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we_o may_v may_v except_v the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n concern_v which_o this_o twofold_a inquiry_n be_v make_v 1._o whether_o church_n member_n of_o year_n have_v the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n be_v ignorant_a be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o infant_n or_o distraught_a 2._o whether_o scandalous_a member_n under_o church_n indulgence_n may_v be_v equal_o debar_v this_o church_n privilege_n with_o the_o regular_o excommunicate_v to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o doctor_n say_v that_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a be_v as_o uncapable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o infant_n and_o therefore_o as_o just_o to_o be_v except_v against_o nay_o more_o because_o infant_n and_o distraught_a may_v have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n real_o the_o other_o not_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v what_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o
lawful_o refuse_v to_o baptize_v they_o at_o the_o present_a without_o any_o long_o defer_v of_o it_o although_o they_o have_v be_v heathen_n bear_v i_o will_v i_o do_v but_o understand_v your_o answer_n to_o this_o supposition_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o year_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o baptism_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n also_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a communion_n i_o presume_v the_o apostle_n baptize_v upon_o as_o easy_a term_n and_o so_o may_v you_o except_o you_o have_v a_o different_a commission_n or_o understand_v the_o apostle_n commission_n in_o some_o other_o sense_n than_o they_o themselves_o do_v but_o i_o must_v contract_v myself_o &_o ask_v you_o once_o again_o whether_o you_o ever_o find_v any_o precedent_n in_o the_o word_n for_o what_o you_o practise_v in_o this_o point_n what_o church_n under_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v afford_v a_o precedent_n for_o your_o practice_n do_v you_o separate_v according_a to_o 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it_o will_v that_o you_o will_v retreat_v if_o you_o can_v tell_v how_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v into_o god_n vineyard_n and_o by_o heresy_n destroy_v the_o tender_a grape_n and_o many_o follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o man_n arise_v from_o among_o ourselves_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2.2_o act._n 20.30_o but_o mark_v they_o thut_v cause_n division_n and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o but_o let_v i_o speak_v one_o word_n more_o in_o order_n to_o discipline_n which_o as_o you_o be_v never_o yet_o willing_a to_o come_v under_o as_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o the_o whole_a so_o have_v your_o endeavour_n be_v all_o along_o most_o fierce_a to_o obstruct_v and_o retard_v the_o discipline_n debate_v on_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n again_o when_o the_o fit_a way_n in_o christian_a prudence_n according_a 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different_a party_n and_o faction_n too_o much_o indulge_v do_v ever_o beget_v jealousy_n and_o fear_n the_o common_a nursery_n of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n and_o that_o which_o can_v be_v hold_v without_o gratify_v of_o all_o faction_n and_o party_n can_v in_o reason_n and_o policy_n hold_v long_o why_o may_v not_o man_n true_o fear_v god_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o several_a function_n and_o place_n under_o a_o establishment_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o order_n the_o only_a way_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o be_v ever_o the_o best_a policy_n among_o christian_n that_o be_v subordinate_a to_o true_a piety_n and_o our_o great_a freedom_n desire_v will_v be_v soon_o attain_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religiousnesse_n when_o sin_n will_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o any_o people_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v mere_o occasional_o that_o some_o thing_n have_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o nor_o have_v i_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o independent_a way_n strict_o take_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v by_o divers_a learned_a and_o reverend_a gentleman_n and_o the_o inconsistence_n contradiction_n absurdity_n and_o mistake_n of_o their_o way_n discover_v and_o not_o yâ—t_o vindicate_v by_o any_o that_o ever_o i_o hear_v of_o i_o only_o have_v hint_v some_o thing_n tend_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vindicate_a church_n member_n from_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o inference_n to_o the_o precede_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v end_v with_o mr._n humphreys_n wish_n add_v some_o of_o my_o own_o 1._o i_o wish_v we_o have_v a_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n the_o near_a in_o christian_a prudence_n that_o may_v be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o i_o wish_v the_o duty_n of_o fraternal_a correption_n a_o watch_v over_o and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o love_n be_v better_o know_v and_o practise_v among_o we_o 3._o i_o wish_v that_o man_n will_v look_v more_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o leave_v the_o judge_n of_o other_o spirit_n heart_n and_o reins_o alone_o to_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 4._o i_o wish_v though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o judge_n by_o the_o fruit_n that_o wise_a religious_a man_n will_v be_v more_o cautious_a of_o countenance_v the_o separation_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o you_o go_v to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o any_o mix_a congregation_n another_o will_v gather_v a_o separation_n out_o of_o your_o church_n and_o so_o continue_v as_o i_o have_v intimate_v from_o our_o sad_a experience_n a_o endless_a separate_n until_o this_o first_o separation_n shall_v in_o a_o few_o year_n be_v able_a to_o take_v up_o the_o say_n of_o that_o great_a grandmother_n unto_o those_o many_o schism_n she_o shall_v see_v issue_v as_o her_o natural_a offspring_n out_o of_o her_o own_o bowel_n rise_v up_o daughter_n go_v to_o thy_o daughter_n for_o thy_o daughter_n daughter_n have_v a_o daughter_n for_o this_o separation_n separation_n have_v a_o separation_n so_o far_o mr._n humphrey_n i_o add_v 1._o i_o wish_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n church_n and_o world_n christ_n and_o belial_n holy_a and_o profane_a worthy_a church_n member_n and_o unworthy_a be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o scripture_n meaning_n and_o with_o due_a caution_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 2._o i_o wish_v that_o sacrament_n be_v more_o clear_o understand_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o end_n attribute_v unto_o they_o their_o due_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n avoid_v all_o humane_a boldness_n either_o in_o add_v to_o advance_v they_o or_o in_o diminish_v they_o so_o as_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o debase_v they_o 3._o i_o wish_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v have_v the_o liberty_n and_o full_a scope_n of_o his_o own_o institute_v ordinance_n give_v for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v use_v they_o as_o instrument_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n and_o spiritual_a want_n 4._o i_o wish_v that_o a_o godly_a care_n may_v be_v take_v in_o the_o education_n of_o all_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o profit_n by_o every_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n 5._o i_o wish_v that_o all_o of_o year_n may_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v their_o duty_n
element_n as_o common_a thing_n to_o please_v the_o outward_a man_n and_o not_o to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n appoint_v they_o and_o these_o man_n in_o a_o manner_n confess_v as_o much_o that_o they_o be_v new_o come_v out_o of_o idolatry_n in_o imitation_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a feast_n have_v their_o love-feast_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o there_o be_v excess_n among_o they_o though_o not_o precise_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o yield_v they_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o administration_n precise_o but_o immediate_o before_o or_o if_o at_o the_o time_n of_o receive_v yet_o not_o with_o the_o wine_n consecrate_v for_o that_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a end_n the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o most_o divine_n conjecture_v their_o excess_n be_v at_o their_o love-feast_n speak_v of_o in_o judas_n but_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o such_o feast_n or_o no_o that_o place_n in_o judas_n do_v not_o determine_v it_o much_o less_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o immediate_o before_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a service_n but_o whether_o they_o come_v drink_v or_o eat_v and_o drink_v unto_o excess_n of_o the_o element_n liberal_o provide_v it_o be_v such_o a_o profaneness_n that_o neither_o 〈…〉_o nor_o mr._n h._n i_o hope_v shall_v never_o 〈…〉_o what_o ever_o these_o man_n charge_v 〈◊〉_d with_o in_o this_o respect_n tell_v the_o 〈…〉_o he_o 〈…〉_o the_o admission_n of_o idolater_n drunkard_n and_o impenitent_n to_o the_o sacrament_n pag_n 32.33_o 34._o compare_v but_o be_v this_o brotherly_a deal_n think_v you_o to_o mâ—ke_v such_o a_o wild_a in_o 〈…〉_o a_o minister_n show_v what_o 〈…〉_o be_v â—or_a which_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v the_o corinthians_n but_o he_o must_v be_v reproach_v as_o â—ne_a plead_n for_o the_o admittance_n of_o idolater_n drunkard_n and_o impenitents_n to_o the_o sacrament_n have_v not_o mr._n h._n say_v enough_o in_o his_o book_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o this_o crime_n he_o say_v indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o against_o their_o come_n for_o that_o be_v their_o duty_n which_o these_o man_n deny_v unless_o they_o be_v so_o qualisied_a but_o he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v but_o to_o come_v prepare_v yet_o mens_fw-la impenitency_n and_o unpreparednesse_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v the_o principal_a to_o be_v neglect_v for_o a_o 〈…〉_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o and_o i_o pray_v you_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n set_v up_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o theâ—â—â—â—â—â—â—fications_n in_o the_o church_n what_o 〈…〉_o have_v he_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v it_o not_o clear_a that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o judge_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n can_v man_n devise_v better_a way_n to_o carry_v on_o god_n ordinance_n with_o purity_n thâ—n_v himself_o have_v prescribe_v the_o corinthians_n sin_v be_v in_o unworthy_a action_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o who_o can_v foresee_v that_o to_o prevent_v it_o better_o than_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o their_o person_n and_o real_a worthiness_n the_o apostle_n meddle_v not_o with_o it_o at_o all_o neither_o may_v we_o denominate_v man_n such_o in_o person_n real_o as_o some_o unworthy_a act_n do_v by_o they_o do_v import_v for_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a righteous_a man_n may_v be_v overtake_v with_o some_o unrighteous_a action_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o jam._n 3.2_o and_o i_o grant_v this_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v out_o of_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o these_o gentleman_n plead_v the_o corinthian_n come_v new_o out_o of_o their_o heathenism_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o their_o unworthy_a receive_n at_o all_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o reverend_a decorum_n in_o the_o observance_n not_o one_o among_o a_o thousand_o offend_v therein_o and_o for_o unworthiness_n of_o person_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o the_o text_n in_o reference_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o that_o make_v all_o the_o trouble_n and_o cause_n many_o to_o run_v into_o a_o world_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o church_n hence_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o unregenerate_a in_o the_o church_n receive_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o teach_v they_o to_o omit_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o scripture_n church_n and_o hence_o they_o make_v schism_n and_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o they_o make_v this_o the_o high_a ordinance_n as_o be_v a_o communion_n for_o saint_n only_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o least_o of_o all_o in_o other_o respect_n detract_n from_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n unto_o church_n member_n and_o hence_o they_o have_v invent_v suspension_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o loss_n or_o neglect_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o hence_o these_o tleman_n have_v commend_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o only_a expedient_a for_o reformation_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o minor_a part_n leave_v out_o the_o rest_n as_o judge_v to_o be_v excommunicable_a without_o any_o trial_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v guilty_a in_o partake_v with_o other_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o unworthy_a receive_n especial_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_a christ_n and_o many_o other_o like_o error_n they_o run_v into_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o one_o error_n in_o take_v that_o eat_n and_o drink_v unworthy_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o unworthiness_n of_o person_n the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v the_o manner_n of_o eat_v but_o they_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o man_n that_o eat_v and_o upon_o this_o error_n be_v ground_v all_o that_o these_o man_n have_v to_o say_v against_o m._n h._n book_n i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v better_o consider_v of_o it_o for_o still_o i_o say_v the_o corinthian_n be_v commend_v for_o keep_v this_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o the_o church_n and_o reprove_v only_o for_o some_o great_a abuse_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o carry_v on_o that_o service_n the_o which_o abuse_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o come_v unworthy_o nor_o in_o their_o other_o miscarriage_n which_o be_v many_o upon_o other_o occasion_n but_o in_o this_o their_o abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a sign_n unto_o câ—â—nall_n and_o common_a end_n for_o this_o 〈…〉_o and_o sickly_a among_o they_o an_z 〈…〉_o so_o that_o this_o place_n can_v be_v urge_v against_o any_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o exâ—â—nally_o at_o least_o commâ—â—_n to_o the_o holy_a action_n require_v in_o this_o service_n but_o against_o open_a abuse_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o these_o man_n will_v say_v of_o i_o object_n as_o they_o do_v of_o m._n h._n pag._n 88_o that_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o but_o that_o i_o will_v blind_v poor_a soul_n that_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n such_o as_o be_v of_o christ_n family_n and_o not_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n i_o know_v sure_a enough_o answ_n that_o this_o command_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n family_n not_o to_o all_o but_o then_o i_o know_v also_o and_o so_o may_v they_o that_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o baptize_v and_o of_o year_n and_o under_o church_n indulgence_n be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n family_n and_o therefore_o that_o command_n be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v it_o except_o they_o can_v produce_v some_o dispensation_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o more_o than_o in_o all_o other_o observance_n for_o the_o baptize_v come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n command_v mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o let_v the_o reader_n than_o judge_n who_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o blind_a poor_a soul_n they_o that_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n command_v or_o they_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o omit_v and_o neglect_v some_o necessary_a duty_n of_o homage_n and_o service_n which_o christ_n command_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o these_o gentleman_n make_v very_o bold_a to_o do_v but_o how_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o before_o their_o master_n i_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o consider_v and_o when_o i_o say_v all_o aught_o to_o come_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o just_o excommunicate_v who_o while_o they_o
it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n as_o these_o gentleman_n do_v confess_v the_o magistrate_n may_v constrain_v all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o come_v under_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o they_o say_v jesus_n christ_n shall_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v edict_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v that_o in_o bring_v all_o to_o convert_v ordinance_n they_o humble_o conceive_v the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n pag._n 176._o and_o then_o will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o as_o discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n for_o the_o bring_n of_o all_o under_o it_o yea_o doubtless_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o settle_n exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o to_o withdraw_v without_o a_o judicial_a proceed_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v attain_v the_o true_a end_n but_o do_v harden_v and_o prejudice_v sinner_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o so_o make_v they_o worse_o in_o stead_n of_o make_v they_o better_o the_o end_n of_o withdraw_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o person_n withdraw_v from_o to_o shame_n and_o repentance_n and_o be_v this_o a_o likely_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o end_n for_o a_o minister_n and_o some_o ten_o or_o twenty_o of_o his_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o as_o in_o some_o place_n will_v be_v the_o case_n they_o all_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n mean_v such_o a_o withdraw_a to_o bring_v sinner_n in_o the_o church_n to_o shame_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o disorderly_a brother_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n but_o in_o our_o time_n apply_v to_o hundred_o at_o once_o by_o the_o minor_a part_n in_o a_o church_n and_o that_o very_o unfit_o too_o there_o be_v many_o in_o some_o such_o place_n that_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a obedience_n beyond_o some_o of_o they_o that_o withdraw_v from_o they_o who_o yet_o have_v rather_o be_v reckon_v among_o sinner_n then_o to_o join_v with_o they_o that_o by_o schism_n break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o grant_v that_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v excommunicable_a do_v that_o warrant_n a_o separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v it_o regular_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o that_o those_o that_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o separate_v do_v never_o deal_v with_o their_o offend_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o they_o lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o amend_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v deal_v thus_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v but_o a_o sad_a account_n give_v of_o many_o subject_n therein_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v such_o be_v felon_n and_o hangable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o thereupon_o never_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n but_o knock_v they_o on_o the_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o how_o long_o think_v you_o will_v this_o commonwealth_n stand_v be_v such_o a_o confusion_n and_o barbarism_n tolerate_v suppose_v these_o gentleman_n in_o glocestershire_n be_v run_v into_o a_o dangerous_a way_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n through_o error_n and_o mistake_n will_v they_o be_v content_a without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n use_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o warning_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o retract_v to_o be_v forthwith_o sentence_v by_o a_o bench_n of_o elder_n as_o schismatical_a person_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n suspend_v from_o their_o ministry_n i_o think_v they_o will_v not_o and_o yet_o by_o what_o they_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n to_o be_v i_o think_v they_o be_v scarce_o qualify_v as_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o undertake_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o my_o prayer_n be_v that_o their_o uncharitable_a practice_n may_v not_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o destroy_v many_o weak_a brethren_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o for_o mat._n 18._o it_o come_v now_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o it_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o new_a find_v model_n of_o discipline_n hint_v at_o by_o these_o man_n in_o the_o preamble_n of_o their_o book_n and_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o general_n first_o that_o the_o mean_a person_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v second_o that_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o offend_a brethren_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o there_o prescribe_v be_v to_o despise_v they_o and_o then_o for_o the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n it_o ought_v to_o begin_v with_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n of_o a_o brother_n offend_v and_o if_o that_o prevail_v for_o his_o amendment_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v to_o public_a shame_n but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o work_v upon_o he_o then_o upon_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o fact_n he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n may_v convent_n he_o before_o they_o admonish_v to_o confess_v and_o reform_v his_o sin_n but_o if_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n he_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n after_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o not_o otherwise_o now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o to_o favour_n or_o warrant_v these_o gentleman_n practice_n do_v they_o proceed_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o every_o offend_a brother_n in_o their_o several_a parish_n before_o they_o deny_v they_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o not_o why_o will_v they_o urge_v a_o rule_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o other_o which_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o practice_v will_v they_o have_v other_o do_v that_o themselves_o neither_o will_n nor_o can_v do_v as_o themselves_o confess_v where_o the_o great_a part_n be_v corrupt_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o most_o parish_n in_o england_n how_o shall_v we_o take_v up_o a_o establishment_n of_o discipline_n from_o this_o place_n why_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v whether_o this_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v any_o such_o practice_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v it_o do_v not_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v how_o suitable_a these_o new_a model_n be_v to_o those_o scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o for_o proof_n thereof_o but_o to_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o concern_v this_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o the_o great_a difficulty_n as_o i_o conceive_v lie_v in_o the_o word_n church_n when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v tell_v the_o church_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o thought_n concern_v that_o also_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n to_o consider_v 1._o i_o conceive_v our_o saviour_n rule_n here_o give_v in_o this_o case_n respect_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o after_o time_n and_o be_v practicable_a in_o that_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o order_n his_o disciple_n and_o their_o follower_n shall_v act_v in_o after_o age_n as_o vers_n 18._o do_v plain_o show_v concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o as_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n respect_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v practicable_a in_o that_o church_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o ruler_n and_o rule_v assemble_v together_o in_o holy_a worship_n or_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o assemble_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n for_o the_o hear_n of_o complaint_n and_o try_v of_o offender_n and_o punish_v evil_a manner_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o one_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o church_n here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n because_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n as_o to_o judge_v of_o manner_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o have_v a_o council_n of_o elder_n call_v the_o sanhedrin_n mat._n 5.22_o that_o judge_v of_o manner_n and_o punish_v such_o as_o revile_v their_o brother_n intimate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o that_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n or_o sanhedrin_n the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n be_v chief_a in_o that_o council_n or_o
it_o consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o they_o undertake_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9_o &_o 12._o and_o when_o saul_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o the_o saint_n in_o zeal_n of_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o be_v depart_v and_o seduce_v as_o he_o think_v he_o go_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o his_o commission_n and_o he_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o to_o bring_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n unto_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v punish_v act._n 22.15_o and_o that_o estate_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o original_n be_v call_v a_o presbytery_n which_o also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n call_v presbyter_n some_o of_o which_o be_v chief_a priest_n the_o other_o pharisee_n and_o some_o subordinate_a presbyter_n be_v join_v with_o they_o to_o make_v up_o that_o assembly_n have_v authority_n to_o judge_v of_o manner_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o upon_o mistake_n they_o punish_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o reduce_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o conformity_n to_o the_o old_a administration_n as_o judge_v it_o still_o in_o force_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n if_o any_o make_v question_n whether_o this_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o text_n be_v the_o church_n to_o who_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v concern_v stubborn_a offender_n i_o answer_v that_o council_n or_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n representative_a on_o who_o alone_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v involve_v for_o the_o punish_n of_o sin_n and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o word_n church_n they_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o original_a language_n know_v it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n call_v together_o whether_o to_o civil_a or_o sacred_a end_n and_o so_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o unproper_o call_v a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o latter_a thing_n propound_v before_o namely_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o proceed_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o a_o presbytery_n seem_v to_o i_o very_o probable_a for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o same_o name_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n saint_n paul_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o trouble_v the_o believe_a jew_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n or_o church_n officer_n a_o presbytery_n of_o which_o what_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v conceive_v then_o this_o the_o resemblance_n that_o be_v between_o this_o eldership_n and_o the_o great_a council_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v clear_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n ordain_v elder_n and_o authorize_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o ruler_n and_o officer_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v derive_v from_o they_o that_o be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o a_o most_o immediate_a manner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v constitute_v so_o to_o be_v which_o make_v i_o inclinable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o still_o that_o be_v ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o power_n by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o consent_v to_o these_o man_n that_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o common_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n may_v choose_v and_o install_v their_o own_o officer_n now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o for_o that_o pretend_a way_n of_o discipline_n which_o these_o gentleman_n commend_v to_o their_o reader_n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o withdraw_v for_o all_o be_v one_o nor_o for_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v and_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n nor_o for_o impose_v a_o church_n covenant_n explicit_o to_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o and_o such_o like_a term_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v unto_o sacramental_a communion_n nor_o be_v here_o any_o warrant_n for_o sentence_a church_n member_n before_o a_o regular_a trial_n nay_o here_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o single_a minister_n to_o set_v up_o discipline_n over_o his_o people_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o they_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o one_o alone_a but_o rather_o in_o the_o whole_a together_o a_o word_n more_o on_o that_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o so_o in_o they_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n very_o say_v our_o saviour_n there_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v reference_n unto_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n officer_n and_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v his_o apostle_n to_o know_v that_o though_o their_o authority_n may_v seem_v to_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o contemptible_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o great_a bench_n of_o elder_n general_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o shall_v have_v as_o great_a authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v as_o the_o other_o nay_o two_o of_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v equivalent_a to_o their_o great_a authority_n and_o we_o know_v it_o come_v so_o to_o pass_v they_o have_v power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o have_v some_o special_a promise_n peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o as_o well_o as_o gift_n they_o have_v power_n to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o prayer_n and_o power_n to_o punish_v and_o kill_v the_o body_n of_o man_n for_o sacrilege_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o we_o know_v the_o very_a church_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n now_o what_o be_v this_o to_o these_o minister_n in_o gloucestershire_n dare_v two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o assume_v this_o power_n for_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o county_n be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o way_n to_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n build_v upon_o they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n where_o have_v they_o any_o such_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o err_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v 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