o god_n may_v disannul_v the_o covenant_n on_o his_o part_n and_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o such_o a_o people_n jere._n 3._o 8._o now_o experience_n and_o the_o scripture_n also_o do_v witness_n of_o the_o jesuited_a and_o trent-papists_a that_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n of_o worship_v devil_n and_o idol_n of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n neither_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n nor_o of_o their_o sorcery_n nor_o of_o their_o fornication_n nor_o of_o their_o theft_n rev._n 9_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o for_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n we_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o do_v not_o sin_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o of_o ignorance_n have_v not_o be_v convince_v and_o many_o of_o they_o never_o have_v have_v mean_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n remain_v among_o they_o may_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n when_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o papist_n in_o like_a stead_n they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a which_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o parish_n altogether_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o nay_o rather_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n we_o may_v lament_v it_o with_o tear_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o member_n and_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o walking_n in_o many_o of_o those_o assembly_n there_o be_v find_v such_o apparent_a corruption_n as_o be_v just_o grievous_a to_o a_o godly_a soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o discern_v they_o and_o great_o displease_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o have_v need_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o betimes_o lest_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n remove_v the_o candlestick_n and_o unchurch_n they_o rev._n 2._o 5._o in_o a_o word_n the_o corruption_n remain_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n but_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v contain_v such_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o walk_v according_a thereunto_o in_o sincerity_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o persist_v in_o with_o obstinacy_n therefore_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o church_n remain_v but_o this_o opinion_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hold_v by_o none_o but_o the_o 12._o brownist_n or_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v this_o ground_n can_v be_v make_v good_a that_o none_o but_o they_o of_o the_o answ_n separation_n be_v for_o church-covenant_n for_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n general_o as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n the_o ten_o be_v for_o it_o in_o their_o judgement_n &_o practice_n and_o shall_v all_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o separation_n brownist_n or_o maintain_v unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n also_o master_n parker_n and_o doctor_n ames_n man_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n famous_a for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n and_o moderation_n both_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o church-covenant_n and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v brownist_n but_o bare_a witness_n against_o that_o rigid_a
the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o a_o minister_n alone_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n alone_o or_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o minister_n and_o lay_v person_n so_o they_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v 30._o whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o your_o church_n include_v plymouth_n etc._n etc._n do_v precise_o observe_v the_o same_o course_n both_o in_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o themselves_o 31._o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v any_o company_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v otherwise_o in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a to_o sit_v down_o by_o you_o and_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o form_n of_o discipline_n enjoy_v like_o liberty_n with_o yourselves_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o accept_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o church_n 32._o whether_o hold_v you_o it_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o either_o make_v by_o himself_o that_o use_v the_o same_o or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o man_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o aforegoing_a question_n the_o first_o question_n answer_v all_o the_o english_a and_o other_o also_o be_v free_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o exposition_n thereof_o which_o be_v wont_n always_o to_o go_v along_o therewith_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n sing_v of_o psalm_n prayer_n admit_v of_o member_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o many_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n communion_n and_o so_o to_o partake_v in_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n as_o sacrament_n power_n of_o election_n censure_n etc._n etc._n though_o many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o this_o church_n communion_n but_o whether_o be_v the_o great_a number_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v hereunto_o or_o those_o that_o be_v not_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n where_o most_o of_o we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o the_o head_n of_o family_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v likewise_o sundry_a child_n and_o servant_n that_o be_v admit_v also_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v sundry_a 1._o many_o be_v not_o admit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v every_o year_n hitherto_o god_n have_v replenish_v the_o country_n with_o many_o new_a comer_n and_o these_o at_o the_o first_o be_v not_o sudden_o take_v in_o as_o member_n of_o church_n till_o by_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o trial_n of_o they_o and_o better_a occasion_n to_o know_v they_o what_o they_o be_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o hundred_o and_o some_o thousand_o of_o this_o sort_n 2._o when_o by_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v know_v many_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v carnal_a and_o give_v no_o testimony_n of_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n the_o church_n will_v not_o see_v warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 3._o some_o that_o be_v godly_a do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o a_o time_n forbear_v to_o offer_v themselves_o till_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n where_o they_o intend_v to_o join_v and_o with_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n walk_v in_o this_o country_n and_o and_o till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n member_n 4._o those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v godly_a be_v all_o admit_v in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o present_o upon_o their_o own_o desire_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o except_o any_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o walk_v in_o any_o particular_a in_o their_o conversation_n otherwise_o then_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o such_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o acknowledgeing_a their_o offence_n and_o show_v repentance_n for_o it_o and_o then_o they_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o the_o appointment_n 2._o of_o jesus_n christ_n another_o what_o weakness_n and_o swervingâ—_n from_o his_o appointment_n he_o may_v bear_v withal_o for_o a_o time_n before_o he_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n from_o be_v his_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a our_o answer_n be_v that_o when_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o be_v eâ—rected_v plant_v or_o constitute_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o quality_n shall_v be_v saint_n by_o calling_n visible_a christian_n and_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o quantity_n no_o more_o in_o number_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o &_o 14._o 23._o act_n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 22_o 30._o and_o the_o form_n a_o gather_v together_o of_o these_o visible_a christian_n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o apolgie_n of_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n send_v the_o last_o year_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n for_o the_o latter_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v at_o the_o first_o may_v degenerate_v and_o great_a corruption_n may_v grow_v therein_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o walk_n and_o administration_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o patience_n may_v bear_v long_o with_o they_o before_o he_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o make_v they_o lo-ammi_a not_o a_o people_n as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o manifest_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v before_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v destroy_v be_v hard_o for_o we_o precise_o and_o punctual_o to_o determine_v or_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v any_o further_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n any_o more_o only_o in_o the_o general_a this_o we_o observe_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o present_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n or_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n no_o not_o for_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n or_o tyranny_n in_o government_n till_o after_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o for_o all_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n reject_v they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o blasphemous_o reject_v act_v 13._o 45_o 46._o but_o if_o yourselves_o have_v so_o study_v this_o point_n as_o to_o have_v ripen_v and_o form_v thought_n therein_o we_o shall_v glad_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o n._n t._n proper_o 3._o so_o call_v but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o clause_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o believer_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o although_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o of_o any_o other_o this_o speech_n seem_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehension_n to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o visible_a church_n be_v congregationall_a as_o mr._n baine_n show_v at_o large_a from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 14._o 27._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11._o &_o 14._o and_o other_o example_n and_o reason_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o diocese_n trial_o quest_n 1._o whereto_o we_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o point_n neither_o be_v he_o alone_o in_o this_o tenent_n for_o mr._n parker_n and_o many_o other_o teach_v the_o same_o those_o silence_a and_o deprive_v minister_n that_o write_v the_o book_n call_v the_o christian_a and_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
baptism_n therefore_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_a soul_n but_o do_v solemn_o signify_v and_o seal_v their_o engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v with_o he_o their_o head_n and_o do_v confirm_v that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v have_v his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o baptism_n nor_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n or_o circumcision_n can_v be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o viz._n a_o company_n of_o people_n combine_v together_o by_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o this_o have_v be_v before_o baptism_n and_o likewise_o before_o circumcision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afore_o abraham_n yea_o if_o baptism_n now_o or_o circumcision_n in_o former_a time_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o there_o be_v no_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_a circumcision_n be_v discontinue_v when_o baptism_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v joss_n 5._o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o that_o generation_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o their_o come_n over_o jordan_n unto_o gilgall_n shall_v have_v be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o that_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o as_o it_o give_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o â—8_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o time_n there_o be_v few_o leave_v remain_v that_o have_v be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o witness_v that_o afore_o this_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v circumcise_v there_o because_o that_o generation_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o murmur_a afore_o this_o time_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o circumcision_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v and_o no_o church_n nor_o member_n make_v thereby_o and_o man_n have_v be_v make_v member_n of_o church_n and_o not_o then_o baptize_v but_o before_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n 3._o 6._o and_o christ_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o john_n do_v make_v new_a church_n nor_o gather_v man_n into_o they_o themselves_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o live_v and_o die_a member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v until_o upon_o their_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o his_o person_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n in_o blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v grace_n offer_v they_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n be_v break_v and_o cut_v asunder_o whereby_o god_n do_v break_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n between_o juda_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v un_o church_n they_o zach._n 11._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o 15._o so_o that_o here_o be_v baptism_n administer_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o man_n not_o receive_v thereby_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n for_o they_o be_v member_n long_o afore_o again_o when_o any_o of_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n that_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n or_o any_o of_o those_o many_o more_o that_o be_v baptize_v of_o christ_n be_v afterward_o join_v as_o member_n to_o those_o christian_n church_n in_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act._n 9_o 31._o as_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n by_o be_v baptize_v for_o they_o be_v baptize_v long_o afore_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o be_v baptize_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v they_o member_n either_o of_o the_o one_o church_n or_o of_o the_o other_o 5._o there_o be_v sundry_a inconvenience_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n than_o baptism_n may_v be_v dispense_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o apostle_n and_o such_o like_a be_v now_o cease_v and_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o but_o only_o to_o they_o that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v their_o commission_n and_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o beside_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o minister_n see_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n than_o man_n must_v be_v baptize_v afore_o there_o be_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o and_o consequent_o without_o minister_n second_o if_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o have_v baptism_n so_o far_o right_a for_o substance_n as_o that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o mr._n perkins_n teach_v that_o this_o baptism_n prove_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o all_o papist_n be_v member_n to_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o give_v sundry_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o from_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n administer_v in_o popish_a assembly_n will_v prove_v those_o assembly_n to_o be_v true_a church_n exposit_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o sure_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o if_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n either_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o else_o we_o must_v renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o corrupt_v and_o false_a even_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convert_v from_o among_o they_o must_v be_v baptize_v again_o as_o not_o have_v have_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n before_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o say_v that_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v they_o that_o be_v so_o baptise_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v though_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o object_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v member_n as_o a_o cause_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o effect_n or_o a_o antecedent_n by_o a_o consequent_a and_o therefore_o all_o baptise_a person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n as_o member_n wherever_o they_o become_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v neither_o but_o suppose_v answ_n a_o man_n have_v receive_v baptism_n as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v administer_v to_o he_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n still_o and_o so_o give_v he_o right_o to_o all_o church_n privilege_n though_o he_o do_v remain_v always_o as_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o baptism_n may_v remain_v when_o his_o church_n fellowship_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n thereby_o the_o church_n member-ship_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n may_v be_v thus_o dissolve_v by_o sundry_a mean_n 1._o by_o some_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n just_o pass_v against_o he_o for_o his_o
when_o themselves_o be_v alient_n and_o stranger_n cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n give_v great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o his_o son_n ezra_n 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o iâ—_n which_o case_n good_a ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o king_n heart_n to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n 7._o 27._o and_o therefore_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n shall_v be_v pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ordain_v and_o command_v of_o god_n the_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n yield_v out_o reverence_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o this_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o lack_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practise_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4._o 19_o &_o 5._o 29._o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n if_o they_o have_v neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o church_n ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v have_v the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n therein_o such_o neglect_n will_v have_v be_v their_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o they_o the_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n be_v all_o either_o heathen_n or_o jew_n yet_o enemy_n and_o if_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a and_o profitable_a when_o magistrate_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o when_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o christian_n may_v sometime_o be_v loser_n by_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n and_o in_o worse_a condition_n then_o if_o they_o have_v none_o but_o profess_a enemy_n beside_o this_o if_o superior_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v bodily_a sustenance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n conscience_n will_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a but_o he_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a bâ—y_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n rather_o than_o to_o sit_v still_a and_o say_v if_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o i_o and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o christian_a can_v excuse_v himself_o if_o he_o think_v noâ—_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n as_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o his_o temporal_a life_n or_o do_v not_o willing_o in_o this_o spiritual_a hunger_n break_v through_o stone_n wall_n as_o the_o proverb_n iâ—_n and_o run_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o perish_v without_o spiritual_a food_n because_o other_o provide_v not_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o quere_z concern_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o answer_v of_o we_o and_o the_o exhortation_n therein_o as_o we_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o blessing_n for_o those_o good_a end_n which_o we_o intend_v therein_o so_o we_o can_v in_o the_o same_o but_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n in_o time_n past_a as_o see_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v for_o our_o sinful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n â—o_z observe_z and_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o upon_o occasion_n give_v by_o this_o qu._n we_o do_v commend_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o his_o servant_n in_o â—ur_n dear_a native_a country_n both_o in_o remain_v and_o remove_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n whereas_o this_o qu._n in_o the_o first_o clause_n and_o last_o but_o one_o compare_v 12._o together_o speak_v of_o believer_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n can_v be_v out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvaâ—on_n but_o possible_o may_v yea_o most_o undoubted_o shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 3._o 16._o and_o 5._o 24._o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n to_o establish_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o for_o that_o say_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o only_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o not_o yet_o bear_v joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o 17._o 20._o out_o of_o which_o elect_a company_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a neither_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n joh_n 3._o 3._o but_o as_o for_o the_o visible_a we_o believe_v the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a that_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 10._o 28._o of_o who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o not_o join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o the_o thief_n that_o repent_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o gentile_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v then_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o then_o it_o will_v trouble_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v of_o what_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v save_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o job_n and_o of_o his_o friend_n of_o who_o salvation_n we_o make_v no_o question_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o visible_a church_n or_o no_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o house_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n of_o which_o line_n &_o race_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o man_n do_v come_v nor_o that_o they_o join_v themselves_o in_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n the_o centurion_n mat._n 8._o 10._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o be_v both_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o save_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n man_n of_o year_n ought_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n afore_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o that_o church_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n mâ—y_a diâ—_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n afore_o he_o can_v be_v join_v as_o that_o good_a emperor_n valentiâ—ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptizeâ—_n and_o for_o yourselves_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v intimate_v in_o your_o four_o question_n you_o may_v not_o then_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o imagine_v 3._o we_o do_v hold_v that_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o he_o write_v to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n which_o church_n be_v a_o
inconvenient_a in_o such_o assistance_n because_o church_n be_v as_o sister_n one_o to_o another_o cant._n 8._o 8._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o practice_n in_o ordination_n of_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o removal_n of_o they_o to_o have_v such_o assistance_n but_o for_o authority_n and_o power_n we_o know_v none_o that_o minister_n have_v proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o congregation_n or_o church_n save_o that_o one_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a nor_o convenient_a when_o a_o church_n be_v to_o ordain_v officer_n to_o call_v in_o such_o assistance_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o power_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n four_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o their_o humane_a learning_n be_v whether_o much_o or_o less_o shall_v elect_v and_o choose_v their_o minister_n god_n do_v not_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v give_v this_o power_n of_o call_v their_o own_o minister_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v many_o learned_a man_n in_o they_o and_o deny_v it_o unto_o other_o but_o give_v it_o indifferent_o to_o every_o church_n as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o to_o one_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o another_o if_o we_o think_v you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n we_o may_v here_o allege_v many_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o eminent_a light_n of_o this_o age_n and_o the_o former_a who_o have_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n we_o must_v hope_v till_o we_o hear_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o yourselves_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o point_n as_o for_o we_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v by_o 1_o calvin_n 2_o zanchius_n 3_o mr_n cartwright_n 4_o dr_n aim_n and_o 5_o other_o do_v satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o particular_a 1_o institut_n 4._o 3._o 14._o 15._o 2_o de_n redemp_n in_o 4._o praecep_n p._n 1015._o 1016._o etc._n etc._n who_o allege_v bucer_n and_o musculus_fw-la 3_o 1._o reply_v p._n 44._o etc._n etc._n 4_o medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 21._o sect._n 30_o &_o case_z consc_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 25._o q._n 5._o 5_o demonist_n of_o disc_n c._n 4._o five_o as_o for_o that_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o word_n illiterate_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a or_o convenient_a for_o a_o body_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v illiterate_a or_o want_v man_n of_o humane_a learning_n among_o they_o we_o further_o answer_v thereto_o first_o that_o among_o we_o when_o a_o company_n be_v to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n as_o you_o speak_v there_o be_v usual_o one_o or_o other_o among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o want_v all_o humane_a learning_n but_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o university_n and_o usual_o have_v be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o godly_a there_o and_o be_v here_o by_o the_o company_n that_o do_v so_o combine_v intend_v to_o be_v choose_v afterward_o for_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o according_o after_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v be_v in_o due_a time_n elect_v and_o ordain_v into_o their_o place_n second_o but_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o among_o they_o at_o their_o first_o combine_v and_o unite_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v hinder_v they_o of_o liberty_n to_o choose_v minister_n to_o themselves_o afterward_o when_o god_n shall_v send_v any_o to_o they_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n because_o this_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o they_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n be_v not_o so_o illiterate_a but_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n thereof_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o have_v learned_a christ_n the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o the_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reproach_v as_o illiterate_a or_o unworthy_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n nay_o they_o have_v the_o best_a learning_n without_o which_o all_o other_o learning_n be_v but_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o of_o none_o account_v with_o god_n nor_o available_a for_o direction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v this_o election_n of_o minister_n nor_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20._o &_o 2._o 14_o job_n 32._o 8._o 9_o though_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v very_o useful_a therewith_o three_o you_o know_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o do_v abhor_v as_o much_o as_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o vilify_v believer_n in_o christ_n for_o want_v thereof_o say_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v john_n 7._o 47._o 48._o 49._o first_o a_o company_n of_o forty_o person_n or_o twenty_o or_o less_o be_v 14._o not_o such_o a_o small_a company_n but_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o and_o true_o so_o call_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o against_o they_o but_o this_o that_o such_o a_o number_n may_v seem_v not_o sufficient_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n do_v any_o where_o say_v they_o must_v be_v above_o forty_o or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v just_o say_v it_o nay_o rather_o that_o speech_n of_o christ_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n matth._n 18._o 20._o do_v plain_o imply_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o who_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o offendor_n may_v appeal_v unto_o and_o in_o so_o do_v tell_v the_o church_n such_o a_o small_a number_n may_v be_v a_o church_n and_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o be_v among_o they_o beside_o the_o time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o adam_n and_o noah_n when_o there_o be_v not_o forty_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o adam_n family_n in_o his_o time_n and_o noahâ—_n in_o his_o be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v that_o twenty_o or_o forty_o be_v such_o a_o small_a company_n that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n second_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o ability_n and_o right_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a in_o as_o much_o as_o some_o case_n be_v more_o difficult_a than_o other_o and_o some_o church_n of_o less_o spiritual_a ability_n than_o other_o and_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v assistance_n and_o direction_n at_o some_o time_n so_o much_o as_o at_o other_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o church_n shall_v seek_v for_o light_n and_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o other_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o question_n which_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o act._n 15._o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v no_o right_n but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a three_o as_o for_o right_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v long_o endeavour_v to_o have_v end_v that_o matter_n among_o themselves_o before_o they_o determine_v to_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n vers_fw-la 2._o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v power_n or_o right_a to_o have_v transact_v that_o business_n among_o themselves_o if_o ability_n have_v serve_v or_o otherwise_o that_o endeavour_n have_v be_v sinful_a as_o be_v a_o presume_v to_o do_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o right_n we_o conceive_v then_o that_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o they_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o or_o twenty_o person_n or_o ten_o or_o the_o least_o number_n that_o you_o mention_v have_v right_a and_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o transact_v all_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a business_n among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a and_o
carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o â—eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n synâ—cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n â—5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la â—cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesiâ—ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la hâ—_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la seâ—_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
the_o title_n of_o the_o 21._o be_v de_fw-fr paritate_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la where_o he_o open_v and_o explain_v and_o by_o many_o argument_n and_o testimony_n confirm_v what_o we_o hold_v of_o the_o independency_n and_o parity_n of_o church_n to_o which_o learned_a discourse_n of_o he_o we_o refer_v you_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o there_o 15._o shall_v be_v a_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o every_o church_n â—it_n 1_o 5._o act_n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o who_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 5._o â—7_n and_o unto_o who_o so_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a and_o submit_v themselves_o heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o therefore_o a_o government_n mere_o popular_a or_o democraticall_a which_o divine_v and_o orthodox_n writer_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o morillius_n and_o such_o like_a be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n and_o we_o believe_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n second_o nevertheless_o a_o government_n mere_o aristocratical_a wherein_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o elder_n as_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o entermedle_v by_o way_n of_o power_n therein_o such_o a_o government_n we_o conceive_v also_o to_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o infringe_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o censure_v of_o offender_n even_o minister_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n must_v admonish_v archippus_n of_o his_o duty_n col._n 4._o 17._o master_n parker_n you_o know_v have_v 22._o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o her_o officer_n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o and_o master_n baine_n say_v if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n by_o election_n to_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o so_o power_n of_o institute_v he_o then_o of_o destitute_v also_o instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la diocese_n trial_o p._n 88_o and_o again_o no_o reason_n evince_v the_o pope_n though_o a_o general_a pastor_n subject_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n ecumenical_a but_o the_o same_o prove_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o we_o may_v add_v and_o a_o congregationall_a minister_n subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n pag._n 89._o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v then_o may_v sheep_n censure_v the_o shepherd_n child_n their_o father_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o similitude_n hold_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n natural_a parent_n be_v no_o way_n child_n nor_o in_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o their_o child_n but_o spiritual_a father_n be_v so_o father_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v child_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o shepherd_n be_v no_o way_n sheep_n but_o minister_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 2._o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v absolute_o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o spiritual_a parent_n and_o pastor_n be_v no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o do_v according_o behave_v themselves_o p._n 89._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o more_o aâ—_n large_a be_v this_o objection_n answer_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o p._n 78._o 79._o and_o again_o if_o their_o own_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v wherein_o other_o have_v such_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o person_n who_o belong_v not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n p._n 89._o so_o that_o all_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o see_v the_o officer_n themselves_o if_o they_o offend_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n even_o paul_n himself_o though_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n without_o the_o church_n but_o send_v to_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o blame_v they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o soon_o 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n reprove_v pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v balaamite_n nicholaitan_n and_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n among_o they_o and_o call_v on_o they_o for_o reformation_n herein_o rev._n 2._o send_v his_o epistle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a congregation_n as_o appear_v rev._n 1._o 11._o and_o also_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o those_o epistle_n where_o the_o word_n be_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o corrupt_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o they_o a_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o all_o now_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n argue_v some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n as_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o argue_v some_o remissness_n therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n be_v require_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o all_o of_o the_o angel_n alone_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o spring_v up_o among_o they_o as_o appear_z by_o their_o behaviour_n &_o practice_n when_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a have_v set_v up_o the_o altar_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n jos_n 22._o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n gather_v themselves_o together_o at_o shilo_n to_o go_v up_o to_o war_n against_o they_o v_o 12._o and_o when_o phineas_n and_o ten_o prince_n with_o he_o be_v send_v to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o about_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n that_o send_v they_o v_o 13_o 14._o and_o when_o they_o deliver_v their_o message_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o trespass_n be_v this_o etc._n etc._n v_o 16._o which_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n alone_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v abuse_n reform_v and_o redress_v which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o when_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o caâ—mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n â—is_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v count_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o bring_v a_o plague_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n v_o 1._o and_o god_n say_v to_o joshua_n not_o the_o elâ—ers_n have_v sin_v but_o israel_n have_v sin_v and_o they_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o they_o have_v steal_v of_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o put_v it_o among_o their_o own_o stuff_n v_o 11._o and_o for_o this_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n josh_n 22._o 20._o now_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o have_v perish_v alone_o but_o wrath_n must_v fall_v upon_o they_o all_o and_o why_o shall_v his_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n if_o the_o care_n of_o prevent_v it_o and_o timely_o suppress_v the_o same_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n have_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o upon_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n alone_o doubtless_o the_o just_a lord_n who_o say_v every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6._o 5._o will_v not_o have_v bring_v wrath_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o achans_n sin_n if_o such_o government_n as_o may_v have_v prevent_v or_o timely_o reform_v the_o same_o have_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n alone_o and_o before_o this_o time_n all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n alone_o be_v command_v to_o put_v leper_n and_o unclean_a person_n out_o of_o the_o camp_n numb_a 5._o 1_o 2._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o exercise_n
primum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la populus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habens_fw-la elegendi_fw-la dignum_fw-la ministrum_fw-la habet_fw-la etiam_fw-la testae_fw-la cypriano_n potestatem_fw-la indignum_fw-la recusandi_fw-la deinde_fw-la qui_fw-la judices_fw-la sunt_fw-la censoresque_fw-la morum_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la ex_fw-la officio_fw-la tenentur_fw-la redargnere_fw-la peccantem_fw-la ministrum_fw-la si_fw-la duobus_fw-la aut_fw-la tribus_fw-la testibus_fw-la fide_fw-la dignis_fw-la coram_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la dei_fw-la convictus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la tertiò_fw-la iidem_fw-la cum_fw-la consensu_fw-la &_o suffragiis_fw-la plebis_fw-la deponent_a ministrum_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la ltempus_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o universum_fw-la vel_fw-la excommunicabunt_fw-la tandem_fw-la juxta_fw-la quaitatem_fw-la peccati_fw-la vel_fw-la defectus_fw-la illius_fw-la p._n 429._o doctor_n ames_n say_v potestas_fw-la huius_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la viz._n of_o excommunication_n quoad_fw-la jus_o ipsum_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la illam_fw-la in_o communi_fw-la cujus_fw-la membrum_fw-la est_fw-la peccator_fw-la ad_fw-la illos_fw-la enim_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ejicere_fw-la ad_fw-la quos_fw-la pertinet_fw-la primò_fw-la admittere_fw-la &_o corporis_fw-la totius_fw-la interest_n ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la membrorum_fw-la conservatio_fw-la vel_fw-la amputatio_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiâ—_n idcirco_fw-la consensu_fw-la eoque_fw-la magistratu_fw-la non_fw-la permittente_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o approbante_fw-la &_o constituente_fw-la est_fw-la executioni_fw-la mandanda_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 37._o sect._n 26._o last_o master_n parker_n observe_v a_o distinction_n between_o power_n and_o the_o dispence_n of_o power_n that_o the_o one_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o presbyter_n have_v these_o word_n neque_fw-la tamen_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la omneque_fw-la exercitum_fw-la est_fw-la penes_fw-la rectores_fw-la solos_fw-la sed_fw-la juxta_fw-la temperamentum_fw-la formae_fw-la partim_fw-la aristocratice_fw-la partim_fw-la democraticae_n de_fw-la mandaâ—ae_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la ecclesiâ—_n que_fw-la ipsa_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la obire_fw-la satis_fw-la commodè_fw-la nequit_fw-la retinente_fw-la vero_fw-la dispensationem_fw-la illam_fw-la illudque_fw-la exercitium_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsi_fw-la convenit_fw-la &_o pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la ejus_fw-la lignitatem_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la &_o libertatem_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la donatam_fw-la posit_n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v imo_fw-la vero_fw-la est_fw-la &_o publica_fw-la clavium_fw-la tractatio_fw-la quam_fw-la plebes_fw-la christiana_n in_fw-la unum_fw-la coacta_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la acrilegio_fw-la administrat_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 2_o p._n 8._o these_o testimony_n we_o think_v good_a to_o produce_v in_o this_o question_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o to_o give_v any_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o people_n be_v some_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o disallow_v by_o orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o beside_o these_o here_o cite_v the_o same_o be_v teach_v by_o uther_n also_o who_o now_o we_o spare_v to_o allege_v intend_v only_a â—hese_n few_o for_o a_o taste_n instead_o of_o many_o 2._o and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n demand_v whether_o we_o give_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o to_o the_o presbyter_n thereof_o alone_o our_o answer_n be_v neither_o thus_o nor_o so_o neither_o all_o to_o â—he_v people_n exclude_v the_o presbytery_n nor_o all_o to_o the_o presbytery_n exclude_v the_o people_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n either_o mere_o democraticall_a or_o mere_o aristocratical_a neither_o of_o which_o we_o believe_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v 3._o whereas_o this_o question_n demand_v to_o know_v what_o act_n of_o government_n the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o may_v do_v and_o to_o have_v those_o particular_a act_n mention_v this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o very_a large_a demand_n for_o who_o be_v able_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o government_n which_o any_o one_o governor_n may_v perform_v in_o his_o time_n especial_o if_o he_o continue_v long_o in_o his_o place_n but_o if_o your_o meaning_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o of_o the_o individuall_n but_o of_o the_o species_n or_o kind_n yet_o even_o there_o also_o it_o be_v much_o to_o require_v the_o particular_a mention_v of_o all_o yet_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n take_v these_o the_o call_n of_o assembly_n and_o dismiss_v of_o the_o same_o again_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o office_n and_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o dispense_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o permit_v of_o any_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o again_o enjoin_v silence_n the_o put_v of_o matter_n to_o vote_n and_o pronounce_v of_o sentence_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n or_o receive_v in_o of_o penitent_n after_o their_o fall_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v act_n of_o church_n government_n which_o the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o another_o member_n may_v not_o do_v without_o breach_n of_o order_n and_o presume_v above_o his_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o here_o demand_v what_o the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v without_o the_o particular_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o they_o do_v what_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o steward_n they_o be_v by_o his_o word_n require_v of_o they_o in_o their_o place_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n â—or_a the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o consent_v thereto_o christ_n sheep_n ought_v to_o hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o 27._o and_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o name_n heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o such_o case_n wilful_o dissent_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o one_o for_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sinful_a dissent_n of_o such_o a_o one_o so_o that_o this_o passage_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o presbyter_n do_v their_o duty_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n go_v upon_o a_o supposal_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o which_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v neither_o be_v we_o to_o suppose_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v rule_n when_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o dissent_v nor_o be_v divide_v one_o from_o another_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n a_o l._n 4._o 32._o yet_o none_o needs_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v rule_v and_o government_n among_o they_o when_o yet_o their_o agreement_n be_v such_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o flder_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_n either_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n must_v needs_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o or_o if_o they_o all_o consent_n that_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rule_v but_o against_o the_o people_n mind_n they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a shepherd_n to_o their_o flock_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v with_o force_n and_o rigour_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o ezech._n 34._o 4._o as_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o place_n which_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o church_n command_v not_o nor_o allow_v such_o thing_n they_o neither_o aught_o to_o do_v nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o partaker_n of_o their_o ruler_n sin_n and_o so_o to_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o as_o when_o the_o priest_n do_v wicked_o bear_v rule_n and_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o jeremiah_n 5._o 31._o 5._o last_o this_o question_n demand_v how_o and_o over_o who_o in_o those_o act_n of_o government_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n more_o than_o by_o other_o member_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v in_o propriety_n of_o speak_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o be_v sundry_a particular_n 1._o how_o they_o rule_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o neither_o the_o elder_n nor_o the_o people_n do_v rule_n with_o lordly_a and_o princely_a rule_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 5._o and_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v isa_n 33._o 23._o psal_n 2._o luk._n 19_o 27._o jam._n 4._o 12._o the_o elder_n be_v forbid_v to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o or_o to_o exercise_v
authority_n as_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v matth._n 20._o 25_o 26._o luk._n 22._o 25_o 26._o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o rule_v as_o to_o do_v what_o themselves_o please_v but_o they_o must_v do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o mr._n baine_n show_v from_o these_o word_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o ministery_n but_o one_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n more_o lord_n than_o one_o and_o say_v he_o look_v as_o great_a lord_n have_v in_o their_o house_n minister_n of_o more_o and_o less_o honour_n from_o the_o steward_n to_o the_o scullery_n but_o no_o lordlike_o or_o master-like_a power_n in_o any_o beside_o themselves_o so_o be_v it_o with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n apostle_n and_o other_o have_v more_o or_o less_o honourable_a service_n but_o no_o masterlike_a power_n over_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n on_o ephes_n 1._o 22._o p._n 395._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v any_o power_n but_o ministerial_a in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o evangelist_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 20._o 2_o tim._n 4._o yea_o such_o a_o service_n as_o do_v make_v the_o minister_n have_v it_o so_o servant_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n lord_n many_o minister_n one_o lord_n we_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n diocese_n trial_n q._n 2._o p._n 74._o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v as_o steward_n mat._n 24._o 45._o luke_n 12._o 42._o as_o shepherd_n act._n 20._o 28._o as_o captain_n guide_n leader_n or_o overseer_n by_o go_v before_o the_o people_n and_o show_v they_o the_o word_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o 5._o &_o 5._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o hâ—b_n 13._o 17._o 2._o how_o they_o rule_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v in_o these_o act_n even_o as_o act_v be_v more_o than_o consent_v and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v a_o steward_n over_o of_o the_o house_n then_o one_o of_o the_o household_n or_o to_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o leader_n then_o to_o be_v guide_v or_o lead_v 3._o over_o who_o they_o do_v rule_v even_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a even_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o rule_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a that_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o 16._o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 1_o tim._n 2_o 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n beside_o vote_v import_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n now_o it_o be_v not_o government_n and_o authority_n but_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o belong_v unto_o woman_n by_o the_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o woman_n among_o we_o church_n matter_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v mere_o by_o 17._o multitude_n or_o plurality_n of_o vote_n but_o by_o rule_n from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o will_n and_o not_o the_o will_v either_o of_o the_o major_n or_o minor_a part_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o church_n jam._n 4._o 12._o isa_n 33._o 22._o mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o exod._n 23._o 2._o 21._o 22._o for_o our_o practice_n among_o we_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o usual_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n and_o so_o give_v a_o joint_n unanimus_fw-la vote_n and_o the_o rule_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rom._n 15._o 6._o and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n where_o thing_n be_v carry_v nor_o mere_o by_o the_o major_a or_o minor_a part_n the_o rest_n dissent_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o with_o one_o accord_n act._n 1._o 14._o &_o â—_o 46_o &_o 4._o 24._o &_o â—_o 12._o &_o 15._o 25._o so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n matter_n with_o we_o be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n that_o be_v with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o may_v be_v your_o meaning_n be_v in_o this_o question_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o to_o know_v what_o course_n we_o take_v at_o such_o time_n but_o if_o church_n lay_v aside_o their_o own_o affection_n and_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o be_v as_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o humble_a spirit_n and_o sincere_a and_o withal_o depend_v on_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n for_o guidance_n in_o their_o work_n we_o know_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o supposal_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n especial_o consider_v what_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o church_n of_o godly_a concord_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o his_o own_o gracious_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o mat._n 18._o 20._o which_o promife_n we_o believe_v be_v not_o in_o vain_a nevertheless_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n &_o distemper_n of_o man_n some_o dissension_n may_v arise_v for_o a_o time_n in_o a_o true_a church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o we_o which_o we_o bless_v god_n be_v not_o often_o then_o before_o matter_n be_v put_v to_o the_o vote_n our_o course_n of_o proceed_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n in_o one_o conclusion_n yet_o if_o any_o brother_n dissent_n he_o be_v patient_o hear_v and_o his_o alledgement_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n be_v due_o weigh_v if_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o whole_a church_n will_v ready_o yield_v though_o before_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o it_o appear_v they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o major_a part_n be_v factious_o or_o partial_o carry_v the_o rest_n labour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n by_o the_o rule_n if_o they_o yield_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o comfortable_o concur_v in_o the_o matter_n if_o they_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a they_o be_v admonish_v and_o so_o stand_v under_o censure_n their_o vote_n be_v nullify_v if_o they_o without_o obstinate_a opposition_n of_o the_o rest_n do_v dissent_v still_o yet_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a as_o in_o excommunication_n till_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v and_o all_o brotherly_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v for_o mutual_a information_n and_o conviction_n if_o the_o difference_n still_o continue_v the_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a be_v still_o demur_v even_o till_o other_o church_n have_v be_v consult_v with_o who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v send_v their_o elder_n to_o communicate_v their_o apprehension_n and_o light_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la bind_v the_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o dictate_v but_o by_o propound_v their_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o course_n with_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n which_o usual_o deny_v his_o ordinance_n faithful_o take_v and_o follow_v will_v prevail_v either_o to_o settle_v one_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o dissentor_n submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n though_o they_o see_v not_o light_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v they_o to_o act_v in_o the_o business_n such_o subjection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n ephes_n 5._o 21._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o if_o the_o church_n or_o the_o elder_n shall_v refuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o church_n according_a to_o god_n they_o will_v after_o brotherly_a admonition_n and_o due_a patient_a wait_a deny_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n till_o they_o shall_v give_v better_a evidence_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o never_o have_v occasion_n of_o such_o withdraw_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n from_o
the_o lesser_a now_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n lawful_o elect_v into_o his_o office_n or_o a_o put_n of_o he_o into_o possession_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a question_n 3._o if_o a_o church_n have_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o than_o this_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o as_o also_o many_o other_o act_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 4._o this_o ordination_n thus_o perform_v by_o the_o elder_n for_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o see_v that_o hear_v that_o speak_v when_o these_o act_n be_v instrumental_o perform_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o sense_n master_n parker_n say_v ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la alios_fw-la docet_fw-la baptisaâ—que_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o p._n 26._o 5._o but_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n but_o the_o first_o officer_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v than_o this_o ordination_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o most_o prime_a grave_n and_o able_a man_n from_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v depute_v hereunto_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8._o 10._o now_o all_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o impose_v all_o their_o hand_n upon_o they_o together_o all_o their_o hand_n can_v not_o possible_o reach_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n perform_v this_o rite_n and_o as_o this_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o levite_n be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n so_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o reason_n do_v not_o further_o make_v it_o manifest_a 1._o man_n that_o be_v in_o no_o office_n may_v elect_v therefore_o they_o may_v ordain_v because_o ordination_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o election_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o one_o of_o these_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o the_o officer_n must_v minister_v without_o any_o ordination_n at_o all_o or_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o former_a ordination_n receive_v in_o some_o other_o church_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o other_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v afore_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v by_o succession_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o the_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v as_o they_o imagine_v in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o holy_a order_n whereas_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v if_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o any_o church_n they_o have_v need_n of_o a_o new_a election_n notwithstanding_o their_o former_a election_n into_o another_o church_n than_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o ground_n need_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n if_o their_o former_a election_n be_v cease_v their_o former_a ordination_n be_v cease_v also_o and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a ordination_n unto_o another_o church_n then_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a election_n and_o for_o the_o three_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o authority_n ordinary_a officer_n can_v have_v to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o member_n beside_o at_o some_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n and_o priest_n now_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a case_n if_o the_o sheep_n must_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v if_o god_n people_n may_v not_o have_v minister_n but_o only_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n must_v or_o may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o protestant_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o first_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o papist_n do_v thereupon_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n true_a minister_n such_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o unto_o they_o to_o maintain_v this_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o god_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v antichrist_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o priest_n to_o ordain_v christ_n minister_n as_o he_o will_v not_o take_v of_o babylon_n a_o stone_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o foundation_n jer._n 51._o 26._o 3._o it_o be_v thus_o in_o civil_a corporation_n and_o city_n the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o chief_a officer_n elect_v be_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o inauguration_n to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o predecessor_n the_o sword_n or_o key_n of_o the_o city_n or_o to_o have_v some_o other_o solemn_a ceremony_n by_o he_o perform_v unto_o he_o yet_o if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o former_a as_o at_o the_o first_o or_o that_o the_o former_a be_v dead_a or_o upon_o necessity_n absent_a when_o his_o successor_n enter_v then_o be_v this_o ceremony_n and_o work_n perform_v by_o some_o other_o the_o fit_a instrument_n neither_o need_v that_o city_n borrow_v any_o officer_n of_o another_o city_n neither_o can_v he_o intermeddle_v there_o without_o usurpation_n though_o both_o the_o corporation_n have_v the_o same_o charter_n under_o the_o same_o king_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n or_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v with_o we_o a_o little_a further_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordination_n and_o then_o we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o you_o may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o any_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o the_o former_a some_o indeed_o have_v so_o high_o advance_v this_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o preach_v the_o word_n minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n make_v it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o two_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n in_o that_o commission_n of_o they_o but_o only_o of_o teach_v &_o preach_v &_o baptise_v mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o if_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o special_a work_n there_o will_v belike_o have_v be_v some_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o their_o commission_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n count_v preach_v the_o word_n their_o principal_a work_n and_o after_o it_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o if_o ordain_v of_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o their_o account_n so_o prime_a a_o work_n it_o may_v seem_v paul_n will_v rather_o have_v tarry_v in_o crete_n to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n there_o then_o have_v go_v himself_o about_o preach_v seave_v titus_n for_o the_o other_o tit._n 1_o 5._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o ordain_v of_o minister_n be_v not_o such_o a_o eminent_a work_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v superior_n unto_o ordinary_a minister_n preach_v and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v as_o inferior_a work_n unto_o minister_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o superiority_n of_o docesan_n bishop_n neither_o be_v it_o equal_a unto_o those_o other_o work_v afore_o
how_o approvable_a the_o man_n may_v be_v and_o what_o discipline_n it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o shall_v we_o in_o such_o general_a word_n as_o be_v there_o express_v promise_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o word_n we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v bind_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n of_o papist_n or_o arminian_n or_o familist_n or_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o something_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a and_o yet_o we_o pray_v you_o hearty_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o conceive_v of_o we_o in_o this_o passage_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o such_o comparison_n as_o if_o yourselves_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o our_o conscience_n far_o above_o the_o best_a of_o such_o man_n yea_o and_o above_o ourselves_o in_o many_o respect_n we_o have_v say_v before_o in_o that_o which_o we_o send_v you_o the_o last_o year_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o say_v it_o now_o again_o that_o you_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o question_n be_v mean_v of_o yourselves_o or_o any_o of_o you_o and_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a people_n join_v with_o you_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v it_o because_o you_o do_v not_o express_v so_o much_o we_o think_v if_o you_o be_v here_o we_o shall_v glad_o accept_v of_o you_o and_o your_o people_n as_o a_o sister-church_n and_o that_o you_o will_v do_v the_o like_a to_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o when_o you_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v one_o form_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o we_o another_o but_o because_o we_o be_v persuade_v if_o you_o be_v here_o you_o will_v set_v up_o and_o 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pure_a language_n that_o they_o may_v all_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o gal._n 5._o 10._o phil._n 3._o 15._o this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o posit_n 1._o &_o 2._o send_v unto_o you_o 32._o the_o last_o year_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen._n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer_n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o 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thing_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rome_n 2._o 29._o and_o israelites_n gal._n 6._o 16._o joh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v antitype_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5._o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_a but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concern_v which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o import_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_n
have_v separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n v_o 3._o beside_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o grant_v they_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o this_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n v_o 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o it_o the_o one_o be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o second_o the_o lord_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n three_o that_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o make_v they_o member_n this_o be_v one_o viz._n the_o take_a hold_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n v_o 6._o so_o that_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o man_n may_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n join_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o present_v not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o when_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o join_v in_o covenant_n before_o but_o may_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n believe_v in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n object_n be_v all_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v not_o so_o but_o over_o and_o above_o that_o here_o be_v also_o mean_v their_o open_a answer_n profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o open_a bind_v of_o themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o god_n require_v of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o distinct_o take_v the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o three_o or_o four_o particular_a proposition_n first_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o god_n exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o ezek_n 16._o 8._o deut._n 29._o 10._o etc._n etc._n second_o this_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a not_o only_o a_o promise_n on_o god_n part_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n but_o also_o reciprocal_o on_o their_o part_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o promise_v nothing_o back_o again_o to_o he_o nor_o do_v god_n bind_v himself_o therein_o and_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n but_o it_o be_v mutual_a on_o both_o part_n as_o these_o scripture_n declare_v gen._n 17._o 1._o exod._n 197._o 8._o deut._n 5._o 27._o &_o 26._o 16_o 17._o hos_fw-la 2._o 23._o &_o zach._n 13._o 9_o three_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o promise_v and_o also_o perform_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n but_o have_v discovenant_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o father_n or_o other_o thus_o though_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n gen._n 17._o 7._o yet_o the_o ishmaelite_n and_o edomite_n descend_v from_o abraham_n be_v discovenant_v by_o not_o promise_v nor_o perform_v those_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v on_o the_o people_n part_n when_o a_o covenant_n contain_v promise_n on_o god_n part_n and_o duty_n also_o on_o man_n he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o take_v one_o part_n and_o leave_v another_o four_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o his_o part_n and_o to_o promise_v in_o a_o private_a way_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n on_o man_n part_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o must_v do_v it_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o church_n else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v have_v no_o warrant_n to_o have_v admit_v such_o into_o their_o fellowship_n if_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v not_o be_v visible_o profess_v exod._n 12._o 43._o 48_o 2_o chron._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v mutual_a when_o these_o stranger_n do_v manifest_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n they_o manifest_v and_o profess_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n both_o that_o they_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o require_v if_o any_o shall_v have_v claim_v church-fellowship_n say_v i_o believe_v the_o promise_n but_o will_v not_o bind_v himself_o to_o any_o duty_n of_o evangelicall_n obedience_n this_o have_v be_v a_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o half_n a_o take_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o in_o seem_v and_o pretence_n and_o a_o leave_v of_o another_o but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n as_o will_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10._o 8._o and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n shall_v refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o take_a hold_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v there_o require_v to_o make_v these_o stranger_n member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o believe_a in_o heart_n on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o likewise_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o such_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o join_n in_o covenant_n which_o we_o stand_v for_o before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n even_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o those_o scripture_n which_o show_v 3_o that_o man_n become_v member_n by_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o be_v join_v to_o they_o act._n 2._o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 9_o 26._o if_o man_n become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v add_v or_o join_v then_o join_v in_o covenant_n or_o profess_v of_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n foremention_v and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o but_o all_o the_o doubt_n in_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n but_o that_o may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o this_o reason_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o assertion_n will_v appear_v by_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o mean_n without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n ensue_v when_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o be_v mean_v 1._o but_o that_o god_n do_v convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o convert_n of_o they_o be_v the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n this_o can_v be_v all_o for_o first_o saul_n be_v convert_v and_o have_v faith_n answer_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o first_o receive_v for_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o assay_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o they_o till_o they_o be_v better_o satisfy_v in_o 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