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thereof_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o test_n you_o have_v write_v in_o great_a love_n and_o tenderness_n that_o your_o position_n may_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o such_o affection_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o now_o beseech_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o your_o leave_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deal_v full_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n require_v entreat_v you_o impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o we_o go_v and_o weigh_v what_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o rich_a mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n direct_v we_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v right_a and_o please_a in_o his_o sight_n cast_v offence_n out_o of_o the_o church_n close_o up_o rent_n and_o division_n reveal_v his_o truth_n more_o and_o more_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 eveâ—_n think_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o thâ—_n church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o old_a all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n walk_v in_o holiness_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v in_o external_a society_n with_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o to_o exclude_v melchisedeck_v or_o job_n because_o they_o be_v nâ—â—_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o church_n order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v be_v well-nigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o ouâ—_n congregation_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o
the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n thus_o a_o learned_a and_o reverend_a divine_a circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n that_o 309._o shall_v come_v as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n of_o isaac_n and_o so_o of_o jacob_n of_o who_o be_v the_o 12_o tribe_n who_o be_v the_o israelite_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 9_o 4._o 5._o so_o that_o as_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o his_o family_n as_o be_v bear_v there_o or_o buy_v and_o so_o bring_v thither_o which_o be_v not_o of_o his_o seed_n so_o afterward_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a which_o be_v not_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n and_o patriarch_n or_o join_v to_o they_o and_o after_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n and_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o join_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n be_v thus_o much_o god_n give_v circumcision_n to_o abraham_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v give_v to_o other_o believer_n in_o his_o time_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a it_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o special_a institution_n of_o god_n and_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o order_n afterward_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o covenant_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n or_o stranger_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n circumcision_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n nor_o any_o man_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o probability_n but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v by_o just_a analogy_n or_o proportion_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n or_o visible_a beleiver_n be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n unless_o they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n unite_v in_o church_n order_n three_o presuppose_v therefore_o that_o melchizedeck_v lot_n and_o job_n be_v not_o circumcise_a we_o say_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n of_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o first_o if_o circumcision_n be_v ever_o appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v first_o gather_v into_o a_o political_a body_n or_o christian_a church_n membership_n and_o then_o baptize_v john_n the_o baptist_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n 7._o baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n believe_v 48._o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o they_o be_v gather_v into_o christian_a church_n order_n or_o make_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a congregationall_a assembly_n 2_o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o special_a institution_n give_v as_o a_o privilege_n to_o the_o male_n of_o abraham_n family_n melchizedecke_n job_n lot_n and_o other_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n to_o abraham_n family_n or_o desire_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v circumcise_v but_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n believe_v christ_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v and_o desire_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n 3._o melchizedech_n job_n and_o lot_n be_v not_o only_o visible_a believer_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o dispense_n in_o those_o time_n but_o the_o seal_n as_o you_o confess_v belong_v to_o all_o believer_n knit_v together_o in_o church-covenant_n 4._o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n sc_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v come_v as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o any_o peculiar_a or_o special_a tie_n or_o respect_n 5._o you_o contend_v that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o than_o jewish_a church_n which_o can_v stand_v if_o abraham_n family_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o christian_a society_n or_o congregationall_a assembly_n just_a reason_n therefore_o may_v be_v give_v why_o circumcision_n be_v dispense_v only_o to_o the_o male_n of_o abraham_n family_n when_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n and_o if_o this_o consideration_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o purpose_n instead_o of_o say_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n you_o must_v say_v circumcision_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v of_o or_o administer_v unto_o all_o the_o true_a approve_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o than_o all_o visible_a approve_a member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o desire_v nor_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o conclusion_n you_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v answ_n 4._o consideration_n they_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o they_o that_o be_v not_o within_o church-covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a the_o assumption_n may_v be_v prove_v 1_o corinth_n 5._o 12._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o now_o to_o be_v without_o be_v not_o only_o the_o case_n of_o heathen_n and_o excommunicate_n but_o of_o some_o believer_n also_o who_o though_o by_o external_a union_n with_o christ_n they_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o join_v external_o to_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n say_v to_o be_v without_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o text_n allege_v by_o other_o divine_n also_o as_o dr._n ames_n case_n of_o consci_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o resp_n 5._o reply_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n in_o two_o respect_n either_o in_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o authority_n to_o dispense_v they_o according_a to_o god_n or_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o christian_a parent_n child_n and_o woman_n you_o say_v you_o admit_v to_o the_o seal_v the_o know_v and_o approve_v and_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n but_o to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o censure_n admittance_n of_o member_n and_o choice_n of_o officer_n only_o the_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o they_o and_o we_o any_o of_o we_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n also_o many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n the_o know_a and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o 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
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 help_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v or_o have_v leave_v from_o they_o in_o place_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o society_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n shall_v preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o contrary_a to_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o society_n and_o governor_n though_o the_o act_n be_v irregular_a it_o be_v never_o esteem_v a_o nullity_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n and_o approbation_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o who_o charge_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v it_o have_v be_v judge_v a_o mere_a nullity_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v four_o that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o godly_a conversation_n that_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n 12._o sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n in_o church-covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v 1._o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o the_o ignorance_n rashness_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 congregation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a visible_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o not_o only_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o parent_n though_o not_o actual_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o present_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v without_o because_o no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a body_n or_o spiritual_a fellowship_n then_o all_o member_n which_o be_v of_o one_o society_n be_v without_o to_o another_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n or_o subject_n to_o the_o authority_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o not_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n to_o it_o they_o be_v without_o whereas_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n distinct_a society_n do_v communicate_v together_o admit_v and_o receive_v each_o other_o as_o brethren_n to_o testify_v their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o faith_n if_o the_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o not_o under_o their_o censure_n or_o judgement_n this_o hold_v true_a of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o another_o society_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o order_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n 5._o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o read_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n but_o in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n heretic_n themselves_o 19_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o believer_n not_o yet_o gather_v as_o the_o godly_a learn_v think_v into_o a_o certain_a distinct_a body_n be_v call_v believer_n brethren_n disciple_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o say_v the_o apostle_n whether_o allude_v to_o this_o place_n or_o not_o let_v other_o judge_v be_v dog_n enchanter_n whoremonger_n not_o such_o as_o be_v call_v 101._o faithful_a and_o holy_a walk_v in_o integrity_n believe_v in_o and_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o saviour_n 8._o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o aposte_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a censure_n upon_o your_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o your_o society_n as_o set_v member_n 9_o let_v the_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o be_v without_o not_o only_o who_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o some_o congregationall_a assembly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o that_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o with_o or_o without_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbitry_n or_o class_n and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o the_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v approve_v christian_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o sacrament_n either_o to_o be_v without_o or_o uncapable_a of_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o time_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v offend_v though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n or_o themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o time_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n so_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o 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cor._n 13._o 8_o and_o not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o church_n among_o we_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n therein_o reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externoforo_n according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o whether_o power_n of_o 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of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o 240._o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n 124-126_a other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n by_o church_n also_o some_o understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a together_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o guide_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n with_o your_o reason_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o 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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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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 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one_o why_o not_o two_o six_o ten_o twentâ—_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
then_o the_o word_n be_v more_o than_o superfluous_a add_v they_o be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n for_o as_o those_o beleiver_n be_v of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v approve_a christian_n and_o their_o seed_n among_o we_o therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v unto_o they_o 2_o and_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o be_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n if_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n you_o understand_v nothing_o but_o the_o tender_a of_o salvation_n or_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o private_a or_o public_a person_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n but_o a_o ordinance_n give_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o man_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o infidel_n that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o minister_n or_o private_a christian_a come_v into_o a_o country_n of_o infidel_n may_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v enable_v instruct_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o their_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o word_n give_v to_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o 18._o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v to_o israel_n be_v the_o honour_n and_o ornament_n to_o that_o nation_n 30_o and_o a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n even_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o be_v judge's_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v send_v and_o give_v to_o the_o world_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o disciple_n servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o your_o second_o consideration_n you_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v preach_v the_o one_o by_o office_n and_o authority_n the_o other_o in_o common_a charity_n or_o how_o ever_o else_o it_o may_v be_v call_v for_o thus_o you_o write_v god_n have_v join_v to_o preach_v viz_o by_o office_n and_o to_o baptize_v together_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o separate_v they_o now_o to_o preach_v unto_o that_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o counsel_v in_o charity_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o a_o infidel_n but_o to_o preach_v by_o office_n be_v proper_a to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n and_o so_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o officer_n in_o the_o 159._o church_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o have_v pastor_n who_o shall_v feed_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o matrimonial_a love_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o apostle_n first_o gather_v church_n and_o then_o ordain_v elder_n 51_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v feed_v and_o guide_v by_o true_a spiritual_a pastor_n who_o teach_v and_o bless_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o that_o have_v entire_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a and_o interest_n unto_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n moreover_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inseparable_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o where_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v go_v in_o when_o they_o go_v in_o etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n say_v where_o 2._o or_o 3._o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o for_o certain_a 9_o they_o be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v lawful_o call_v do_v assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n in_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o time_n past_a the_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o entire_a service_n of_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o profess_v 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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 not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o the_o great_a part_n can_v not_o ordinary_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n to_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o samaria_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a embrace_v the_o faith_n 12._o as_o the_o whole_a city_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a have_v give_v heed_n to_o simon_n magus_n before_o so_o to_o philip_n now_o when_o he_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o samaria_n receive_v the_o gospel_n the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a but_o it_o 7_o grow_v and_o increase_v first_o to_o 3000._o then_o to_o 5000._o afterward_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n increase_v it_o be_v also_o note_v that_o a_o company_n of_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o faith_n the_o syriac_a have_v it_o of_o the_o jew_n scil_n inhabit_v judea_n but_o the_o greek_a arabian_a vulgar_a chrisostom_n &_o ethiopian_n approve_v the_o former_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o small_a there_o be_v mention_v also_o of_o million_o of_o believer_n and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o 28._o jerusalem_n for_o a_o time_n continue_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o earnest_o and_o diligent_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o other_o how_o can_v we_o think_v but_o 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in_o one_o congregation_n as_o now_o we_o call_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o small_a at_o ephesus_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o when_o paul_n have_v be_v there_o but_o two_o year_n all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o jew_n and_o 19_o grecian_n that_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v to_o he_o at_o ephesus_n that_o the_o art_n for_o make_v shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o and_o that_o those_o that_o have_v use_v curious_a art_n come_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n unto_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v where_o a_o church_n do_v comprehend_v a_o city_n with_o its_o suburb_n and_o the_o country_n circumjacent_a i._n e._n the_o believer_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n 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to_o bigness_n more_o than_o ordinary_a a_o increase_n of_o place_n for_o their_o assemble_v when_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o change_v nor_o one_o multiply_v or_o divide_v into_o many_o and_o it_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o further_o remove_v from_o all_o ambition_n if_o the_o society_n shall_v assemble_v occasional_o in_o divers_a place_n as_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n then_o to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a free_a society_n consist_v of_o a_o few_o believer_n not_o fit_a to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a body_n contrary_a to_o the_o precedent_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o time_n of_o grievous_a and_o hot_a persecution_n the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v not_o assemble_v in_o any_o great_a number_n in_o public_a place_n but_o have_v be_v compel_v to_o meet_v in_o wood_n cave_n den_n and_o dark_a corner_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v offer_v opportunity_n one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n in_o 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and_o to_o baptize_v together_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o separate_v they_o for_o howsoever_o any_o man_n may_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o family_n signify_v his_o mind_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n from_o he_o to_o the_o family_n yet_o the_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n of_o food_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o steward_n office_n indeed_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o they_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o particular_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o no_o church_n office_n can_v be_v orderly_o perform_v by_o any_o but_o one_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o nor_o will_v god_n vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n whereupon_o all_o spiritual_a efficacy_n depend_v in_o a_o ordinance_n dispense_v but_o when_o it_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
or_o that_o the_o parent_n shall_v be_v actual_a visible_a set_a member_n of_o some_o particular_a distinct_a body_n before_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o walk_v therein_o they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o in_o their_o order_n the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n parent_n baptize_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n by_o divine_a grant_n they_o have_v interest_n to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o church_n in_o debar_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o grow_v into_o one_o distinct_a separate_a society_n of_o mutual_a covenant_n do_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o her_o commission_n for_o a_o ministerial_a power_n only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o admit_v or_o refuse_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o refuse_v by_o authority_n from_o god_n but_o the_o church_n if_o she_o thrust_v believe_v parent_n from_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n she_o deny_v these_o benefit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n have_v lawful_a right_n and_o title_n thereto_o 1._o for_o first_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o true_o administer_v by_o he_o and_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v esteem_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o john_n never_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n whether_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n by_o mutual_a covenant_n one_o with_o another_o 7._o this_o be_v not_o then_o know_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a point_n in_o the_o lawful_a due_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v and_o baptise_a disciple_n profess_v the_o faith_n but_o not_o combine_v into_o church-state_n or_o fellowship_n the_o apostle_n commission_n be_v first_o 20._o to_o teach_v the_o gentile_n and_o then_o to_o baptise_v they_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o this_o they_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n glad_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v their_o name_n to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v forthwith_o they_o accept_v they_o never_o except_v that_o they_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o distinct_a visible_a congregation_n when_o the_o first_o 3000._o convert_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o conscience_n come_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v peter_n return_v this_o answer_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v 38._o every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o you_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o etc._n etc._n as_o soon_o as_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v philip_n who_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o the_o eunuch_n ask_v of_o philip_n see_v 37._o here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o if_o thou_o be_v first_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n into_o a_o visible_a congregation_n thou_o may_v but_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n say_v peter_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n upon_o who_o be_v pour_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o hold_v a_o bar_n 17._o sufficient_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o distinct_a society_n which_o have_v it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n questionless_a it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o annanias_n baptise_a paul_n before_o he_o be_v any_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n be_v baptize_v 33._o without_o regard_n to_o their_o church-estate_n for_o in_o the_o same_o night_n which_o he_o be_v convert_v he_o be_v baptize_v with_o all_o his_o household_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n only_o upon_o special_a dispensation_n but_o by_o other_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a 23._o to_o they_o and_o all_o age_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v disciple_n believe_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n even_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n upon_o common_a ground_n it_o be_v not_o etc._n essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n that_o all_o partaker_n shall_v be_v under_o such_o a_o covenant_n if_o the_o baptise_a disciple_n believer_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v unto_o such_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o those_o privilege_n 2._o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o god_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o must_v we_o learn_v from_o he_o how_o and_o to_o who_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o holy_a seal_n who_o best_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n pass_v with_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o such_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o desire_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o baptifme_n and_o be_v great_o wrong_v if_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o unspeakable_a benefit_n 3._o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o live_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v internal_a communion_n with_o he_o by_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n join_v with_o conformity_n of_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o fellowship_n of_o love_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n though_o no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o free_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o evermore_o of_o our_o receive_n into_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a society_n as_o set_v member_n thereof_o this_o latter_a be_v accidental_a to_o baptism_n not_o essential_a it_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ever_o necessary_a nor_o be_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v deny_v nor_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v imperfect_o administer_v where_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n make_v up_o by_o the_o collection_n and_o agregation_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a unto_o the_o unity_n thereof_o from_o which_o union_n there_o arise_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o they_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o dependence_n upon_o that_o church_n catholic_n as_o part_n use_v to_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o hold_v true_a not_o only_o of_o sound_a believer_n in_o respect_n of_o internal_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o so_o one_o with_o another_o but_o of_o all_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o neither_o particular_a person_n nor_o particular_a guide_n nor_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o work_v as_o several_a divide_a body_n by_o themselves_o but_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o duty_n as_o part_n conjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o member_n of_o the_o
he_o to_o baptize_v they_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v et_fw-la jussit_fw-la eos_fw-la baptizari_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la syr._n &_o arab._n praecepit_fw-la eye_v ut_fw-la baptizarentur_fw-la 17._o the_o interlineary_a gloss_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a associis_fw-la suis_fw-la vel_fw-la a_o scipso_fw-la other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o peter_n do_v baptize_v they_o himself_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o philip_n and_o ananias_n be_v both_o evangelist_n when_o the_o one_o baptize_v the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o eunuch_n the_o other_o paul_n paul_n himself_o baptize_v but_o a_o few_o as_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o and_o reason_n to_o convince_v that_o other_o convert_v by_o his_o preach_n be_v baptize_v by_o evangelist_n we_o know_v not_o any_o and_o if_o philip_n ananias_n and_o other_o may_v baptize_v such_o as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n be_v as_o yet_o no_o set_n member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n destitute_a of_o their_o proper_a pastor_n may_v desire_v another_o to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n to_o they_o in_o that_o their_o necessity_n and_o if_o the_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n may_v lawful_o communicate_v in_o another_o then_o may_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n upon_o occasion_n admit_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n thereunto_o and_o due_o and_o orderly_o require_v the_o same_o for_o of_o all_o these_o the_o reason_n be_v like_a and_o perpetual_a three_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v in_o church-state_n or_o order_n if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o man_n have_v not_o right_a to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o because_o disciple_n and_o as_o you_o say_v join_v together_o in_o covenant_n and_o have_v fellowship_n and_o call_n of_o their_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o and_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n not_o into_o the_o jewish_a but_o the_o christian_a church_n second_o when_o you_o say_v the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n but_o of_o particular_a church_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n no_o society_n may_v lawful_o desire_v the_o seal_n unless_o they_o have_v join_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o call_n of_o their_o minister_n believer_n not_o yet_o join_v in_o church-order_n be_v without_o do_v you_o not_o in_o all_o these_o understand_v a_o christian_a society_n unite_v in_o a_o churchway_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v three_o 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that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v or_o follow_v they_o because_o we_o have_v not_o their_o warrant_n but_o what_o they_o do_v upon_o reason_n and_o ground_n reach_v unto_o we_o no_o less_o than_o unto_o they_o in_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n allowance_n or_o commandment_n that_o they_o do_v walk_v by_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o action_n there_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v something_o ordinary_a something_o extraordinary_a or_o peculiar_a to_o special_a time_n or_o person_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n administration_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v by_o illimited_a power_n as_o you_o speak_v they_o do_v baptize_v disciple_n if_o they_o do_v baptize_v this_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o and_o can_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o any_o other_o by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o teach_v this_o that_o one_o officer_n may_v communicate_v his_o power_n to_o another_o or_o do_v that_o which_o particular_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n by_o a_o deputy_n but_o that_o they_o baptize_v believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n such_o as_o have_v glad_o embrace_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o power_n illimited_a or_o special_a dispensation_n but_o upon_o this_o stand_a perpetual_a reason_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n be_v common_a reach_v to_o we_o no_o less_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o practice_n itself_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o this_o answer_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o former_a for_o if_o the_o party_n baptize_v be_v set_v member_n of_o particular_a society_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o baptize_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v true_a but_o not_o by_o guidance_n of_o dispensation_n or_o prerogative_n whereby_o that_o be_v make_v lawful_a without_o such_o inspiration_n have_v be_v unlawful_a but_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o may_v stand_v for_o our_o direction_n that_o in_o case_n it_o be_v orderly_o desire_v a_o pastor_n have_v authority_n in_o his_o own_o congregation_n to_o receive_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v prove_v before_o if_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o church_n disciple_n faithful_a who_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n with_o gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o they_o dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o such_o have_v title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o seal_n by_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o every_o pastor_n by_o his_o office_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o such_o within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o his_o call_n but_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o church_n disciple_n faithful_a etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o argument_n follow_v necessary_o from_o particular_a example_n to_o a_o general_a when_o one_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o another_o particular_a by_o force_n of_o the_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n under_o which_o those_o particular_n be_v contain_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o baptise_v disciple_n and_o faithful_a by_o force_n of_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o minister_n receive_v to_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
judge_v many_o time_n if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o power_n unto_o themselves_o we_o allow_v not_o rashness_n or_o precipitancy_n pride_n or_o self-conceitedness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o weighty_a matter_n shall_v be_v manage_v by_o council_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o bring_v every_o particular_a thing_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v peace_n but_o over_o many_o councillor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o describe_v it_o infer_v not_o a_o necessitle_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o in_o love_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v in_o well-doing_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o say_v in_o your_o covenant_n you_o promise_v to_o perform_v no_o new_a duty_n to_o your_o brethren_n which_o be_v not_o before_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o revive_v and_o renew_v your_o purpose_n afresh_o of_o perform_v such_o duty_n to_o that_o particular_a body_n into_o which_o you_o be_v then_o to_o be_v incorporate_v as_o be_v before_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o command_v either_o express_o or_o by_o consequent_a that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o whether_o 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your_o answer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o any_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_a minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v but_o sit_v they_o aside_o we_o will_v in_o few_o word_n examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o bind_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o sentence_n you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n neither_o in_o these_o day_n have_v nor_o in_o any_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o have_v apostolical_a power_n over_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v only_a power_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n with_o the_o personal_a service_n of_o their_o apostleship_n but_o pastoral_a power_n 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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 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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
the_o english_a parish_n compile_v for_o the_o church_n use_v by_o other_o man_n not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n to_o be_v say_v or_o read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n by_o their_o minister_n as_o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o that_o this_o be_v your_o meaning_n may_v appear_v from_o your_o letter_n itself_o wherein_o you_o complain_v that_o divers_a in_o many_o part_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v leave_v their_o assembly_n because_o of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n now_o we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o other_o stint_a liturgy_n from_o which_o the_o people_n do_v absent_a themselves_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o english_a church_n for_o as_o for_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n can_v be_v of_o that_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o preacher_n constant_o use_v one_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o make_n before_o their_o sermon_n with_o who_o the_o people_n refuse_v not_o to_o join_v 2_o by_o stint_a 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divine_a precept_n and_o see_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o apostle_n limit_v they_o to_o â—each_v man_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v only_o what_o christ_n do_v command_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n math._n 28._o 20._o who_o be_v we_o and_o what_o be_v our_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v presume_v above_o this_o commission_n and_o we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v offensive_o take_v by_o any_o godly_a brethren_n that_o we_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n second_o because_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o set_a form_n and_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o by_o many_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n whereas_o for_o church-officer_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o gift_n as_o well_o in_o pray_v as_o in_o preach_v all_o sort_n without_o controversy_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a now_o spiritual_a prudence_n guide_v believer_n when_o two_o way_n be_v set_v before_o they_o one_o doubtful_a though_o venture_v on_o by_o some_o the_o other_o certain_o safe_a and_o good_a though_o neglect_v by_o many_o to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v safe_a decline_v the_o other_o three_o because_o primitive_a pattern_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o their_o best_a time_n when_o as_o touch_v this_o point_n they_o keep_v the_o rule_n in_o their_o eye_n whether_o jewish_n before_o christ_n or_o christian_a above_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o christ_n yield_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n to_o show_v we_o another_o safe_a way_n to_o walk_v in_o than_o this_o which_o we_o have_v choose_v as_o for_o after_o time_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o and_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o century_n we_o know_v how_o far_o the_o church_n be_v then_o degenerate_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o first_o purity_n neither_o do_v we_o marvel_v at_o it_o see_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o it_o be_v then_o foretell_v that_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v in_o aftertime_n exchange_v for_o empty_a form_n in_o which_o respect_n we_o look_v not_o at_o they_o as_o our_o guide_n neither_o in_o this_o nor_o other_o particular_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o rule_n herein_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o cyprian_a who_o himself_o see_v the_o corruption_n of_o those_o time_n non_fw-la est_fw-la attendendum_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnes_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la praeceperit_fw-la to_o conclude_v see_v our_o christian_a liberty_n free_v we_o from_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o any_o religious_a observance_n whereunto_o the_o write_a word_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o and_o see_v spiritual_a prudence_n direct_v we_o to_o choose_v those_o way_n which_o on_o all_o hand_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v sâ—fe_n avoid_v those_o that_o be_v doubtful_a and_o hazardous_a and_o see_v it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o needless_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n that_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o there_o hold_v forth_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o therefore_o may_v not_o do_v not_o dare_v not_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o stint_a liturgy_n in_o these_o church_n more_o particular_o in_o that_o we_o do_v not_o use_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o stint_a liturgy_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o yourselves_o these_o and_o such_o other_o like_o reason_n have_v induce_v we_o thereunto_o 1_o the_o many_o and_o just_a exception_n whereunto_o that_o liturgy_n be_v liable_a both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o those_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o witness_v against_o the_o same_o among_o other_o to_o master_n cartwright_n and_o the_o abridgement_n 2_o in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o liturgy_n be_v never_o command_v of_o god_n and_o have_v be_v great_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o be_v not_o of_o any_o necessary_a use_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o know_v the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n exod._n 20_o and_o how_o strict_o he_o command_v his_o people_n that_o all_o monument_n and_o remnant_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n shall_v be_v abolish_v from_o among_o they_o deut._n 5._o 25_o 26._o exod._n 23._o 13._o isaiah_n 30._o 2d_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o in_o which_o respect_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v great_o commend_v jacob_n david_n jehu_n hezechia_n and_o josiah_n for_o take_v away_o the_o remembrance_n of_o such_o thing_n gen._n 35._o 2_o 4._o psal_n 16._o 4._o 2_o king_n 10._o 26_o 27._o &_o 18._o 4._o &_o 2d_o all_o the_o chapter_n and_o where_o other_o king_n of_o judah_n come_v short_a of_o the_o like_a zeal_n the_o scripture_n note_v it_o as_o a_o blemish_n in_o they_o that_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o albeit_o the_o people_n do_v not_o sacrifice_v in_o they_o to_o false_a god_n but_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 17._o &_o 20._o 33._o &_o 33._o 17._o yea_o moreover_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o something_n that_o have_v a_o good_a original_a and_o use_n if_o they_o be_v not_o still_o necessary_a and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v unlawful_a when_o once_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v defile_v by_o idolatry_n and_o abuse_v to_o it_o 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o hos_fw-la 2._o 16_o 17._o as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v at_o the_o first_o a_o institution_n though_o but_o temporary_a but_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n burn_v incense_n to_o it_o hezechiah_n be_v commend_v for_o break_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o the_o lord_n witness_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o commandment_n which_o he_o command_v moses_n 2_o king_n 18._o 3_o 6._o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o like_a case_n ought_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v remove_v which_o never_o be_v command_v of_o god_n but_o only_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n and_o that_o that_o liturgy_n have_v be_v superstitious_o abuse_v may_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o papist_n in_o devonshire_n and_o cornwall_n have_v make_v a_o commotion_n and_o rebellion_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o the_o king_n for_o the_o pacify_v of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o selfsame_a