particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 11._o 17._o 20._o and_o have_v power_n of_o judgeing_a her_o own_o member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n have_v yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o judgeing_a any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o all_o they_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n or_o no._n mr._n bâ—iâ—â—_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o prove_v this_o position_n that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n ordinary_o and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a diâ—ces_n trial_n q._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o question_n itself_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o else_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o this_o question_n suggest_v but_o upon_o other_o ground_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n cant._n 1._o 8._o math._n 6._o 10._o 33._o 2._o because_o willing_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o secret_a disparagement_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v churches_n with_o give_v power_n and_o privilegde_n thereunto_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_n of_o his_o gration_n presence_n to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o mat._n 18._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 24._o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o if_o believer_n shall_v live_v and_o noâ—_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n will_v in_o such_o case_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o unthankful_o neglect_v three_o voluntary_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v note_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 25._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o fearful_a unbeliever_n act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o four_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v forward_o in_o practice_v this_o way_n isaiah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o zach._n 8._o 23._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o and_o 9_o 26._o and_o have_v mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n when_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v isaiah_n 56._o 3._o and_o ps_n 42._o and_o 63._o and_o 84._o five_o this_o join_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o orderly_o walk_v which_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o six_o if_o believer_n do_v neglect_v this_o join_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o god_n for_o if_o one_o believer_n may_v do_v this_o why_o not_o another_o and_o if_z two_o why_o not_o three_o four_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o believer_n shall_v do_v thus_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n unless_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o unbeliever_n church_n foras_fw-la stone_n in_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v join_v together_o though_o they_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o square_v &_o hew_v and_o hereby_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o and_o so_o to_o become_v a_o house_n so_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v join_v in_o holy_a covenant_n in_o some_o congregation_n though_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o christian_n or_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a union_n into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n mr._n perkins_n have_v say_v that_o forth_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n no_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n no_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n no_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o no_o salvation_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n every_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v evermore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n expos_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n ames_n give_v 6._o reason_n why_o every_o christian_a shall_v join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o case_n consâ—_n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n illi_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la occasionâ—â—_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o â—am_fw-la negligunt_fw-la gravissimè_fw-la peccant_a non_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la ratione_fw-la institutionis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o svas_fw-la proprias_fw-la animas_fw-la ratione_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la adjunctae_fw-la etsi_fw-la obstinatè_fw-la persistant_n in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la incuâ—ia_fw-la quicquid_fw-la alius_fw-la profitentur_fw-la vix_fw-la possunt_fw-la haberi_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la verè_fw-la quaerentibus_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o sect._n 28._o first_o whereas_o this_o 13_o question_n speak_v of_o private_a 13._o and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v we_o look_v at_o this_o as_o a_o incongruous_a expression_n if_o not_o a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o company_n so_o combine_v as_o to_o make_v a_o church_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v private_a though_o they_o be_v illiterate_a in_o respect_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o church-body_n especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o liberty_n be_v a_o public_a congregation_n and_o society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n and_o depose_n of_o minister_n whereof_o the_o question_n make_v mention_v be_v not_o private_a act_n but_o public_a or_o people-like_a neither_o be_v literate_a or_o learned_a man_n therefore_o public_a because_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o humane_a learning_n unless_o withal_o they_o be_v call_v to_o public_a office_n or_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o if_o illiterate_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o private_a we_o conceive_v that_o exegesis_n be_v not_o good_a second_o whereas_o this_o question_n ask_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o such_o a_o company_n shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o ordinary_o be_v as_o much_o as_o frequent_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o one_o church_n do_v frequent_o come_v to_o such_o action_n that_o be_v to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o the_o same_o man_n this_o be_v not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o much_o levity_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o people_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n or_o unworthy_a walk_n in_o the_o minister_n or_o both_o and_o therefore_o ordinary_o that_o be_v frequent_a take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o again_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o such_o thing_n do_v often_o and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o people_n to_o have_v so_o many_o change_n in_o their_o minister_n as_o be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v three_o shepherd_n have_v i_o cut_v off_o in_o one_o month_n zach._n 11._o 8._o that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o pro._n 28._o 2._o so_o in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o church_n many_o be_v the_o minister_n thereof_o we_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v many_o minister_n by_o the_o come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o and_o the_o take_n in_o of_o other_o in_o their_o room_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o variety_n of_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_v 13._o 1._o &_o 21._o 18._o phil._n 1._o 1._o three_o yet_o this_o word_n ordinary_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n sometime_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o upon_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n three_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n of_o which_o this_o question_n make_v mention_v if_o this_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n or_o advice_n we_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o
our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o they_o that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o hereafter_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n when_o jehojada_n make_v a_o covenant_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n 2_o king_n 11._o 17._o that_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o they_o all_o both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o king_n promise_v but_o to_o rule_v the_o people_n righteous_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n so_o rule_v now_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n to_o they_o and_o of_o they_o to_o the_o king_n be_v such_o as_o god_n require_v in_o his_o covenant_n both_o of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o another_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n require_v both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o their_o several_a place_n but_o this_o place_n of_o deut._n 29._o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o church-covenant_n 4_o in_o these_o day_n because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o what_o soever_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o 1._o the_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_n also_o as_o will_n afterward_o appear_v 2._o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o pregnant_a place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o unlawful_a for_o whatsoever_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a paedagogie_n but_o be_v of_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a equity_n the_o same_o bind_v we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n though_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o marry_v his_o sister_n or_o his_o aunt_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o necessary_a for_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v sabbath-breaking_a blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n how_o shall_v we_o prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o apply_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n unto_o infant_n or_o to_o admit_v woman_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v speak_v little_a in_o these_o case_n only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v direction_n and_o light_n about_o they_o lev_n 18._o &_o 19_o neh._n 13._o 15._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o &_o 2_o king_n 23._o gen._n 17._o 2._o &_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 6._o and_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v all_o according_a to_o moral_a equity_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o express_o for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o particular_a in_o hand_n for_o that_o a_o company_n shall_v be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o body_n in_o way_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n by_o way_n of_o mutual_a free_a covenant_n as_o man_n do_v when_o they_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a or_o agreeable_a to_o moral_a equity_n nay_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a name_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n that_o freeman_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o authority_n or_o power_n over_o free_a man_n without_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o voluntary_a and_o mutual_a covenant_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o covenant_n be_v not_o repeal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o another_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o be_v deut._n 26._o 16_o 17_o 18._o with_o deut._n 27._o 9_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o do_v these_o statute_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v therefore_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v avouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n have_v avouch_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n take_v heed_n and_o hearken_v o_o israel_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v become_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n this_o scripture_n plain_o show_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o here_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o that_o avouch_v of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o god_n be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o 2._o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n together_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n 26._o 18._o &_o 27._o 9_o 3_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o covenant_n that_o thereby_o they_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n ver_fw-la 9_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n so_o ezech._n 16._o 8._o prove_v the_o same_o likewise_o i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o thou_o became_v my_o here_o also_o be_v the_o make_n of_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o man_n and_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o personal_a but_o of_o a_o company_n for_o it_o be_v with_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 2._o which_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o be_v multiply_v as_o the_o bud_n of_o the_o field_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o it_o be_v with_o they_o that_o do_v prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o therefore_o not_o mean_v only_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n and_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o become_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v i_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o so_o that_o when_o a_o company_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o they_o become_v thereby_o the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n likewise_o ezek._n 20._o 37._o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v first_o mention_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n second_o this_o be_v not_o of_o one_o person_n but_o of_o a_o company_n the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 30._o 39_o three_o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v call_v a_o bond_n because_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o a_o people_n be_v bind_v and_o tie_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o one_o church_n all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o unto_o another_o so_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n by_o which_o a_o company_n be_v so_o combine_v and_o unite_v as_o that_o they_o become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v also_o observable_a how_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o this_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n by_o which_o phrase_n as_o junius_n upon_o the_o place_n well_o observe_v be_v mean_v trial_n and_o probation_n draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o cattle_n who_o go_v among_o their_o sheep_n or_o other_o cattle_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o therewith_o point_v out_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o lord_n holy_a use_n as_o leu._n 27._o 32._o and_o so_o hereby_o be_v note_v that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n hand_n over_o head_n but_o he_o will_v first_o cause_v they_o to_o pass_v under_o the_o rod_n of_o due_a trial_n and_o probation_n and_o then_o such_o as_o upon_o trial_n be_v find_v to_o be_v holy_a for_o god_n or_o meet_v matter_n for_o his_o church_n shall_v solemn_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o that_o covenant_n shall_v be_v the_o bond_n that_o shall_v combine_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o together_o into_o one_o that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n shall_v all_o become_v one_o body_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o
and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o any_o body_n corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o forgive_v and_o receive_v in_o penitent_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a 4._o nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o 5._o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal_n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o &_o 1_o &_o 14._o 23._o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n officer_n answer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o he_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o she_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v 6._o between_o member_n and_o not_o
and_o with_o 6._o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v capable_a as_o namely_o to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o parent_n be_v once_o admit_v their_o child_n be_v thereupon_o baptize_v if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v afore_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 2._o but_o whether_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o privilege_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n be_v another_o question_n of_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n yet_o to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v one_o way_n or_o other_o 3._o but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o we_o will_v say_v it_o seem_v by_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o as_o count_v it_o altogether_o unsafe_a that_o idiot_n frantic_v or_o person_n open_o ungracious_a and_o profane_a shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n whereby_o we_o mean_v only_o a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n or_o a_o new_a profess_v of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v adulti_fw-la for_o otherwise_o we_o do_v confess_v child_n that_o be_v bear_v when_o their_o parent_n be_v church_n member_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n gen._n 17._o 7._o 12._o and_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v it_o to_o they_o but_o notwithstanding_o their_o birthright_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n though_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a for_o without_o this_o it_o can_v so_o well_o be_v discern_v what_o fitness_n be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church_n privilege_n as_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o and_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o such_o way_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n member_n if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n and_o shall_v be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n against_o they_o of_o their_o unfitnesse_n for_o church_n privilege_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o open_o break_v that_o rule_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o when_o they_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o who_o when_o other_o do_v examine_v they_o they_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o give_v answer_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o or_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v any_o such_o matter_n wherefore_o in_o this_o point_n we_o can_v but_o full_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n as_o zepporus_n write_v to_o admit_v child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o to_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o such_o child_n who_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v neither_o 7._o of_o they_o believer_n and_o sanctify_a be_v count_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o faederal_o holy_a but_o unclean_a what_o ever_o their_o other_o ancestor_n have_v be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o we_o baptise_v they_o not_o if_o you_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o limit_v this_o faederall_a sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o the_o child_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v believer_n we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o therein_o but_o for_o the_o present_a as_o we_o believe_v we_o speak_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o our_o light_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v one_o degree_n beyond_o the_o next_o parent_n we_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v go_v two_o and_o if_o two_o why_o not_o 3._o 4_o 20_o 100_o or_o 1000_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v all_o child_n to_o baptism_n who_o ancestor_n within_o a_o thousand_o generation_n have_v be_v believer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o we_o may_v by_o this_o reason_n baptise_v the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o of_o all_o the_o indian_n and_o barbarian_n in_o the_o country_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v have_v some_o believe_a ancestor_n within_o less_o than_o a_o 1000_o generation_n it_o be_v far_o from_o so_o much_o since_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 8._o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o col._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o thereupon_o we_o count_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a mean_n whereby_o god_n may_v help_v we_o to_o discern_v whether_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n be_v person_n so_o qualify_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o first_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v concern_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o quaery_n second_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o take_v a_o trial_n what_o measure_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o know_v that_o without_o knowledge_n man_n can_v well_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o will_v prevent_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o the_o creep_a in_o of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n
of_o themselves_o and_o master_n parker_n in_o the_o same_o place_n afore_o allege_a in_o the_o page_n immediate_o precedent_n clear_o show_v against_o doctor_n downham_n doctor_n sutcliffe_n and_o other_o that_o those_o particular_a congregation_n which_o have_v presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n within_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o be_v precise_o form_v juxta_fw-la formam_fw-la illam_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la patefacta_fw-la est_fw-la according_a to_o that_o form_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n whereas_o other_o which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a be_v more_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o to_o bind_v church_n to_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o the_o counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o class_n be_v to_o blind_v they_o to_o be_v imperfect_a and_o for_o synod_n if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n that_o their_o determination_n shall_v bind_v the_o church_n to_o obedience_n as_o you_o speak_v it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o yet_o understand_v indeed_o bellarmine_n make_v bishop_n in_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n to_o be_v judge_n and_o that_o standum_fw-la sit_fw-la corum_fw-la sententiae_fw-la quia_fw-la ipsi_fw-la sic_fw-la statuerunt_fw-la quomodo_fw-la statur_fw-la sententia_fw-la praetoris_fw-la in_o causis_fw-la politicis_fw-la that_o be_v either_o to_o obey_v or_o suffer_v the_o council_n &_o eccles_n l._n 1._o c._n 18._o but_o the_o orthodox_n writer_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o he_o therein_o for_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n be_v only_o inquisitio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la &_o dictio_fw-la sententiae_fw-la ministratoâ—ia_fw-la &_o limitata_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la tantum_fw-la valeat_fw-la decretum_fw-la concilii_fw-la quantum_fw-la valeat_fw-la ejus_fw-la ratio_fw-la as_o doctor_n ames_n have_v it_o in_o his_o bellarminus_n enervatus_fw-la upon_o that_o place_n of_o bellarmine_n that_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v only_o a_o certain_a inquire_v and_o give_v of_o sentence_n by_o way_n of_o ministry_n and_o with_o limitation_n so_o that_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n have_v so_o much_o force_n as_o there_o be_v force_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o junius_n express_v it_o thus_o sententia_fw-la concilii_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la ipsam_fw-la suasionis_fw-la non_fw-la coactionis_fw-la est_fw-la judicium_fw-la ministeriale_a non_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la necessitatemque_fw-la adferens_fw-la animadvers_fw-la upon_o bellarmine_n in_o that_o place_n that_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o council_n be_v of_o itself_o only_o of_o advice_n not_o of_o compulsion_n or_o constraint_n and_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o judgement_n ministerial_a not_o authority_n of_o itself_o nor_o necessity_n whereunto_o we_o do_v whole_o consent_v as_o for_o that_o clause_n in_o this_o question_n that_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o synod_n shall_v bind_v if_o not_o to_o obedience_n yet_o to_o peaceable_a suffering_n we_o know_v not_o what_o suffering_n those_o shall_v be_v for_o punishment_n in_o purse_n or_o person_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o synod_n but_o by_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o church-censure_n of_o excommunication_n or_o the_o like_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o a_o offendor_n be_v a_o member_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n can_v be_v cast_v but_o only_o by_o his_o own_o church_n only_o christ_n have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o government_n 19_o of_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o hâ—s_a law_n do_v oblige_v all_o the_o member_n and_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v without_o sin_n jam._n 4._o 12._o jsa_n 33._o 22._o â—_o mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o 10._o â—ct_n 3._o 23._o but_o for_o particular_a church_n they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o themselves_o or_o their_o member_n but_o to_o observe_v and_o see_v all_o their_o member_n observe_v those_o law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o deuâ—_n 33._o 3._o john_n 10._o 27._o if_o any_o church_n shall_v presume_v further_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o in_o such_o case_n their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n may_v be_v omit_v without_o sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o col._n 2._o 20._o to_o walk_v after_o they_o hos_n 5._o 11._o to_o be_v such_o servant_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 1._o or_o 7._o 23._o gal._n 5._o 1._o the_o outward_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n consist_v proper_o 20._o and_o essential_o in_o election_n by_o the_o people_n as_o doctor_n â—mes_v show_v case_n cons_n l._n 4._o c._n 25._o q._n 6._o and_o this_o election_n be_v so_o essential_a that_o without_o it_o the_o minister_n call_v if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n be_v a_o nullity_n and_o therefore_o mornay_n that_o learned_a noble_a man_n of_o france_n approve_v that_o say_n of_o chrysostome_n election_n by_o the_o people_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o without_o it_o there_o be_v neither_o altar_n nor_o church_n nor_o priesthood_n where_o omit_v other_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o without_o election_n by_o the_o people_n the_o ministry_n be_v void_a and_o mornay_n add_v of_o his_o own_o concern_v the_o bishop_n among_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o be_v nullá_fw-fr plane_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nulla_fw-la proinde_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o one_o presuppose_a the_o other_o no_o imposition_n see_v without_o election_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 11._o p._n 375._o yet_o sometime_o the_o people_n acceptance_n and_o approbation_n afterward_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o election_n at_o the_o first_o as_o jacob_n after_o consent_n and_o acceptance_n of_o lea_n make_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n though_o he_o choose_v she_o not_o at_o the_o first_o and_o by_o this_o we_o hold_v the_o call_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o england_n may_v be_v excuse_v who_o at_o first_o come_v into_o their_o place_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n if_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v then_o in_o those_o church_n where_o such_o ordination_n be_v not_o use_v their_o minister_n shall_v want_v a_o lawful_a call_n which_o be_v a_o hard_a sentence_n against_o many_o minister_n in_o scotland_n where_o as_o be_v report_v this_o ordination_n be_v not_o think_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o use_v or_o omit_v indifferent_o we_o look_v at_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o a_o solemn_a invest_n of_o man_n into_o their_o place_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o call_v by_o election_n like_v to_o the_o inauguration_n of_o a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o necessary_a by_o divine_a institution_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o not_o so_o necessary_a as_o if_o the_o minister_n call_v be_v a_o nullity_n without_o it_o essentia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la vocationis_fw-la in_o electione_n legitima_fw-la consistit_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la pendet_fw-la ab_fw-la electione_n sicut_fw-la coronatio_fw-la principiâ—_fw-la aut_fw-la magistratus_fw-la inauguratio_fw-la ab_fw-la electione_n successione_n aut_fw-la aequivalente_fw-la aliqua_fw-la constitutione_n ames_n bellarm._n enervat_fw-la lib._n 3._o de_fw-la clericis_fw-la c._n 2._o sect._n 3_o that_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v consist_v in_o lawful_a election_n ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n as_o the_o coronation_n of_o a_o prince_n or_o the_o inauguration_n of_o a_o magistrate_n depend_v upon_o election_n succession_n or_o some_o other_o constitution_n equivalent_a and_o again_o ritus_fw-la impositionis_fw-la manuum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la absolute_a necessarius_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la pastoris_fw-la non_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la coronatio_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la regis_fw-la aut_fw-la celebratio_fw-la nuptiarum_fw-la ad_fw-la earum_fw-la esse_fw-la sect_n 10._o that_o be_v the_o right_a of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o pastor_n no_o more_o than_o the_o coronation_n to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n to_o the_o essence_n thereof_o ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o private_a action_n but_o public_a 21._o and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n that_o perform_v it_o whether_o they_o be_v ordinary_a church_n officer_n or_o no_o can_v in_o any_o congruity_n of_o speech_n be_v call_v mere_a private_a person_n in_o that_o action_n 2._o the_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n may_v elect_v officer_n or_o minister_n unto_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o may_v also_o ordain_v they_o which_o argument_n dr._n whitaker_n use_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o if_o it_o have_v commission_n and_o power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o one_o and_o that_o the_o great_a it_o have_v it_o also_o for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v
must_v have_v in_o it_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v visible_a saint_n or_o visible_a believer_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n so_o the_o form_n be_v a_o unite_n or_o combine_v or_o knit_v of_o those_o saint_n together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n by_o the_o band_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n some_o union_n or_o band_n there_o must_v be_v among_o they_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o church_n even_o as_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v nor_o stone_n and_o timber_n a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o conjoin_v now_o that_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n first_o by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o deut._n 29._o 1_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o stand_v this_o day_n all_o you_o before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n your_o captain_n of_o your_o tribe_n your_o elder_n your_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 10._o that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o he_o may_v establish_v thou_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o so_o that_o here_o be_v plain_o show_v that_o here_o be_v a_o company_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o people_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o 1_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o answer_n covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n than_o a_o congregationall_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o point_n 3._o though_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o prove_v that_o when_o we_o look_v at_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n there_o may_v be_v a_o promiscuous_a take_n in_o of_o all_o comer_n without_o distinction_n or_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a for_o first_o when_o god_n take_v in_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n he_o separate_v they_o from_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n beside_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n of_o some_o from_o other_o second_o this_o generation_n be_v general_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n within_o a_o while_n after_o for_o they_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n &_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num_fw-la 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o out_o live_v joshua_n josh_n 24_o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o consider_v of_o sundry_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o for_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n mar._n 8._o 17_o 18._o when_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a carnal_a or_o natural_a person_n this_o people_n deut._n 29._o can_v not_o become_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o enter_v 2_o into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n church_n and_o people_n already_o before_o this_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n answer_n with_o god_n on_o mount_n sinai_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o than_o they_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o becâ—me_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a people_n exod._n 19_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 8._o etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v his_o people_n before_o that_o yet_o that_o also_o be_v by_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o the_o loin_n of_o abraham_n when_o god_n take_v he_o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n yet_o separate_v ishmael_n from_o isaac_n and_o esâ—â—_n from_o jacob_n that_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v rest_v in_o the_o house_n of_o jacob._n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v now_o establish_v they_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o because_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v much_o degenerate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o abraham_n in_o egypt_n and_o have_v break_v that_o covenant_n by_o their_o idolatry_n there_o ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o sinai_n or_o horeâ—_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o have_v also_o break_v by_o their_o idolatry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n ezek_n 20._o 13_o 16._o for_o which_o cause_n and_o the_o like_a the_o lord_n consume_v that_o generation_n that_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o therefore_o now_o when_o their_o posterity_n and_o child_n be_v ready_a to_o enter_v in_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o thereby_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n their_o father_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o break_v the_o covenant_n but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o covenant_n that_o both_o father_n first_o and_o child_n afterward_o become_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o this_o generation_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n their_o covenant_n make_v before_o between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o circumcision_n josh_n 5._o 3._o 7._o they_o being_n not_o circumcise_a before_o but_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o 3_o not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n concern_v watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o the_o like_a our_o church-covenant_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n himself_o as_o be_v answer_n show_v before_o in_o the_o description_n thereof_o for_o watchfulness_n and_o duty_n of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v but_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n be_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o that_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o when_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o judgement_n they_o promise_v these_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o because_o these_o be_v duty_n command_v and_o require_v of_o god_n leu._n 19_o 17._o deut._n 29_o 8._o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o josh_n 7._o 11_o 12._o yea_o by_o this_o covenant_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o then_o present_a but_o child_n afterward_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o proselyte_n that_o afterward_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o like_o as_o
renew_v of_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o at_o the_o first_o erect_v of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o else_o this_o renew_v of_o covenant_n will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o reform_v it_o the_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v 4._o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o dissolve_v or_o break_v of_o the_o covenant_n zach._n 11._o 9_o 10_o 14._o if_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dissolve_v the_o church_n than_o the_o make_n of_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a because_o otherwise_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v dissolve_v &_o the_o church_n stand_v still_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v constitute_v the_o church_n but_o if_o dissipate_v stone_n in_o a_o building_n do_v dissolve_v the_o house_n than_o the_o compact_n and_o conjoin_v of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o house_n if_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v that_o which_o destroy_v the_o man_n that_o then_o we_o say_v he_o be_v not_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o unite_n of_o they_o that_o do_v constitute_v &_o make_v the_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o dissolve_v a_o church_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n allege_v zach._n 11._o where_o the_o break_n of_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n that_o be_v the_o unchurch_a of_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n that_o be_v between_o judah_n and_o israel_n the_o five_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o god_n 5._o have_v appoint_v among_o church_n and_o the_o confound_a of_o all_o church_n into_o one_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o covenant_n to_o distinguish_v they_o if_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o church_n be_v compact_v and_o combine_v by_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo._fw-la that_o church_n be_v distinct_a society_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o have_v mention_n of_o many_o church_n in_o one_o country_n or_o province_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o thes_n 2._o 14._o of_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1._o 4._o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o rev._n 2._o 23._o ephesus_z be_v not_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n be_v not_o thyatira_n nor_o either_o of_o they_o pergamus_n but_o each_o one_o distinct_a of_o themselves_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o then_o when_o lacdicea_n be_v condemn_v for_o lukewarmenesse_n or_o ephesus_n for_o decline_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v reprove_v also_o and_o when_o philadelfia_fw-mi be_v praise_v all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v praise_v also_o which_o we_o see_v be_v otherwise_o now_o from_o hence_o the_o consequence_n be_v certain_a that_o therefore_o they_o be_v combine_v by_o some_o covenant_n each_o one_o among_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o that_o will_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n under_o heaven_n and_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v distinction_n nor_o be_v it_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n together_o for_o that_o may_v be_v common_a to_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o usual_o be_v to_o many_o that_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v with_o company_n in_o london_n as_o the_o company_n of_o goldsmith_n etc._n etc._n that_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o company_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o habitation_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o but_o some_o combination_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o so_o it_o be_v not_o habitation_n in_o the_o same_o town_n that_o distinguish_v church_n and_o church-member_n from_o other_o man_n but_o their_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n and_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n can_v distinguish_v one_o object_n church_n from_o another_o because_o these_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o then_o how_o can_v covenant_n distinguish_v they_o since_o all_o church_n be_v join_v by_o covenant_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o it_o be_v not_o a_o covenant_n simple_o or_o a_o covenant_n in_o general_a that_o do_v answer_n constitute_v a_o church_n or_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o but_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o these_o person_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n though_o all_o marry_a couple_n be_v unite_v by_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o one_o couple_n promise_v the_o same_o duty_n that_o another_o couple_n do_v yet_o a_o covenant_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n of_o the_o duty_n covenant_v to_o this_o man_n and_o this_o woman_n in_o particular_a such_o a_o covenant_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o make_v a_o couple_n man_n and_o wife_n together_o and_o give_v they_o mutual_a power_n over_o each_o other_o as_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o covenant_n to_o perform_v church-duty_n with_o application_n and_o appropriation_n to_o such_o person_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n do_v become_v a_o church_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v this_o that_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o company_n to_o become_v 1._o a_o church_n then_o take_v hold_v of_o that_o covenant_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o if_o compact_v and_o conjoin_v of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n be_v that_o that_o make_v a_o house_n than_o a_o particular_a stone_n can_v become_v a_o part_n of_o that_o house_n till_o it_o be_v compact_v and_o conâ—oyned_v to_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o city_n of_o god_n live_a stone_n christian_n believer_n must_v be_v compact_v together_o and_o build_v up_o together_o ephes_n 2._o 21._o 22._o psal_n 12â—_n 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o particular_a christian_a become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o part_n of_o that_o build_n by_o be_v combine_v with_o the_o rest_n a_o second_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n isa_n 56._o 2._o 3_o 6_o 7._o let_v not_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n speak_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v utter_o separate_v i_o from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n even_o they_o will_v i_o bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n concern_v which_o scripture_n note_v three_o thing_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o these_o stranger_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n true_a believer_n join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n v_o 3_o &_o v_o 6._o that_o they_o love_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n v_o 6._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o join_v as_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v join_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o a_o complaint_n the_o lord_n
the_o say_a church_n in_o particular_a in_o church_n fellowship_n 4._o and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o say_a church_n afterward_o without_o the_o consent_n thereof_o or_o how_o do_v you_o hold_v and_o practice_v in_o these_o thing_n 9_o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o our_o parish_n assembly_n in_o old-england_n to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o you_o may_v lawful_o join_v in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n if_o occasion_n serve_v thereto_o or_o if_o not_o all_o or_o the_o most_o than_o what_o one_o be_v those_o of_o which_o you_o so_o account_v and_o with_o which_o you_o dare_v so_o partake_v or_o join_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o well_o as_o they_o 10._o if_o you_o hold_v that_o any_o of_o our_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v such_o member_n at_o least_o as_o be_v either_o famous_o know_v to_o yourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o do_v bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v or_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n here_o to_o partake_v with_o you_o in_o all_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n in_o any_o of_o your_o congregation_n as_o by_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v there_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a liberty_n as_o you_o will_v permit_v any_o that_o may_v happy_o come_v unto_o you_o from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n the_o low-countries_n or_o yet_o from_o any_o one_o church_n to_o another_o among_o yourselves_o suppose_v from_o some_o church_n about_o connecticut_n or_o that_o of_o plymouth_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n newtowne_n dorchester_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o not_o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o 11._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v our_o present_a stand_v in_o our_o parish_n assembly_n here_o in_o old_a england_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o safe_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o or_o how_o fâ—rre_o it_o may_v be_v so_o 12._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o fix_a member_n to_o some_o one_o particular_a congregation_n so_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o maxim_n in_o divinity_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la 13._o whether_o do_v you_o think_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o a_o company_n of_o private_a and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n where_o the_o same_o may_v be_v have_v 14._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o small_a company_n of_o seven_o or_o nine_o or_o twenty_o or_o forty_o person_n combine_v into_o a_o church_n body_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v all_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o church_n government_n so_o as_o they_o may_v transact_v all_o ecclesiastical_a business_n independent_o among_o themselves_o 15._o whether_o do_v you_o give_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o to_o the_o presbyter_n thereof_o alone_o and_o if_o to_o those_o than_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o act_n of_o government_n and_o superior_a authority_n proper_o so_o call_v may_v the_o presbyter_n do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o member_n may_v do_v or_o without_o the_o particular_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o crave_v to_o have_v those_o particular_a act_n mention_v and_o how_o and_o over_o who_o in_o those_o act_v the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v in_o propriety_n of_o speak_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v 16._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o permit_v woman_n to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n 17._o whether_o in_o vote_v do_v the_o major_a part_n always_o or_o at_o any_o time_n carry_v ecclisiasticall_a matter_n with_o you_o or_o in_o what_o thing_n do_v it_o in_o what_o not_o 18._o what_o mean_n have_v you_o to_o preserve_v your_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n or_o to_o correct_v or_o reduce_v any_o church_n err_v in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o 1._o whether_o you_o have_v any_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o or_o if_o you_o have_v not_o whether_o mean_v you_o to_o have_v one_o and_o when_o and_o think_v you_o it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a so_o to_o have_v 2._o whether_o have_v you_o combine_v yourselves_o together_o into_o class_n or_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o to_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o their_o counsel_n and_o consent_v 3._o or_o give_v you_o any_o power_n to_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o determine_v and_o order_v thing_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v end_v so_o as_o that_o their_o determination_n shall_v bind_v the_o particular_a church_n so_o assemble_v to_o due_a obedience_n in_o case_n they_o decree_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n and_o to_o peaceable_a suffering_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o or_o what_o other_o course_n you_o have_v or_o intend_v to_o have_v for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a 19_o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n may_v lawful_o make_v such_o law_n or_o order_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o her_o member_n and_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v without_o sin_n 20._o wherein_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v do_v consist_v as_o 1_o whether_o be_v election_n by_o the_o people_n it_o yea_o or_o no_o or_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o essential_a as_o that_o without_o it_o the_o minister_n call_v be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o 3._o be_v ordination_n as_o essential_a a_o part_n thereof_o as_o the_o people_n election_n or_o 4._o be_v it_o but_o a_o mere_a formality_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o call_n 21._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v it_o lawful_a for_o mere_a lie_v or_o private_a man_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o case_n 22._o what_o essential_a difference_n put_v you_o between_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o do_v you_o obserate_v the_o same_o difference_n inviolable_o and_o do_v not_o your_o teacher_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n give_v themselves_o usual_o to_o application_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o your_o pastor_n and_o do_v they_o not_o also_o usual_o apply_v the_o seal_n 23._o what_o authority_n or_o eminency_n have_v your_o preach_a elder_n above_o your_o sole_a rule_v elder_n or_o be_v they_o both_o equal_n 24._o whether_o may_v a_o minister_n of_o one_o congregation_n be_v thereto_o request_v do_v as_o a_o minister_n any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o preach_v baptise_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o unto_o other_o congregation_n beside_o his_o own_o 25._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n leave_v or_o lose_v his_o place_n suppose_v without_o his_o fault_n do_v withal_o lose_v both_o nomen_fw-la and_o esse_fw-la of_o his_o ministry_n and_o do_v become_v a_o mere_a lay_v or_o private_a man_n until_o he_o be_v a_o new_a elect_a and_o ordain_v 26._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v or_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o allow_v and_o settle_v any_o certain_a &_o stint_a maintenance_n upon_o your_o minister_n 27._o whether_o do_v you_o permit_v and_o call_v upon_o mere_a lay_n and_o private_a man_n neither_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n nor_o intend_v to_o it_o ordinary_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v public_o in_o and_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o think_v you_o that_o prophesy_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o and_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a order_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n 28._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v and_o call_v upon_o your_o people_n public_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n to_o propound_v question_n move_v doubt_n &_o argue_v with_o their_o minister_n of_o matter_n deliver_v either_o by_o they_o or_o other_o either_o at_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o time_n 29._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n be_v ordinary_o
the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o a_o minister_n alone_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n alone_o or_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o minister_n and_o lay_v person_n so_o they_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v 30._o whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o your_o church_n include_v plymouth_n etc._n etc._n do_v precise_o observe_v the_o same_o course_n both_o in_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o themselves_o 31._o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v any_o company_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v otherwise_o in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a to_o sit_v down_o by_o you_o and_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o form_n of_o discipline_n enjoy_v like_o liberty_n with_o yourselves_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o accept_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o church_n 32._o whether_o hold_v you_o it_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o either_o make_v by_o himself_o that_o use_v the_o same_o or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o man_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o aforegoing_a question_n the_o first_o question_n answer_v all_o the_o english_a and_o other_o also_o be_v free_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o exposition_n thereof_o which_o be_v wont_n always_o to_o go_v along_o therewith_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n sing_v of_o psalm_n prayer_n admit_v of_o member_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o many_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n communion_n and_o so_o to_o partake_v in_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n as_o sacrament_n power_n of_o election_n censure_n etc._n etc._n though_o many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o this_o church_n communion_n but_o whether_o be_v the_o great_a number_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v hereunto_o or_o those_o that_o be_v not_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n where_o most_o of_o we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o the_o head_n of_o family_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v likewise_o sundry_a child_n and_o servant_n that_o be_v admit_v also_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v sundry_a 1._o many_o be_v not_o admit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v every_o year_n hitherto_o god_n have_v replenish_v the_o country_n with_o many_o new_a comer_n and_o these_o at_o the_o first_o be_v not_o sudden_o take_v in_o as_o member_n of_o church_n till_o by_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o trial_n of_o they_o and_o better_a occasion_n to_o know_v they_o what_o they_o be_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o hundred_o and_o some_o thousand_o of_o this_o sort_n 2._o when_o by_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v know_v many_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v carnal_a and_o give_v no_o testimony_n of_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n the_o church_n will_v not_o see_v warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 3._o some_o that_o be_v godly_a do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o a_o time_n forbear_v to_o offer_v themselves_o till_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n where_o they_o intend_v to_o join_v and_o with_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n walk_v in_o this_o country_n and_o and_o till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n member_n 4._o those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v godly_a be_v all_o admit_v in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o present_o upon_o their_o own_o desire_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o except_o any_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o walk_v in_o any_o particular_a in_o their_o conversation_n otherwise_o then_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o such_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o acknowledgeing_a their_o offence_n and_o show_v repentance_n for_o it_o and_o then_o they_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o the_o appointment_n 2._o of_o jesus_n christ_n another_o what_o weakness_n and_o swervingâ—_n from_o his_o appointment_n he_o may_v bear_v withal_o for_o a_o time_n before_o he_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n from_o be_v his_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a our_o answer_n be_v that_o when_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o be_v eâ—rected_v plant_v or_o constitute_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o quality_n shall_v be_v saint_n by_o calling_n visible_a christian_n and_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o quantity_n no_o more_o in_o number_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o &_o 14._o 23._o act_n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 22_o 30._o and_o the_o form_n a_o gather_v together_o of_o these_o visible_a christian_n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o apolgie_n of_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n send_v the_o last_o year_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n for_o the_o latter_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v at_o the_o first_o may_v degenerate_v and_o great_a corruption_n may_v grow_v therein_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o walk_n and_o administration_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o patience_n may_v bear_v long_o with_o they_o before_o he_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o make_v they_o lo-ammi_a not_o a_o people_n as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o manifest_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v before_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v destroy_v be_v hard_o for_o we_o precise_o and_o punctual_o to_o determine_v or_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v any_o further_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n any_o more_o only_o in_o the_o general_a this_o we_o observe_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o present_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n or_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n no_o not_o for_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n or_o tyranny_n in_o government_n till_o after_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o for_o all_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n reject_v they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o blasphemous_o reject_v act_v 13._o 45_o 46._o but_o if_o yourselves_o have_v so_o study_v this_o point_n as_o to_o have_v ripen_v and_o form_v thought_n therein_o we_o shall_v glad_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o n._n t._n proper_o 3._o so_o call_v but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o clause_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o believer_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o although_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o of_o any_o other_o this_o speech_n seem_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehension_n to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o visible_a church_n be_v congregationall_a as_o mr._n baine_n show_v at_o large_a from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 14._o 27._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11._o &_o 14._o and_o other_o example_n and_o reason_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o diocese_n trial_o quest_n 1._o whereto_o we_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o point_n neither_o be_v he_o alone_o in_o this_o tenent_n for_o mr._n parker_n and_o many_o other_o teach_v the_o same_o those_o silence_a and_o deprive_v minister_n that_o write_v the_o book_n call_v the_o christian_a and_o
that_o may_v be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o arminianism_n familisme_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a error_n against_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o know_v how_o easy_o such_o man_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v may_v infect_v other_o and_o perhaps_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o your_o second_o particular_a for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n as_o in_o general_n from_o those_o place_n which_o show_v how_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o math._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18_o &_o act_n 8._o 37._o 38._o where_o man_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v make_v profession_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o when_o this_o be_v do_v those_o that_o by_o manifestation_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v approve_v as_o fit_a member_n for_o a_o church_n do_v open_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o that_o church_n where_o now_o they_o join_v as_o member_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o three_o particular_a in_o this_o quaerie_n the_o distinction_n of_o particular_a church_n one_o from_o another_o as_o several_a and_o distinct_a society_n seem_v to_o we_o a_o necessary_a ground_n for_o this_o practice_n for_o without_o this_o kind_n of_o covenant_v we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o all_o church_n will_v be_v confound_v into_o one_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v neither_o faith_n nor_o entire_a affection_n nor_o towne-dwelling_a nor_o frequent_v the_o assembly_n that_o can_v make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n or_o distinguish_v church_n member_n from_o other_o man_n see_v the_o apology_n 4._o your_o four_o particular_a in_o this_o quaerie_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o position_n send_v the_o last_o year_n beside_o all_o these_o we_o hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v speak_v of_o the_o conversion_n and_o godly_a conversation_n of_o such_o person_n which_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o warrantable_a course_n from_o act_n 9_o 26_o 27._o it_o be_v the_o second_o of_o your_o query_n what_o thing_n we_o hold_v necessary_a 9_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o general_n which_o be_v answereâ—_n this_o of_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o particular_a whether_o we_o hold_v all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o be_v church_n we_o conceive_v might_n well_o have_v be_v spare_v they_o that_o now_o the_o state_n of_o those_o assembly_n may_v make_v application_n of_o the_o general_n to_o the_o particular_n if_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereunto_o yet_o because_o you_o be_v please_v to_o put_v we_o to_o this_o also_o we_o thus_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o of_o ancient_a time_n there_o have_v be_v many_o true_a church_n in_o england_n consist_v of_o right_a matter_n and_o compact_a and_o unite_v together_o by_o the_o right_a form_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o mr._n fox_n show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o little_a while_n after_o act_n &_o moâ—_n lib._n 2._o begin_n p._n 137._o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arin_n athea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostle_n from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a mr._n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tâ—rtullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o necephorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o brittany_n and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_o there_o be_v church_n plant_v there_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v which_o be_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o church_n and_o by_o way_n of_o holy_a covenant_n as_o the_o right_a form_n for_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o apology_n and_o the_o footstep_n hereof_o though_o mix_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n that_o have_v grow_v in_o aftertime_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n to_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o 3_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o baptism_n abrenuntias_fw-la abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la credo_fw-la spondes_fw-la spondeo_fw-la do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n i_o renounce_v they_o all_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n &_o c_o i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n &_o c_o i_o do_v promise_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o conceive_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n yet_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o judgement_n be_v that_o when_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o sin_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o a_o open_a profess_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v according_o second_o though_o popish_a apostasy_n do_v afterward_o for_o many_o age_n overspread_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n as_o in_o other_o country_n yet_o we_o believe_v god_n still_o reserve_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o reserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o they_o and_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o trinity_n only_o and_o when_o god_n of_o his_o rich_a grace_n be_v please_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o popish_a church_n government_n though_o at_o first_o some_o shire_n and_o sundry_a parish_n stand_v out_o against_o that_o reformation_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o afterward_o they_o general_o receive_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n agree_v upon_o anno_fw-la 1562._o which_o be_v publish_v and_o consent_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n endow_v in_o every_o congregation_n with_o the_o silent_a consent_n also_o of_o the_o people_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o wherein_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n no_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o god_n only_o no_o mediation_n nor_o salvation_n but_o in_o christ_n only_o no_o conversion_n by_o man_n free_a will_n but_o by_o god_n free_a grace_n no_o justification_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o perfection_n nor_o merit_n of_o work_n with_o sundry_a other_o necessary_a and_o save_a truth_n all_o which_o contain_v the_o marrow_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eloquia_fw-la des_fw-mi concredit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3._o 1._o 2._o and_o which_o be_v that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v fruitful_a in_o all_o the_o world_n where_o it_o come_v â—olo_fw-la 1._o 5_o 6._o and_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v and_o build_v and_o which_o also_o it_o hold_v forth_o and_o maintain_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o we_o do_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o people_n do_v with_o common_a and_o mutual_a consent_n gather_v into_o settle_a congregation_n ordinary_o every_o lord_n day_n as_o in_o england_n they_o do_v to_o hear_v and_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o do_v profess_v their_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v bind_v themselves_o and_o their_o
carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o â—eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n synâ—cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n â—5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la â—cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesiâ—ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la hâ—_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la seâ—_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
the_o lesser_a now_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n lawful_o elect_v into_o his_o office_n or_o a_o put_n of_o he_o into_o possession_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a question_n 3._o if_o a_o church_n have_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o than_o this_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o as_o also_o many_o other_o act_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 4._o this_o ordination_n thus_o perform_v by_o the_o elder_n for_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o see_v that_o hear_v that_o speak_v when_o these_o act_n be_v instrumental_o perform_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o sense_n master_n parker_n say_v ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la alios_fw-la docet_fw-la baptisaâ—que_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o p._n 26._o 5._o but_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n but_o the_o first_o officer_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v than_o this_o ordination_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o most_o prime_a grave_n and_o able_a man_n from_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v depute_v hereunto_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8._o 10._o now_o all_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o impose_v all_o their_o hand_n upon_o they_o together_o all_o their_o hand_n can_v not_o possible_o reach_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n perform_v this_o rite_n and_o as_o this_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o levite_n be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n so_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o reason_n do_v not_o further_o make_v it_o manifest_a 1._o man_n that_o be_v in_o no_o office_n may_v elect_v therefore_o they_o may_v ordain_v because_o ordination_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o election_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o one_o of_o these_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o the_o officer_n must_v minister_v without_o any_o ordination_n at_o all_o or_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o former_a ordination_n receive_v in_o some_o other_o church_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o other_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v afore_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v by_o succession_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o the_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v as_o they_o imagine_v in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o holy_a order_n whereas_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v if_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o any_o church_n they_o have_v need_n of_o a_o new_a election_n notwithstanding_o their_o former_a election_n into_o another_o church_n than_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o ground_n need_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n if_o their_o former_a election_n be_v cease_v their_o former_a ordination_n be_v cease_v also_o and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a ordination_n unto_o another_o church_n then_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a election_n and_o for_o the_o three_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o authority_n ordinary_a officer_n can_v have_v to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o member_n beside_o at_o some_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n and_o priest_n now_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a case_n if_o the_o sheep_n must_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v if_o god_n people_n may_v not_o have_v minister_n but_o only_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n must_v or_o may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o protestant_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o first_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o papist_n do_v thereupon_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n true_a minister_n such_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o unto_o they_o to_o maintain_v this_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o god_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v antichrist_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o priest_n to_o ordain_v christ_n minister_n as_o he_o will_v not_o take_v of_o babylon_n a_o stone_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o foundation_n jer._n 51._o 26._o 3._o it_o be_v thus_o in_o civil_a corporation_n and_o city_n the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o chief_a officer_n elect_v be_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o inauguration_n to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o predecessor_n the_o sword_n or_o key_n of_o the_o city_n or_o to_o have_v some_o other_o solemn_a ceremony_n by_o he_o perform_v unto_o he_o yet_o if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o former_a as_o at_o the_o first_o or_o that_o the_o former_a be_v dead_a or_o upon_o necessity_n absent_a when_o his_o successor_n enter_v then_o be_v this_o ceremony_n and_o work_n perform_v by_o some_o other_o the_o fit_a instrument_n neither_o need_v that_o city_n borrow_v any_o officer_n of_o another_o city_n neither_o can_v he_o intermeddle_v there_o without_o usurpation_n though_o both_o the_o corporation_n have_v the_o same_o charter_n under_o the_o same_o king_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n or_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v with_o we_o a_o little_a further_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordination_n and_o then_o we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o you_o may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o any_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o the_o former_a some_o indeed_o have_v so_o high_o advance_v this_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o preach_v the_o word_n minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n make_v it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o two_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n in_o that_o commission_n of_o they_o but_o only_o of_o teach_v &_o preach_v &_o baptise_v mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o if_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o special_a work_n there_o will_v belike_o have_v be_v some_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o their_o commission_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n count_v preach_v the_o word_n their_o principal_a work_n and_o after_o it_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o if_o ordain_v of_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o their_o account_n so_o prime_a a_o work_n it_o may_v seem_v paul_n will_v rather_o have_v tarry_v in_o crete_n to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n there_o then_o have_v go_v himself_o about_o preach_v seave_v titus_n for_o the_o other_o tit._n 1_o 5._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o ordain_v of_o minister_n be_v not_o such_o a_o eminent_a work_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v superior_n unto_o ordinary_a minister_n preach_v and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v as_o inferior_a work_n unto_o minister_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o superiority_n of_o docesan_n bishop_n neither_o be_v it_o equal_a unto_o those_o other_o work_v afore_o
title_n that_o be_v give_v 2._o to_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n jer._n 2._o 2._o &_o 3._o 14._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o from_o whence_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v thus_o if_o every_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v or_o espouse_v unto_o christ_n than_o a_o company_n become_v a_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n that_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o former_a scripture_n where_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o love_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o one_o husband_n which_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v also_o teach_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o king_n solomon_n and_o pharoahs_n daughter_n psal_n 45._o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o marriage_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n no_o woman_n become_v a_o man_n wife_n but_o by_o way_n of_o bestow_v herself_o in_o covenant_n upon_o such_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v a_o man_n become_v a_o husband_n but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o violation_n of_o marriage_n call_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o covenant_n prov._n 2._o 17._o christ_n have_v but_o one_o wife_n or_o spouse_n cant._n 6_o 9_o 1._o the_o catholic_a church_n indeed_o be_v but_o one_o viz_o the_o whole_a company_n answer_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n dead_a now_o live_v and_o not_o yet_o bear_v but_o as_o there_o be_v the_o church-catholique_a which_o be_v but_o one_o so_o there_o be_v particular_a and_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o 19_o gal._n 1._o 2._o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 16._o 4._o of_o seven_o church_n rev._n 1._o 4._o of_o all_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o &_o 7._o 17._o rev._n 2._o 23._o but_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o wife_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o hundred_o 2._o wife_n shall_v he_o have_v 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n jer._n 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o answ_n cor._n 11._o 2._o the_o jewish_a church_n rev._n 19_o 7._o be_v the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o also_o especial_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o church_n estate_n they_o may_v decline_v and_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o show_v that_o they_o be_v first_o espouse_v to_o he_o for_o no_o woman_n can_v be_v say_v to_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o a_o man_n if_o she_o be_v never_o marry_v nor_o espouse_v to_o he_o at_o all_o 2._o this_o that_o seem_v a_o absurdity_n and_o be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n among_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o no_o dishonour_n unto_o he_o at_o all_o to_o have_v more_o spouse_n than_o one_o upon_o earth_n many_o spiritual_a spouse_n man_n can_v give_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o many_o as_o christ_n can_v every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v espouse_v and_o marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n he_o have_v not_o only_o many_o hundred_o but_o many_o thousand_o yea_o many_o million_o of_o spiritual_a spouse_n but_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n but_o 3_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o marriage_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o church-covenant_n 1._o in_o some_o sort_n there_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o the_o answer_n church_n and_o the_o member_n viz._n in_o respect_n of_o that_o dear_a love_n and_o affection_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v as_o a_o young_a man_n marry_v a_o virgin_n so_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n isa_n 62._o 5._o 2._o but_o proper_o the_o marriage_n be_v between_o christ_n &_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n also_o so_o far_o as_o therein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n as_o unto_o a_o head_n and_o lord_n as_o a_o woman_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n do_v give_v up_o herself_o unto_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n owe_v one_o unto_o another_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o that_o marriage-covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o christ_n for_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o covenant_n require_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v perform_v these_o duty_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o according_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o macedonia_n that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v also_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n one_o unto_o another_o but_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o covenant_n be_v proper_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n like_o that_o 1_o sam._n 20_o 8._o amos_n 1._o 9_o because_o there_o the_o engagement_n be_v to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n fellow-member_n and_o fellow-helper_n and_o not_o as_o to_o one_o head_n or_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o marriage-covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n though_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o be_v promise_v in_o their_o covenant_n with_o one_o another_o and_o also_o in_o their_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o brief_a thus_o they_o promise_v unto_o christ_n duty_n to_o he_o and_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o he_o and_o so_o their_o covenant_n be_v a_o marriage-covenant_n with_o christ_n they_o promise_v also_o to_o one_o another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o brotherly_a covenant_n another_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n which_o also_o prove_v that_o a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o covenant_n be_v the_o title_n of_o a_o city_n or_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 87._o 3._o &_o 48_o 1._o 8._o &_o 122._o 3._o ephes_n 2._o 19_o the_o argument_n lie_v thus_o if_o a_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n than_o a_o church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o covenant_n but_o every_o true_a church_n be_v a_o city_n of_o god_n ergo._fw-la the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n forealledge_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v plain_a in_o reason_n for_o every_o city_n be_v unite_v by_o some_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o the_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la or_o right_a of_o city_n privilege_n by_o some_o covenant_n or_o oath_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o in_o this_o city_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o man_n become_v citizen_n of_o the_o church_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n the_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o mean_n of_o reform_v 3_o and_o restore_v a_o church_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v which_o be_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n a_o new_a with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 15_o 10._o &_o 29._o 10._o &_o neh._n 9_o 38._o &_o 10._o 28_o 29._o jer._n 50._o 4_o 5._o the_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v thus_o if_o a_o church_n decay_a be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o reform_v by_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n than_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o erect_v at_o the_o first_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o consequence_n be_v because_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v by_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n thus_o christ_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o marriage_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o and_o thus_o paul_n reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v on_o the_o decline_a church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o reformation_n bid_v she_o remember_v from_o whence_o she_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v her_o first_o work_n rev._n 2._o 5._o now_o the_o assumption_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n above_o allege_a that_o at_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o
add_v ver_fw-la 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o voluntary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_n which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver_fw-la 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_n which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o 2._o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ_n for_o then_o saul_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o 3_o the_o same_o town_n neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v answer_n a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english-congregation_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o street_n of_o the_o same_o town_n towne-dwelling_a will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o company_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o town_n with_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o not_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v because_o they_o frequent_v not_o their_o assembly_n idiot_n and_o infidel_n may_v come_v into_o the_o public_a meeting_n among_o answ_n the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o yet_o idiot_n and_o infidel_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saul_n after_o his_o conversion_n may_v have_v come_v in_o among_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o public_a duty_n and_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v make_v he_o of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o some_o indian_n moor_n and_o other_o natural_a person_n come_v into_o our_o meeting_n in_o new-england_n some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o by_o the_o command_n or_o counsel_n of_o their_o master_n and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_v conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n philip_n join_v 5._o to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o &_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a answ_n as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_n wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n