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church_n believe_v faith_n propound_v 3,192 5 10.4974 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70435 A letter of many ministers in old England requesting the judgement of their reverend brethren in New England concerning nine positions written Anno Dom. 1637 : together with their answer thereunto returned, anno 1639 : and the reply made unto the said answer and sent over unto them, anno 1640 / by Simeon Ash, and William Rathband. Ashe, Simeon, d. 1662.; Rathband, William, d. 1695. 1643 (1643) Wing L1573A; ESTC R11945 105,990 100

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who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o that_o other_o society_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n be_v a_o church_n privilege_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o visible_a believer_n and_o godly_a person_n though_o not_o in_o church_n order_n and_o so_o not_o in_o subjection_n in_o your_o sense_n to_o church_n censure_n second_o a_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o baptize_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v he_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o now_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o
fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1._o cor._n 5._o 12._o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n and_o godly_a man_n though_o of_o no_o particular_a settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o unless_o christian_n make_v themselves_o actual_a member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o church_n the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o reason_n how_o can_v that_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v allege_v for_o confirmation_n unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v again_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o same_o book_n lib._n 4._o ca._n 27._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v it_o be_v require_v he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o estimation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o that_o there_o be_v hope_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n 2._o that_o baptism_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o those_o infant_n who_o parent_n at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o without_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o that_o child_n that_o be_v cast_v forth_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o presume_v the_o contrary_a that_o in_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n a_o difference_n must_v be_v put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o open_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o holy_a thing_n between_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a see_v else_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o all_o pollution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o add_v touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n bear_v in_o fornication_n excommunication_n and_o papist_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o clear_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o former_a passage_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o particular_a society_n but_o as_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o his_o mind_n to_o censure_v they_o who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o church-covenant_n because_o they_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n as_o man_n without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n his_o judgement_n be_v further_o manifest_v in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n pa._n 33._o so_o many_o parish_n assembly_n of_o england_n say_v he_o as_o have_v any_o competent_a number_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o they_o unite_v to_o worship_n god_n ordinary_o in_o one_o society_n so_o many_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o integrall_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o they_o have_v entire_a right_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o how_o ever_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o combination_n and_o in_o the_o complete_a free_a exercise_v of_o their_o power_n whereupon_o a_o reverend_a 182._o elder_n now_o among_o you_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la to_o dischurch_n they_o whole_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o their_o know_a member_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v nor_o justify_v by_o any_o assertion_n or_o practice_n answ_n 5._o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o for_o a_o five_o consideration_n the_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o extend_v communion_n in_o church_n privilege_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n fellowship_n for_o thus_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v much_o confound_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o illimited_a as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n be_v abrogate_a if_o without_o membership_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o parent_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o baptism_n 3._o the_o church_n shall_v endanger_v the_o profane_v of_o the_o seal_n and_o want_v one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n of_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o make_v know_v for_o if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o you_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o without_o attestation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v such_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o approve_a piety_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o orderly_o join_v themselves_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o member_n thereof_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o see_v such_o fellowship_n be_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n require_v of_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o true_a piety_n frame_v man_n spirit_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o we_o have_v have_v much_o experience_n of_o it_o that_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o have_v be_v find_v too_o light_a not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o but_o even_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n in_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n have_v god_n follow_v this_o order_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o mean_n of_o discovery_n of_o man_n piety_n and_o sincerity_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o enter_v in_o church-fellowship_n reply_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o 213._o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v debar_v 23._o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v profane_v many_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dispenser_n to_o put_v back_o or_o expel_v such_o as_o profane_v they_o if_o the_o congregation_n shall_v admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n the_o church_n privilege_n be_v profane_v and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v say_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o faulty_a in_o receive_v he_o when_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v unworthy_o if_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o office_n to_o keep_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n but_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o randame_n but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o 80._o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o often_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n whether_o these_o either_o sufficient_o know_v unto_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v may_v upon_o desire_n and_o suit_n themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v what_o fear_n be_v there_o now_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o
nor_o mention_v every_o particular_a benefit_n or_o prerogative_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o he_o show_v sufficient_o to_o who_o the_o sacrament_n in_o due_a order_n do_v appertain_v even_o to_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o thus_o we_o argue_v from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n but_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n if_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o circumcision_n seal_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v seal_v in_o baptism_n but_o you_o confess_v in_o your_o answer_n immediate_o go_v before_o that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o of_o justification_n beside_o if_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v one_o principal_a thing_n which_o do_v infer_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n be_v inseparable_a where_o one_o be_v name_v other_o be_v employ_v and_o where_o one_o be_v give_v no_o one_o be_v absolute_o want_v christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o god_n do_v justify_v 30._o they_o he_o do_v sanctify_v and_o they_o he_o will_v glorify_v 2._o the_o second_o thing_n you_o affirm_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o church-covenant_n also_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n this_o sense_n your_o word_n must_v bear_v or_o else_o they_o reach_v not_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v prove_v substantial_o and_o not_o bare_o affirm_v and_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o lawful_a practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v record_v lawful_o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n in_o gen._n 17._o we_o find_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n record_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o his_o money_n but_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church_n covenant_n beside_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church-order_n into_o which_o abraham_n family_n be_v now_o gather_v more_o than_o former_o god_n give_v circumcision_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o this_o family_n be_v first_o gather_v into_o church-order_n as_o you_o speak_v we_o can_v believe_v because_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o not_o whether_o lot_n job_n melchizedech_n be_v circumcise_v or_o not_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o if_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o seal_n we_o can_v think_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v require_v we_o can_v think_v that_o either_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o that_o they_o walk_v against_o their_o light_n but_o accordiug_v to_o the_o dispense_n of_o those_o time_n we_o judge_v as_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n so_o they_o walk_v in_o that_o church_n fellowship_n which_o god_n prescribe_v and_o therefore_o if_o circumcision_n have_v be_v the_o seal_n of_o such_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o conceive_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o no_o less_o than_o to_o abraham_n family_n but_o of_o this_o sufficient_a be_v say_v before_o as_o for_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n which_o the_o passage_n quote_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o fellowship_n which_o christ_n in_o affliction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n that_o to_o we_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n though_o in_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v understand_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v digest_v the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o god_n for_o what_o end_n and_o use_v they_o be_v ordain_v but_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n record_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v learn_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o disciple_n to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o covenant_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a participation_n of_o the_o seal_n there_o be_v deep_a silence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o institution_n in_o the_o lawful_a and_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n already_o but_o we_o will_v conclude_v it_o with_o the_o word_n of_o that_o reverend_a author_n who_o we_o have_v cite_v many_o time_n before_o upon_o occasion_n afterward_o say_v he_o john_n the_o baptist_n walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n administer_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n require_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n 16._o of_o life_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o this_o order_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n establish_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v a_o commission_n to_o 16._o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o gather_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v through_o the_o world_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o according_o the_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v careful_a to_o observe_v this_o rule_n in_o their_o administer_a baptism_n thus_o peter_n when_o he_o see_v those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n prick_v in_o their_o heart_n preach_v unto_o they_o concern_v repentance_n remission_n of_o sin_n christ_n the_o promise_n baptism_n faith_n amendment_n of_o life_n baptize_v those_o that_o glad_o receive_v 47._o his_o word_n and_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o procession_n thereof_o the_o same_o course_n philip_n take_v with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n where_o many_o be_v baptize_v but_o none_o till_o they_o 14._o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v express_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o ananias_n be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o baptise_v paul_n he_o object_v against_o it_o at_o first_o till_o the_o lord_n assure_v 11-17_a he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v and_o then_o he_o go_v and_o do_v it_o when_o peter_n and_o those_o that_o come_v with_o he_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v at_o that_o time_n in_o his_o house_n 43-48_a while_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n peter_n demand_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o in_o this_o catalogue_n we_o see_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n but_o there_o be_v not_o
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scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o let_v they_o 14._o alone_o because_o they_o be_v the_o blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a but_o he_o never_o forbid_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o then_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o such_o be_v 15._o permit_v to_o deal_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n who_o they_o judge_v or_o know_v unfit_a when_o man_n join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o unworthy_a minister_n they_o do_v not_o countenance_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o office_n but_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o require_v their_o attendance_n upon_o his_o highness_n in_o that_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n you_o quote_v because_o thou_o have_v despise_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o etc._n etc._n proper_o the_o text_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o 7._o ten_o tribe_n call_v israel_n and_o the_o priest_n among_o they_o who_o worship_v the_o calf_n which_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v set_v up_o who_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o reject_v because_o they_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n be_v either_o wilful_o ignorant_a or_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n whether_o they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a absolute_o reject_v or_o the_o lord_n threaten_v only_o to_o reject_v they_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o may_v suffice_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o unworthy_a minister_n do_v countenance_n they_o in_o their_o place_n thereby_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o you_o will_v extend_v this_o text_n to_o all_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o who_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n do_v condemn_v as_o not_o approve_v minister_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n teach_v evident_o not_o 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to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o faithful_a this_o can_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o that_o offence_n be_v personal_a only_a and_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a they_o join_v in_o prayer_n only_o and_o not_o in_o his_o read_n or_o limit_v himself_o not_o to_o say_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v herein_o both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n if_o he_o give_v offence_n must_v they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stone_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v rather_o think_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o foot_n that_o they_o go_v not_o awry_o let_v it_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o either_o the_o minister_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v unlawful_a honour_n or_o that_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o will_v then_o say_v as_o you_o do_v but_o until_o that_o be_v prove_v be_v press_v and_o call_v to_o proffer_v our_o judgement_n we_o believe_v that_o separation_n be_v scandalous_a and_o sinful_a never_o teach_v of_o god_n nor_o confirm_v by_o the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o age_n 246._o or_o time_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o against_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n injurious_a to_o the_o church_n distract_n christian_n bring_v contempt_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o defraud_v believer_n of_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v think_v of_o it_o now_o in_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v account_v no_o small_a offence_n five_o if_o this_o and_o such_o like_a scruple_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o the_o ordnance_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o no_o society_n under_o heaven_n for_o may_v 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scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v not_o administer_v in_o this_o or_o that_o but_o in_o a_o stint_a form_n it_o be_v a_o scandal_n take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o by_o forbear_v if_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o error_n be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o they_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o more_o yea_o they_o shall_v prejudice_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o beget_v needless_a scruple_n in_o other_o and_o draw_v they_o ignorant_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n be_v run_v too_o far_o into_o schism_n already_o iii_o position_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n iv_o position_n that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o 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this_o that_o you_o deny_v not_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n for_o substance_n than_o you_o ascribe_v little_a more_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o then_o to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v baptism_n administer_v among_o they_o to_o be_v true_a for_o substance_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o scal_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o then_o either_o your_o judgement_n be_v contrary_a to_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v what_o you_o former_o build_v and_o here_o profess_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v provide_v you_o go_v not_o 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the_o church_n already_o gather_v but_o also_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o man_n to_o the_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v without_o whereas_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v god_n ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v now_o no_o universal_a visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o time_n nor_o officer_n nor_o ordinance_n appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v under_o moses_n it_o remain_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n whereunto_o these_o privilege_n be_v give_v be_v congregationall_a consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edify_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o only_a when_o they_o be_v of_o divers_a 38._o nation_n the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o also_o of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o church_n of_o judèa_n and_o not_o only_a when_o that_o country_n be_v of_o large_a extent_n and_o circuit_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o also_o of_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o country_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n yea_o when_o congregation_n in_o several_a city_n be_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v call_v church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o see_v the_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v congregationall_a and_o that_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v church_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o city_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o citizen_n and_o their_o child_n so_o 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apostle_n as_o you_o say_v dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o the_o seal_v dispense_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n of_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispence_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a to_o what_o pupose_v then_o be_v those_o word_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n add_v to_o the_o proposition_n if_o thereby_o you_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n it_o be_v evident_o cross_v to_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v and_o to_o yourselves_o afterward_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o sacrament_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o only_o who_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n and_o shall_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o which_o this_o very_a scripture_n do_v plentiful_o disprove_v '_o for_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v baptize_v nor_o in_o a_o church_n way_n before_o baptism_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o the_o most_o of_o yourselves_o but_o by_o baptism_n solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o for_o your_o purpose_n or_o they_o be_v set_v member_n as_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n frame_v against_o this_o consideration_n and_o
approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v over_o into_o new_a england_n shall_v desire_v either_o to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o to_o be_v admit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o any_o society_n these_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n baptize_v themselves_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o their_o child_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o all_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n lawful_o and_o just_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o visible_a church_n and_o walk_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o this_o privilege_n in_o all_o church_n profess_v their_o entire_a faith_n and_o you_o must_v show_v just_a and_o sound_a reason_n from_o god_n of_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o debar_v their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n and_o parent_n themselves_o from_o the_o supper_n or_o else_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o reverend_a elder_n among_o you_o in_o a_o case_n of_o less_o importance_n and_o not_o concern_v so_o many_o you_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o 18._o add_v to_o the_o word_n and_o make_v eleven_o commandment_n and_o set_v up_o humane_a custom_n and_o selfewill_n against_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereunto_o but_o you_o deny_v this_o privilege_n to_o the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o yourselves_o confess_v for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o congregation_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o your_o opinion_n the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n may_v be_v receive_v unto_o baptism_n upon_o confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o think_v the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v as_o much_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o seal_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 6_o the_o distinct_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v congregationall_a society_n consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o might_n and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o but_o because_o it_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o other_o point_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o church_n order_n we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o least_o circuit_n wherein_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o church_n be_v ample_a enough_o to_o contain_v some_o diocese_n and_o the_o least_o city_n populous_a enough_o to_o make_v many_o numbersome_a congregation_n nor_o upon_o this_o that_o to_o 226._o meet_v at_o one_o time_n and_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n mere_o accidentary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v still_o one_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v asunder_o and_o no_o particular_a man_n of_o that_o society_n at_o first_o remain_v now_o alive_a the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o they_o can_v 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the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o or_o by_o authority_n dispense_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o other_o consideration_n this_o argument_n from_o comparison_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o write_n of_o brethren_n against_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n great_o mistake_v to_o say_v no_o more_o answer_v 3_o consideration_n circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o to_o be_v administer_v also_o the_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o parity_n of_o these_o ordinance_n for_o if_o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o paedobaptism_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o church_n membership_n to_o baptism_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o circumcision_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o person_n circumcise_v &_o only_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o they_o only_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o church_n member_n in_o our_o 447._o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o first_o consideration_n we_o have_v show_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o administer_v to_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v but_o only_o such_o of_o they_o as_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v so_o far_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n count_v these_o express_a equivalent_a to_o be_v circumcise_v in_o christ_n with_o circumcision_n make_v without_o 12._o hand_n and_o to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o 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circumcise_v but_o there_o be_v no_o precise_a day_n set_v down_o so_o baptism_n nor_o be_v opportunity_n of_o public_a assembly_n so_o remote_a where_o church_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o congregationall_a frame_n but_o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n baptism_n may_v be_v administer_v if_o it_o be_v require_v again_o for_o the_o aforesaid_a reason_n circumcision_n require_v not_o a_o peculiar_a minister_n for_o aught_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o baptism_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n but_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o in_o this_o they_o shall_v not_o both_o agree_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v both_o to_o be_v dispense_v only_o to_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o eve●_n think_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a 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passeover_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 2._o so_o all_o baptise_a person_n have_v true_a and_o entire_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v his_o name_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n for_o one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o other_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n join_v in_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o when_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o congregation_n and_o hereto_o he_o need_v no_o other_o call_v but_o that_o god_n offer_v a_o opportunity_n there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o his_o 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for_o see_v baptism_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v drive_v thence_o which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o true_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a again_o he_o add_v now_o see_v our_o church_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n so_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o parish_n of_o stranger_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o one_o body_n corporate_a as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o king_n grant_v and_o yet_o all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o english_a church_n that_o they_o be_v join_v with_o we_o and_o to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v 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to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v not_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o who_o present_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n may_v in_o time_n plead_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o our_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v deceive_v the_o english_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o those_o which_o present_v infant_n to_o baptism_n they_o propound_v three_o question_n the_o first_o be_v be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n answer_v yea._n this_o instance_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o alasco_n affirm_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o that_o book_n that_o this_o liberty_n be_v by_o the_o king_n grant_v to_o they_o out_o of_o his_o desire_n to_o settle_v alike_o reformation_n in_o the_o english_a church_n which_o in_o effect_n you_o see_v the_o same_o with_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a reply_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o different_a from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n not_o in_o some_o by-circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o main_a point_n in_o question_n for_o your_o judgement_n be_v that_o true_a visible_a believer_n baptize_v and_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o other_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n or_o fellowship_n have_v no_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o the_o seal_n they_o nor_o their_o seed_n but_o this_o church_n of_o stranger_n hold_v no_o such_o opinion_n as_o their_o own_o word_n which_o you_o have_v omit_v do_v plain_o speak_v and_o paul_n testify_v say_v they_o that_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n whence_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o baptism_n do_v neither_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o they_o for_o so_o they_o profess_v yet_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v open_o show_v that_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n though_o we_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o they_o both_o in_o language_n and_o ceremony_n we_o do_v not_o refuse_v that_o the_o english_a may_v as_o public_a witness_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v the_o infant_n of_o our_o member_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o have_v both_o the_o use_n of_o our_o language_n and_o a_o certain_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o member_n be_v accustom_v to_o offer_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o english_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o english_a church_n if_o your_o judgement_n be_v this_o of_o the_o english_a church_n your_o judgement_n in_o acknowledge_v we_o member_n of_o true_a church_n and_o practice_v in_o debar_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n be_v opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o who_o whilst_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n pretend_v to_o the_o english_a that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n and_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a but_o you_o debar_v know_v christian_n who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o you_o not_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n of_o they_o who_o avoid_v all_o church_n yea_o you_o debar_v they_o as_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o herein_o you_o can_v show_v no_o precedent_n ancient_a or_o modern_a either_o from_o scripture_n or_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o your_o practice_n be_v without_o example_n so_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o we_o thus_o propound_v 1_o reason_n that_o sacred_a order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o all_o his_o saint_n to_o keep_v and_o walk_v by_o that_o be_v religious_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o that_o as_o a_o necessary_a order_n which_o god_n never_o allow_v approve_a or_o command_v be_v great_a presumption_n now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o faithful_a people_n join_v together_o in_o spiritual_a church-fellowship_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n
same_o flock_n or_o society_n in_o general_a and_o so_o believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holiness_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n as_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o one_o congregationall_a church_n 4._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o here_o that_o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o ignorance_n hasty-greediness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o be_v account_v man_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n then_o be_v they_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n holy_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n thus_o mr._n rob._n frame_v the_o argument_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 39_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o apostle_n example_n only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v external_o and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v teach_v and_o make_v disciple_n do_v receive_v the_o word_n glad_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o profess_v have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n 19_o day_n understand_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o their_o practice_n in_o receive_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v answerable_a as_o may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n confess_v hereunto_o you_o answer_v answer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o rest_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v baptism_n be_v administer_v either_o by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n not_o ordinary_a pastor_n the_o person_n baptize_v if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o baptism_n in_o their_o state_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v officer_n of_o all_o church_n may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v which_o yet_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n to_o do_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o church-order_n art_n on_o act._n 18._o 1._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o centurion_n have_v a_o constitute_v church_n in_o his_o house_n the_o eunuch_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n 27._o argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o proselyte_n and_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n at_o that_o time_n as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o philipp●_n which_o communicate_v with_o paul_n as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v as_o he_o express_o say_v before_o his_o departure_n be_v from_o macedonia_n which_o departure_n 15._o be_v immediate_o upon_o the_o gaylors_n conversion_n in_o which_o respect_n what_o shall_v hinder_v that_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n shall_v first_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o to_o be_v baptize_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o that_o story_n as_o neither_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n which_o paul_n mention_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n at_o least_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o lydia_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o worship_v god_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o church_n yet_o baptize_v though_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v prove_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o object_n do_v no_o whit_n weaken_v the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n so_o that_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o case_n allege_v baptism_n dispense_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n yet_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o so_o do_v will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a pastor_n to_o do_v the_o like_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n why_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n may_v administer_v baptism_n out_o of_o church-order_n whereas_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v not_o be_v double_a 1._o because_o their_o call_n give_v they_o illimited_a power_n over_o all_o man_n especial_o christian_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o only_o over_o their_o own_o church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v assist_v with_o a_o immediate_a direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o administration_n in_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o ordinary_a church-officer_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o to_o expect_v immediate_a inspiration_n and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o their_o help_n in_o such_o case_n this_o difference_n between_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v from_o their_o example_n justify_v baptism_n in_o private_a house_n reply_n this_o answer_n stand_v of_o many_o part_n wherein_o thing_n doubtful_a be_v affirm_v and_o that_o which_o more_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n before_o allege_v and_o the_o answer_n itself_o then_o of_o the_o reason_n whereunto_o it_o be_v apply_v for_o first_o if_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o then_o either_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o baptism_n be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n or_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n unto_o such_o or_o command_v they_o to_o be_v dispense_v do_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o upon_o ground_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o viz._n they_o admit_v they_o unto_o the_o sacrament_n who_o have_v right_a and_o interest_n to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o institutor_n not_o extraordinary_o reveal_v beside_o the_o common_a rule_n or_o by_o special_a dispensation_n and_o prerogative_n except_v from_o the_o common_a rule_n but_o make_v know_v in_o the_o institution_n itself_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o one_o who_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v that_o benefit_n because_o he_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n which_o your_o practice_n in_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n unto_o the_o seal_n do_v manifest_o convince_v for_o if_o both_o have_v equal_a interest_n unto_o the_o seal_n the_o pastor_n upon_o lawful_a suit_n and_o request_n have_v equal_a authority_n to_o receive_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o second_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n for_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o disciple_n baptize_v when_o they_o be_v proper_o neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o insist_v 27._o upon_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o first_o three_o thousand_o convert_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n or_o command_v other_o then_o present_a with_o 48._o
baptism_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a though_o as_o yet_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a society_n in_o some_o circumstance_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n when_o yet_o the_o reason_n be_v strong_a if_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o very_a likeness_n itself_o whereupon_o the_o reason_n be_v ground_v one_o circumstance_n that_o be_v material_a to_o the_o point_n may_v overthrow_v the_o likeness_n pretend_v and_o twenty_o different_a circumstance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n make_v no_o dissimilitude_n now_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o speak_v of_o no_o circumstance_n be_v or_o can_v be_v name_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v disciple_n as_o yet_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o all_o case_n for_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n though_o it_o be_v desire_v 3._o what_o be_v do_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o only_o who_o have_v receive_v such_o dispensation_n and_o by_o they_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o other_o seldom_o by_o themselves_o as_o have_v be_v show_v 4._o we_o may_v urge_v the_o rule_n which_o a_o reverend_a elder_n among_o you_o give_v in_o another_o matter_n scil_n those_o example_n which_o be_v back_v with_o some_o 154._o divine_a precept_n or_o which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v part_n of_o the_o institution_n or_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a lawful_a action_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n not_o civil_a but_o sacred_a so_o bind_v we_o to_o imitation_n as_o that_o not_o to_o conform_v thereunto_o be_v sin_n for_o the_o assumption_n to_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a disciple_n etc._n etc._n be_v back_v with_o divine_a precept_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o be_v their_o constant_a lawful_a practice_n agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o service_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n 5._o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o apostles_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n 2_o reason_n our_o second_o reason_n in_o due_a order_n the_o seal_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v viz._n baptism_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o believer_n able_a to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n sanctification_n adoption_n and_o what_o other_o good_a thing_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grant_n or_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o be_v grant_v to_o believer_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o under_o one_o promise_v all_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o one_o be_v vouchsafe_v none_o be_v deny_v when_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v employ_v and_o when_o circumcision_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n be_v 4._o include_v to_o whosoever_o then_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o inward_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v and_o grant_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o gift_n and_o grant_n do_v belong_v in_o their_o due_a order_n but_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o grace_n which_o 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be_v not_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n now_o that_o circumcision_n also_o seal_v the_o church-covenant_n may_v appear_v from_o gen._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o you_o may_v find_v that_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n though_o believer_n be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o god_n call_v they_o into_o church-covenant_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n &_o use_v of_o baptism_n to_o we_o which_o serve_v to_o seal_v our_o justification_n as_o circumcision_n do_v yet_o not_o that_o alone_a but_o also_o the_o whole_a covenant_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o adoption_n sanctification_n 21._o and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o affection_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o church-covenant_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o covenant_n also_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o by_o one_o body_n he_o mean_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n whereunto_o he_o write_v and_o say_v now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a ver_fw-la 27._o and_o ergo_fw-la church-membership_a be_v require_v as_o well_o to_o the_o orderly_a partake_n of_o baptism_n as_o it_o be_v of_o circumcision_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v but_o only_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v join_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n melchizedech_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o be_v lot_n so_o be_v job_n and_o his_o four_o friend_n yet_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o they_o be_v circumcise_v nor_o do_v believe_v they_o be_v so_o that_o if_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o seed_n then_o may_v not_o baptism_n in_o ordinary_a course_n be_v administer_v to_o any_o believer_n now_o unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o parum_fw-la par_fw-fr est_fw-la ratio_fw-la but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o second_o also_o reply_n the_o particular_n in_o this_o answer_n have_v be_v examine_v already_o and_o may_v have_v well_o be_v pass_v over_o because_o it_o be_v tedious_a to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o and_o again_o two_o thing_n be_v affirm_v by_o you_o 1._o that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 4._o 11._o be_v not_o to_o define_v a_o sacrament_n nor_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a subject_n of_o a_o sacrament_n but_o this_o weaken_v no_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o full_o define_v a_o sacrament_n
deliberate_o and_o mutual_o make_v to_o express_v to_o his_o brethren_n his_o desire_n of_o depart_v and_o the_o place_n and_o society_n to_o which_o he_o tend_v whether_o to_o a_o godly_a church_n where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v or_o to_o some_o corrupt_a assembly_n where_o he_o may_v be_v destroy_v and_o 2._o his_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o move_v he_o so_o to_o do_v which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a be_v scan_v by_o the_o word_n he_o may_v be_v not_o only_o confirm_v in_o his_o way_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o advise_v of_o many_o but_o counsel_v also_o how_o to_o manage_v his_o departure_n for_o his_o best_a comfort_n and_o so_o after_o all_o solemn_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n prayer_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n dismiss_v but_o if_o his_o ground_n either_o be_v none_o at_o all_o or_o weak_a and_o sinful_a and_o that_o his_o desire_n of_o depart_a savour_n of_o self-will_n inordinate_a love_n of_o gain_n rash_a precipitancie_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o 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it_o avail_v not_o ans_fw-fr some_o indeed_o have_v question_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o church-covenant_n but_o none_o we_o hope_v of_o these_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n that_o we_o write_v unto_o do_v question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o do_v such_o christian_a duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o saint_n in_o church-estate_n for_o we_o do_v not_o herein_o promise_v to_o perform_v any_o new_a duty_n to_o our_o brethren_n which_o be_v not_o before_o command_v we_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o revive_v and_o renew_v our_o purpose_n afresh_o of_o perform_v such_o duty_n unto_o that_o particular_a body_n into_o which_o we_o be_v then_o incorporate_v as_o be_v before_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n as_o to_o love_v each_o other_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o each_o other_o out_o of_o love_n for_o their_o good_a to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v counsel_n to_o and_o to_o take_v counsel_n from_o each_o other_o to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o they_o or_o to_o gain_v they_o from_o 1._o sin_n all_o which_o be_v plentiful_o and_o frequent_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o defect_n of_o which_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n all_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v wrap_v in_o the_o same_o guilt_n &_o punishment_n with_o the_o member_n that_o commit_v the_o sin_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o israel_n be_v in_o achans_n sin_n and_o punishment_n second_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o reasonable_a and_o a_o know_v fundamental_a rule_n in_o all_o society_n that_o he_o that_o be_v incorporate_a thereto_o and_o so_o participate_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o shall_v engage_v himself_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereto_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n injurious_a in_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n to_o themselves_o to_o accept_v the_o second_o ground_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessity_n that_o may_v fall_v upon_o the_o body_n if_o every_o particular_a member_n shall_v depart_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n for_o as_o every_o society_n so_o much_o more_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n both_o from_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o christianity_n also_o not_o only_o lawful_o may_v but_o in_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o itself_o and_o ergo_fw-la timely_a to_o foresee_v and_o wise_o to_o prevent_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v bring_v destruction_n to_o itself_o now_o if_o any_o member_n may_v when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n depart_v away_o from_o it_o this_o may_v by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n dissipate_v the_o whole_a for_o if_o one_o man_n may_v so_o depart_v why_o may_v not_o another_o also_o though_o never_o so_o useful_a in_o that_o body_n and_o who_o absence_n may_v much_o shake_v the_o well-being_n of_o it_o and_o if_o one_o why_o not_o two_o six_o ten_o twent●_o as_o well_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v see_v any_o may_v plead_v the_o same_o liberty_n and_o if_o member_n may_v so_o do_v why_o not_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n also_o see_v they_o be_v tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o same_o relation_n that_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o principal_n fall_v the_o whole_a building_n must_v down_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v so_o in_o one_o church_n why_o not_o in_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o settle_a church_n on_o earth_n reply_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n abrupt_o to_o break_v away_o when_o and_o whither_o they_o please_v and_o forsake_v fellowship_n another_o thing_n not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v habitation_n unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n also_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n mutual_o to_o compound_v and_o agree_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o each_o other_o without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n another_o to_o require_v a_o promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o their_o child_n from_o baptism_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o stipulate_v with_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o must_v abide_v in_o particular_a society_n and_o not_o remove_v thence_o without_o approbation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o or_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n that_o church_n covenant_n which_o be_v necessary_a be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o covenant_n they_o enter_v into_o bound_n no_o man_n to_o this_o condition_n for_o aught_o we_o read_v they_o do_v not_o prescribe_v it_o no_o church_n ever_o yet_o covenant_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o the_o father_n bestow_v his_o son_n or_o daughter_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o council_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o the_o assembly_n once_o grow_v to_o be_v populous_a of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v negligent_a in_o or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o heavy_a task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a for_o every_o one_o to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v usurpation_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v over_o ridge_v in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n themselves_o go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busi-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o
or_o repel_v any_o that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o that_o pretence_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v 19_o church_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a in_o quirie_n what_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o after_o age_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o baptize_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o 37._o confession_n of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v of_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o faith_n the_o body_n of_o faith_n the_o persuasion_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o creed_n they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v then_o give_v when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o after_o time_n as_o occasion_n require_v some_o other_o article_n be_v add_v as_o explanation_n of_o the_o former_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o time_n which_o begin_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n but_o for_o substance_n of_o matter_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o admit_v into_o her_o 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office_n and_o gift_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v not_o from_o the_o people_n or_o elder_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o 14._o when_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o 22_o 23._o no_o one_o have_v the_o handle_n of_o that_o business_n but_o peter_n declare_v unto_o the_o brethren_n present_a what_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o they_o present_v two_o whereof_o one_o be_v elect_v by_o lot_n in_o this_o example_n something_n be_v extraordinary_a for_o one_o only_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o something_n ordinary_a for_o our_o imitation_n for_o if_o peter_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o disciple_n thenmay_v not_o ordinary_a election_n be_v pass_v without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popular_a election_n not_o govern_v by_o the_o fore-direction_n of_o elder_n which_o be_v conclude_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o a_o church_n election_n by_o the_o free_a consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o fore-leading_a of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v act._n 6._o 1._o 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mutiny_n of_o the_o hellenist_n against_o the_o hebrew_n occasion_v that_o election_n but_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v make_v by_o free_a consent_n the_o apostle_n show_v what_o person_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o who_o ever_o think_v the_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v as_o she_o please_v without_o direction_n but_o in_o this_o election_n the_o people_n do_v first_o choose_v the_o apostle_n only_o direct_v who_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o when_o most_o common_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v the_o people_n and_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o election_n and_o they_o consent_v act._n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n by_o consent_n choose_v elder_n and_o so_o in_o every_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n belong_v direct_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o several_o in_o one_o congregation_n or_o joint_o in_o many_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o observation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v act._n 11._o 22._o and_o 15._o 22._o and_o 16._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 19_o but_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n one_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o pastor_n for_o another_o as_o ignatius_n exhort_v the_o phyladelphians_n that_o they_o will_v elect_v a_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o so_o when_o the_o east_n church_n be_v infect_v with_o arianism_n basil_n epist_n 69._o 70._o 74._o thought_n it_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o remove_v the_o heresy_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n be_v send_v thither_o do_v condemn_v the_o heresy_n and_o he_o implore_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n france_n and_o all_o the_o east_n cyprian_n 3._o say_v all_o bishop_n sunt_fw-la mutuae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la glutine_fw-la copulati_fw-la that_o if_o any_o hold_v heresy_n the_o rest_n shall_v help_v it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v up_o example_n which_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v produce_v if_o here_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o your_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o answer_v 1._o a_o thing_n be_v essential_a two_o way_n first_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n without_o it_o second_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v maim_v without_o it_o again_o either_o the_o people_n be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o simple_a apt_a to_o be_v lead_v aside_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n sound_v in_o faith_n and_o able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o 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more_o liberty_n be_v give_v where_o the_o danger_n be_v less_o and_o more_o restraint_n and_o caution_n use_v where_o the_o danger_n be_v more_o apparent_a that_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o either_o a_o ill_a or_o unfit_a choice_n will_v be_v make_v in_o reason_n this_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o child_n consent_n be_v require_v in_o marriage_n but_o the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v for_o himself_o the_o more_o liberty_n may_v parent_n grant_v the_o less_o able_a the_o more_o watchful_a must_v they_o be_v and_o so_o in_o this_o business_n brotherly_o society_n require_v that_o we_o mutual_o exhort_v admonish_v reprove_v and_o comfort_v each_o other_o as_o occasion_n require_v and_o as_o need_n require_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour-churche_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o
right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o wrongsul_o they_o depose_v he_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o his_o ministry_n the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o election_n give_v he_o authority_n among_o they_o to_o seed_n their_o cast_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o former_o they_o give_v he_o and_o his_o ministry_n cease_v he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n if_o he_o stand_v as_o minister_v only_o to_o that_o congregation_n in_o every_o respect_n whit._n depont_o q._n 4._o sec._n 10._o pa._n 559._o certain_o lex_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o ratio_fw-la clamitat_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destruere_fw-la sive_fw-la destituere_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la institutio_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la eundem_fw-la destitationem_fw-la seu_fw-la destructionem_fw-la pertinere_fw-la rob._n aga_fw-la b._n p._n 214._o if_o the_o congregation_n may_v choose_v and_o elect_v their_o governor_n than_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o reprobate_v they_o viii_o position_n that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n answer_n if_o you_o take_v ministerial_a act_n improper_o as_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v by_o some_o only_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n do_v exercise_v his_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v in_o another_o church_n be_v by_o themselves_o so_o desire_v then_o we_o answer_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n may_v do_v a_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o which_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n and_o thus_o upon_o any_o occasion_n we_o mutual_o perform_v those_o act_n one_o in_o another_o church_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o ministerial_a act_n such_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n then_o we_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v so_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o church_n but_o his_o own_o because_o his_o office_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o his_o call_n for_o that_o solemn_a charge_n act._n 20._o 28._o be_v not_o to_o feed_v all_o flock_n but_o that_o one_o flock_n only_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n if_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o a_o other_o church_n which_o be_v once_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n by_o what_o power_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o give_v thou_o this_o authority_n let_v that_o minister_n whosoever_o he_o be_v study_v how_o to_o make_v a_o answer_n reply_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v act_n proper_o ministerial_a if_o any_o other_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n as_o you_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o preach_n 287._o of_o the_o word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n in_o your_o second_o consideration_n but_o these_o act_n one_o minister_n may_v perform_v in_o another_o congregation_n or_o towards_o the_o member_n of_o another_o church_n you_o know_v by_o who_o your_o question_n have_v be_v propound_v touch_v one_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o minister_n church_n and_o how_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v and_o if_o you_o see_v more_o light_n and_o truth_n then_o former_o we_o will_v desire_v you_o substantial_o to_o confute_v what_o answer_v some_o of_o you_o have_v return_v to_o that_o demand_n to_o admit_v say_v mr._n j._n d._n those_o that_o be_v know_v member_n of_o another_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o fit_a occasion_n 290._o i_o hold_v lawful_a and_o do_v professemy_n readiness_n to_o practice_v according_o again_o i_o conceive_v that_o beside_o my_o membership_n else_o where_o and_o the_o 288._o right_n which_o those_o church_n give_v to_o know_v passant_n of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n for_o a_o short_a time_n both_o himself_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n acknowledge_v i_o for_o a_o member_n with_o they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o my_o abode_n in_o that_o service_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o my_o public_a labour_n and_o their_o cheerful_a admittance_n of_o i_o to_o that_o ordinance_n during_o that_o time_n without_o the_o least_o scruple_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n may_v pray_v prithee_o bless_v the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o be_v thereunto_o request_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o congregation_n he_o may_v lawful_o dispense_v the_o seal_n among_o they_o also_o as_o need_v and_o occasion_n require_v that_o distinction_n of_o preach_v by_o office_n and_o exercise_v his_o gift_n only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o minister_n and_o desire_v of_o none_o but_o minister_n and_o that_o in_o solemn_a set_v constant_a church-assembly_n we_o can_v find_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o finis_fw-la it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o master_n davenport_n out_o of_o ambros_n offic._n l_o 1._o c._n 1._o et_fw-la quantum_fw-la libet_fw-la cuique_fw-la profecerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la doceri_fw-la non_fw-la indigeni_fw-la dum_fw-la visit_n appoll_n preface_n to_o the_o reader_n wrence_n these_o man_n say_v cann_n against_o robi_n superstitious_o addict_v to_o their_o new_a devise_n that_o beware_v how_o to_o reject_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o true_a church_n stay_v against_o stray_v pag._n 47._o i_o be_o and_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n to_o those_o good_a custom_n of_o church_n which_o be_v take_v upon_o good_a warrant_n and_o ground_n and_o long_o continue_v among_o god_n people_n i._o d._n apol._n p._n 31._o good_a custom_n take_v up_o by_o the_o church_n upon_o good_a ground_n shall_v not_o light_o be_v break_v or_o lay_v down_o wherein_o i_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o that_o elaborate_a commentary_n upon_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o john_n i._n d._n apol._n sect._n 12._o examina_fw-la p._n 251._o this_o argument_n be_v use_v by_o the_o abridgement_n against_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o this_o liturgy_n whereas_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o position_n refer_v the_o reader_n to_o mr._n cotton_v answer_v unto_o mr._n ball_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n concern_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o reader_n be_v earnest_o entreat_v to_o compare_v master_n ball_n treatise_n and_o mr_n cotton_v answer_v with_o seriousness_n and_o indifferency_n because_o mr_n ball_n have_v receive_v that_o answer_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v much_o enlarge_v whereof_o mr_n cotton_n be_v ignorant_a be_v confident_a that_o with_o addition_n of_o some_o marginal_a no●es_n which_o in_o reference_n thereto_o he_o add_v his_o treatise_n will_v sufficient_o defend_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o assault_n which_o that_o answer_n make_v against_o it_o we_o may_v not_o communicate_v at_o all_o in_o that_o ministry_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o a_o unlawful_a person_n or_o in_o a_o unlawful_a place_n robinson_n against_o bern._n counsel_n debate_v p_o 17_o ibid._n pag_n 79_o esa_n 56._o 10._o ezech_v 4●_n 7_o 8._o mic_n 3._o 11_o 12._o jer._n 5._o 31._o esa_n 9_o 15_o 6._o joh._n 2._o 16._o math_n 5._o 20_o 21._o &_o 15._o 4_o 5._o &_o 23_o 1_o 3._o 14._o math._n 16_o 6._o 12._o &_o 15._o 14._o see_v whitak_n de_fw-fr pontiff_a q_o 4._o f_z 10._o pag._n 557._o phil._n 1._o 15._o hos_fw-la 4_o 6_o 7._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 17_o 14._o jer._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mic_n 3._o 11_o 12._o phil_n 1._o 15._o helv_n conf_n cap_n 18_o §_o 11._o &_o 19_o §._o 9_o gal._n conf_n art_n 28_o arg._n conf_n art_n 13._o saxon._n conf_n art_n 12_o zep._n de_fw-fr sac_n l._n 2._o c._n 6._o art_n of_o religion_n hybera_n art_n 70_o carlton_n praelect_a de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la cap._n 20._o we_o see_v no_o warrant_n why_o for_o every_o particular_a act_n that_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v idolatrous_a adjoin_v to_o god_n true_a worship_n we_o shall_v forbear_v our_o presence_n at_o the_o true_a worship_n itself_o unreason_n of_o separation_n answ_o to_o 6._o argument_n compare_v what_o '_o master_n i._o d._n have_v write_v in_o defence_n or_o excuse_n in_o resort_v to_o the_o assemb_v of_o the_o separatist_n call_v brownist_n apol._n sect._n 5._o exam_n p._n 6●_n &_o apol._n sect._n 28_o exam_n pag._n 246._o rome_n 16_o