the_o ministry_n be_v better_a define_v by_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n than_o to_o a_o particular_a people_n where_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o assembly_n do_v not_o say_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v better_a define_v by_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n than_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a but_o than_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o deny_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o be_v it_o their_o business_n accurate_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o notion_n of_o relate_v and_o correlate_n they_o never_o call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o correlate_n but_o only_o obiter_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o assert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v better_o define_v by_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n than_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o our_o brethren_n have_v not_o here_o disprove_v but_o only_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n rather_o consist_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n than_o to_o the_o work_n so_o that_o all_o their_o labour_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a may_v have_v be_v spare_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o abstract_n ministry_n and_o the_o concrete_a a_o minister_n and_o although_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o concrete_a have_v the_o church_n for_o his_o correlatum_fw-la yet_o that_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o abstract_n shall_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o work_n be_v no_o more_o absurd_a then_o that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n shall_v have_v relation_n to_o rule_v which_o i_o think_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v deny_v and_o especial_o when_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v bring_v in_o occasional_o by_o a_o person_n not_o mind_v nor_o oblige_v to_o mind_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o word_n it_o be_v a_o vanity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o batter_v down_o such_o a_o expression_n by_o a_o quaternion_n of_o argument_n which_o our_o brethren_n have_v attempt_v to_o do_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o that_o rule_n upon_o which_o their_o first_o argument_n hang_v viz._n relata_fw-la sunt_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o do_v mutuo_fw-la se_fw-la ponere_fw-la &_o tollere_fw-la be_v true_a only_a of_o predicamental_a but_o not_o of_o transcendentall_a relation_n such_o as_o this_o be_v who_o being_n be_v not_o whole_o respective_a metap_n as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o metaphysic_n inform_v we_o and_o the_o same_o answer_n also_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o second_o argument_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o the_o same_o viz._n that_o relation_n must_v be_v together_o but_o the_o office_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o the_o work_n as_o a_o end_n and_o so_o the_o office_n must_v needs_o be_v first_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o relative_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o the_o rule_n hold_v not_o of_o transcendentall_a relation_n 2._o a_o potential_a be_v be_v sufficient_a in_o relation_n my_o knowledge_n of_o a_o rose_n to_o be_v in_o the_o spring_n be_v relate_v to_o that_o rose_n even_o in_o winter_n and_o yet_o the_o rose_n do_v not_o actual_o but_o only_o potential_o exist_v in_o winter_n the_o other_o two_o argument_n be_v trivial_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v dilate_v no_o further_o about_o they_o because_o this_o be_v a_o logical_a and_o no_o theological_a controversy_n chap._n ii_o &_o iii_o qu._n whether_o minister_n be_v only_a minister_n to_o their_o particular_a flock_n in_o handle_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v 1._o state_n the_o question_n plain_o and_o faithful_o 2._o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o negative_a 3._o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o our_o brethren_n have_v to_o say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o another_o question_n whence_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v to_o wit_n whether_o beside_o particular_a congregational_a church_n there_o be_v any_o other_o visible_a political_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n it_o have_v till_o these_o last_o time_n be_v universal_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o beside_o that_o union_n and_o communion_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o congregation_n for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n there_o be_v another_o union_n and_o communion_n whereby_o particular_a church_n do_v by_o their_o delegate_n because_o in_o their_o person_n they_o all_o can_v meet_v together_o combine_v consult_v and_o conclude_v in_o common_a as_o they_o judge_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o particular_a church_n this_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n act_n 15._o and_o so_o downward_o which_o be_v when_o ever_o necessity_n require_v and_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v to_o meet_v together_o in_o synod_n and_o in_o common_a to_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o as_o these_o meeting_n be_v great_a or_o less_o so_o they_o receive_v a_o differ_a denomination_n be_v call_v synod_n ecumenical_a provincial_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v at_o this_o day_n the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n some_o few_o among_o ourselves_o be_v except_v and_o our_o dear_a brethren_n in_o new-england_n both_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o congregationall_a man_n so_o call_v from_o this_o their_o first_o principle_n that_o the_o scripture_n own_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o one_o congregation_n from_o hence_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v according_a to_o our_o brethren_n mind_n that_o minister_n be_v minister_n only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o that_o own_o another_o church_n beside_o congregational_a do_v assert_v that_o minister_n have_v a_o double_a relation_n the_o one_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n the_o other_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o question_n for_o our_o brethren_n mind_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o go_v far_o they_o affirm_v positive_o that_o officer_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v officer_n to_o a_o church_n universal_a or_o to_o any_o but_o their_o own_o flock_n pag._n 8._o but_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o weighty_a difference_n among_o our_o congregational_a brethren_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o be_v reconcile_v before_o they_o endeavour_v too_o eager_o to_o obtrude_v their_o notion_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o be_v this_o mr._n shepherd_n and_o allen_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n assert_v that_o though_o minister_n be_v officer_n only_o to_o their_o own_o flock_n yet_o they_o may_v perform_v act_n of_o their_o office_n towards_o other_o pag._n 133._o and_o learned_a mr._n norton_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conclude_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v to_o another_o congregation_n non_fw-la tantum_fw-la virtute_fw-la donorum_fw-la &_o charitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la vi_fw-la vocationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n not_o only_o as_o a_o gift_a brother_n but_o as_o a_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o person_n of_o great_a note_n in_o that_o way_n among_o we_o in_o england_n now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n reverend_a mr._n hooker_n express_o affirm_v that_o when_o a_o minister_n preach_v to_o another_o congregation_n he_o preach_v not_o as_o a_o pastor_n but_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n survey_v part_v 2._o p._n 32._o and_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o book_n fall_v in_o with_o he_o and_o will_v not_o allow_v minister_n either_o to_o be_v officer_n or_o to_o act_v as_o officer_n towards_o any_o except_o their_o own_o congregation_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o present_a question_n i_o shall_v premise_v two_o consideration_n which_o indeed_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o their_o objection_n i._o that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o minister_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1._o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la actual_o immediate_o absolute_o and_o independent_o so_o that_o he_o may_v without_o any_o other_o warrant_v undertake_v to_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o ordinary_a pastor_n 2._o one_o may_v be_v a_o officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la habitual_o aptitudinal_o mediate_o conditional_o and_o depend_o so_o that_o he_o have_v a_o jus_o or_o power_n to_o teach_v every_o where_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o may_v not_o exercise_v that_o jus_o or_o power_n every_o where_o but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n
desert_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o have_v through_o incogitancy_n precipitate_v themselves_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o anabaptism_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o their_o next_o either_o their_o prudence_n or_o their_o ingenuity_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o retract_v 2._o the_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o excentrical_a opinion_n of_o every_o particular_a congregational_a man_n but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v own_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o and_o by_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n among_o they_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o such_o will_v reject_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o man_n give_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n they_o know_v the_o rule_n quod_fw-la competit_fw-la rei_fw-la qua_fw-la tali_fw-la competit_fw-la omni_fw-la tali_fw-la if_o a_o pastor_n give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o stranger_n not_o as_o a_o pastor_n or_o officer_n but_o as_o a_o gift_a brother_n for_o that_o be_v the_o other_o member_n of_o the_o distinction_n than_o every_o gift_a brother_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o i_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v tremble_v to_o grant_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v call_v back_o their_o own_o word_n too_o loose_o deliver_v 2._o but_o however_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o our_o practice_n not_o the_o assertion_n reply_n yes_o it_o may_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o assertion_n which_o inevitable_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o such_o a_o strange_a conclusion_n as_o this_o that_o no_o man_n may_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n any_o where_o but_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o christian_a and_o church-communion_n and_o yet_o for_o aught_o either_o i_o or_o mr_n hooker_n see_v either_o this_o conclusion_n must_v be_v embrace_v or_o the_o principle_n reject_v i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o reason_n there_o be_v say_v the_o assembly_n seven_o ill_a consequence_n which_o follow_v this_o assertion_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v perform_v no_o pastoral_n act_v out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o to_o two_o or_o three_o 1._o then_o a_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n preach_v to_o his_o own_o member_n as_o a_o minister_n and_o to_o other_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o 2._o then_o a_o minister_n baptize_v only_o into_o his_o own_o congregation_n not_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o so_o a_o minister_n can_v baptize_v none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o baptize_v heathen_n convert_v nor_o the_o child_n of_o such_o parent_n as_o can_v be_v member_n of_o any_o congregation_n and_o here_o our_o brethren_n bring_v in_o that_o argument_n mention_v by_o the_o provinc_fw-la that_o a_o minister_n ministerial_o admit_v into_o and_o eject_v out_o of_o the_o church-catholick_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church-catholick_n and_o not_o only_o of_o his_o particular_a congregation_n p._n 281_o etc._n etc._n let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o our_o brethren_n have_v to_o answer_n 1._o they_o say_v we_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o say_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v to_o some_o as_o a_o officer_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n preach_v to_o other_o not_o as_o a_o officer_n reply_v 1_o this_o be_v a_o conceit_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n in_o the_o scripture_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n minister_n wherever_o or_o to_o whosoever_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o ambassador_n whosoever_o they_o beseech_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o they_o act_n as_o ambassador_n and_o who_o sin_n soever_o they_o remit_v doctrinal_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o they_o retain_v in_o preach_v they_o be_v retain_v whether_o their_o hearer_n be_v stranger_n or_o of_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n sure_o it_o be_v very_o harsh_a to_o say_v that_o all_o stranger_n which_o hear_v a_o minister_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v he_o then_o to_o hear_v or_o obey_v any_o woman_n discourse_v private_o of_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o a_o stranger_n reject_v his_o message_n be_v no_o way_n guilty_a of_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o office_n it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a thing_n if_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n at_o the_o last_o day_n nay_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o as_o we_o have_v more_o large_o see_v must_v when_o preach_v to_o heathen_n be_v canton_v into_o the_o order_n of_o gift_a man_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o act_n of_o their_o office_n to_o disciple_v nation_n and_o to_o gather_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o those_o heathen_n which_o be_v now_o convert_v by_o minister_n be_v not_o convert_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n nor_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n appoint_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o soul_n but_o only_o for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v in_o contrary_a to_o mat._n 28._o &_o eph._n 4._o as_o have_v be_v argue_v 2._o they_o argue_v against_o that_o position_n that_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n p._n 284._o whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o assertion_n and_o so_o all_o that_o labour_n both_o of_o they_o and_o mr_n hooker_n be_v lose_v they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o we_o allow_v infant_n to_o be_v bear_v church-member_n and_o make_v their_o church-membership_a the_o ground_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o a_o par_fw-fr a_o heathen_a convert_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v a_o church-member_n inchoatè_fw-fr before_o baptism_n this_o only_a we_o say_v that_o the_o solemn_a public_a and_o visible_a way_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n be_v by_o baptism_n and_o this_o can_v be_v easy_o deny_v by_o any_o one_o that_o look_v either_o to_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o since_o the_o new_a testament_n begin_v it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o door_n of_o admission_n so_o be_v it_o also_o unto_o proselyte_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o use_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o baptism_n selden_n as_o divers_a learned_a man_n have_v prove_v or_o if_o our_o brethren_n question_n that_o yet_o at_o least_o circumcision_n to_o which_o our_o baptism_n answer_v be_v the_o door_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o they_o deny_v that_o a_o minister_n eject_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o person_n renounce_v his_o profession_n eject_v himself_o out_o of_o it_o he_o may_v be_v eject_v with_o and_o not_o by_o excommunication_n and_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v he_o no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o be_v eject_v out_o of_o office_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n no_o officer_n to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n p._n 285._o reply_v 1_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v oppose_v which_o may_v be_v conjoin_v for_o both_o the_o person_n eject_v himself_o and_o the_o minister_n eject_v he_o he_o eject_v himself_o meritorious_o the_o minister_n efficient_o and_o juridical_o 2._o either_o a_o minister_n eject_v a_o man_n just_o out_o of_o his_o own_o church_n eject_v he_o out_o of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o that_o can_v be_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n or_o he_o be_v not_o juridical_o eject_v out_o of_o other_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o other_o church_n which_o what_o horrid_a confusion_n it_o will_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o how_o incongruous_a it_o be_v unto_o his_o wisdom_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o appoint_v a_o remedy_n so_o short_a and_o insufficient_a for_o the_o disease_n i_o leave_v to_o all_o sober_a man_n to_o judge_v and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a suggestion_n for_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v such_o and_o person_n juridical_o and_o just_o eject_v out_o of_o one_o church_n have_v be_v admit_v into_o another_o church_n who_o it_o may_v be_v apprehend_v he_o to_o have_v be_v unjust_o deal_v with_o and_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o so_o it_o must_v be_v 3._o for_o the_o eject_v of_o officer_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o a_o church_n in_o their_o sense_n i._n e._n the_o body_n
of_o the_o people_n have_v no_o power_n of_o eject_v of_o officer_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v 2._o that_o when_o a_o minister_n be_v juridical_o eject_v out_o of_o office_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o deposition_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n 4._o they_o say_v according_a to_o our_o way_n also_o we_o can_v baptize_v heathen_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n minister_n be_v only_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o the_o heathen_n convert_v so_o can_v baptize_v they_o reply_n minister_n be_v officer_n not_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o as_o we_o have_v show_v they_o be_v officer_n even_o to_o heathen_n in_o the_o sense_n before_o explain_v as_o they_o do_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la offer_v they_o a_o pardon_n and_o give_v it_o upon_o their_o repentance_n so_o they_o do_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n 5._o they_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n heathen_n may_v join_v as_o member_n to_o some_o church_n and_o so_o be_v baptize_v reply_n our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o obtrude_v such_o uncouth_a notion_n upon_o the_o world_n without_o evident_a proof_n their_o answer_n imply_v as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v make_v a_o complete_a church-member_n without_o baptism_n whereas_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v ne_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d quidem_fw-la of_o any_o other_o door_n of_o admission_n if_o there_o be_v let_v our_o brethren_n show_v it_o sure_o we_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n way_n be_v by_o baptism_n but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o and_o this_o be_v all_o of_o any_o moment_n which_o our_o brethren_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o forego_n argument_n 3._o another_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v this_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o a_o minister_n leave_v or_o be_v put_v from_o his_o particular_a charge_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n and_o so_o when_o he_o take_v up_o a_o new_a charge_n he_o need_v a_o new_a ordination_n which_o be_v absurd_a because_o every_o minister_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o eph._n 4._o and_o as_o a_o private_a christian_a remove_v from_o his_o church_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o then_o his_o baptism_n shall_v cease_v for_o every_o baptize_v person_n be_v a_o church-member_n and_o needs_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v a_o new_a so_o a_o minister_n go_v from_o a_o congregation_n need_v not_o to_o be_v ordain_v a_o new_a to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v divers_a thing_n 1._o they_o say_v this_o run_v into_o direct_a anabaptism_n for_o by_o this_o rule_n a_o excommunicate_a person_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n his_o baptism_n cease_v and_o so_o he_o need_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v when_o he_o be_v readmit_v p._n 292._o reply_v i._n but_o this_o follow_v not_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n ordinary_o be_v a_o member_n though_o a_o disease_a member_n 2_o thess._n 3._o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n he_o towards_o who_o i_o owe_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o fellow-member_n be_v a_o fellow-member_n but_o i_o owe_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o fellow-member_n viz._n fraternal_a admonition_n to_o such_o a_o one_o again_o he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o church_n ordinance_n appoint_v for_o his_o good_a be_v a_o church-member_n though_o disease_v and_o under_o cure_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_v under_o a_o ordinance_n ergo._fw-la 2._o though_o his_o baptism_n cease_v at_o present_a actual_o and_o real_o as_o to_o all_o the_o actual_a privilege_n of_o it_o and_o so_o cease_v that_o while_o he_o repent_v not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o after_o a_o sort_n as_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n or_o as_o a_o heathen_a yet_o when_o he_o do_v repent_v and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n and_o re-admit_a himself_o to_o the_o church_n he_o need_v no_o new_a baptism_n for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o impute_v to_o he_o his_o former_a baptism_n and_o the_o church_n accept_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o repentance_n that_o god_n look_v upon_o his_o sin_n repent_v of_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v and_o so_o in_o that_o case_n he_o look_v on_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v from_o his_o baptism_n and_o so_o he_o need_v no_o new_a one_o just_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n when_o any_o turn_v heathen_a or_o idolater_n and_o renounce_v his_o circumcision_n he_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o heathen_a while_o such_o and_o yet_o whenever_o he_o repent_v he_o need_v no_o new_a circumcision_n but_o his_o former_a circumcision_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n for_o he_o ii_o the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o our_o brethren_n principle_n not_o upon_o we_o for_o to_o we_o who_o assert_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o door_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v uncontroverted_a that_o a_o man_n remove_v from_o one_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o other_o because_o his_o baptism_n give_v he_o a_o complete_a visible_a and_o political_a membership_n not_o only_o with_o that_o church_n he_o be_v admit_v into_o but_o with_o all_o other_o and_o this_o membership_n and_o baptism_n though_o they_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o sense_n before_o speak_v yet_o upon_o his_o repentance_n be_v recover_v but_o our_o brethren_n who_o make_v baptism_n only_o the_o door_n of_o admission_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o must_v own_v this_o conclusion_n that_o upon_o every_o removal_n there_o must_v be_v a_o new_a baptism_n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a corporation_n which_o because_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o general_a corporation_n of_o which_o each_o of_o these_o be_v member_n therefore_o whenever_o a_o member_n pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o he_o need_v to_o be_v admit_v a_o new_a by_o what_o way_n soever_o they_o use_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o to_o save_v they_o from_o this_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n they_o have_v no_o shelter_n but_o one_o which_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o they_o say_v baptism_n do_v not_o admit_v or_o make_v a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o church_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a sign_n of_o a_o person_n take_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o remain_v wherever_o he_o remove_v pag._n 293._o reply_v 1_o our_o brethren_n grant_v even-now_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o man_n admission_n to_o the_o church_n 2._o this_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o its_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o person_n take_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o substance_n for_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o then_o be_v it_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a sign_n of_o a_o man_n admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v a_o solemn_a sign_n of_o his_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 3._o what_o a_o monstrous_a paradox_n be_v this_o baptism_n make_v not_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o church_n this_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v dictate_v without_o any_o proof_n but_o demonstrate_v by_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n sure_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o which_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o baptism_n give_v a_o man_n relation_n to_o some_o body_n and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o be_v a_o organical_a body_n have_v the_o distinction_n of_o teacher_n and_o teach_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o body_n if_o it_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n as_o we_o say_v and_o as_o the_o place_n prove_v for_o as_o much_o as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v all_o member_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v our_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v a_o church_n particular_a than_o baptism_n make_v we_o to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o invisible_a body_n and_o this_o baptism_n of_o internal_a baptism_n yet_o it_o rational_o follow_v that_o as_o the_o inward_a baptism_n make_v a_o man_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n so_o do_v the_o external_a baptism_n make_v he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n visible_o stand_v in_o
relation_n to_o christ_n that_o make_v he_o visible_o to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n visible_o to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n ergo._fw-la the_o major_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n only_o and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o visible_a relation_n to_o christ_n the_o minor_a be_v evident_a from_o rome_n 6._o 3._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n gal._n 3._o 27._o for_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n therefore_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n visible_o to_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant_n relation_n make_v a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n visible_o to_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant_n relation_n ergo._fw-la the_o major_n can_v be_v deny_v because_o of_o the_o identity_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o church_n relation_n all_o and_o only_o they_o that_o be_v real_o in_o covenant_n be_v real_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o all_o and_o only_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o in_o covenant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o minor_a must_v needs_o be_v grant_v by_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o baptism_n baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o say_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v not_o a_o man_n to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o contradiction_n last_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o church-priviledge_n make_v he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o church-priviledge_n v_o g._n of_o the_o supper_n etc._n etc._n which_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o ergo_fw-la it_o make_v a_o man_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n so_o then_o this_o paradox_n be_v disprove_v that_o i_o may_v reduce_v these_o thing_n to_o my_o main_a scope_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o some_o church_n and_o that_o visible_a too_o which_o all_o grant_n it_o remain_v either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n to_o which_o baptism_n make_v a_o man_n to_o stand_v relate_v or_o if_o the_o church_n into_o which_o it_o admit_v a_o man_n be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n then_o upon_o every_o removal_n there_o must_v be_v as_o a_o new_a admission_n so_o a_o new_a baptism_n 3._o they_o say_v a_o officer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v set_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o his_o authority_n reach_v only_o to_o a_o part_n as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v set_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n justice_n constable_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o beside_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o precinct_n they_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o power_n to_o act_v there_o reply_v 1_o that_o phraseology_n sufficient_o imply_v that_o the_o commonwealth_n wherein_o they_o be_v set_v be_v one_o political_a body_n and_o so_o a_o pari_fw-la that_o phrase_n god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o that_o church_n be_v it_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v one_o political_a body_n 2._o the_o case_n whole_o differ_v for_o justice_n constables_z etc._n etc._n have_v limit_v commission_n confine_v to_o their_o particular_a precinct_n whereas_o the_o commission_n of_o minister_n be_v large_a and_o universal_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v if_o our_o brethren_n will_v choose_v a_o fit_a resemblance_n let_v they_o take_v it_o from_o that_o of_o the_o empire_n before_o mention_v wherein_o the_o prince_n be_v set_v in_o and_o over_o the_o whole_a empire_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o empire_n be_v set_v prince_n state_n etc._n etc._n shall_v imply_v that_o such_o prince_n and_o state_n beside_o their_o special_a relation_n to_o their_o particular_a territory_n have_v another_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a empire_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o phrase_n we_o rest_v upon_o but_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n give_v we_o by_o other_o scripture_n and_o which_o necessity_n require_v in_o this_o place_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o set_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v also_o set_v over_o the_o church_n so_o be_v not_o justice_n they_o be_v in_o not_o over_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o who_o beside_o a_o special_a relation_n to_o their_o particular_a part_n which_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v of_o have_v also_o a_o relation_n to_o and_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o have_v other_o minister_n to_o svo_fw-la modo_fw-la as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o both_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v equalise_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o it_o 4._o they_o say_v the_o church_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o may_v be_v take_v for_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o so_o the_o body_n to_o be_v edify_v for_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a body_n eph._n 4._o reply_n that_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v set_v 1_o cor._n 12._o it_o be_v one_o body_n which_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o edify_v and_o perfect_v it_o be_v that_o body_n into_o which_o we_o all_o be_v baptize_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o one_o body_n which_o be_v christ_n i._n e._n mystical_a which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n v_o 12._o it_o be_v that_o one_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o whole_a body_n eph._n 4._o 16._o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o he_o have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a confidence_n of_o his_o ability_n that_o will_v assert_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n another_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v this_o that_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o people_n unjust_o through_o covetousness_n starve_v a_o minister_n from_o they_o or_o through_o heresy_n or_o schism_n vote_v he_o down_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o nullify_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o this_o our_o brethren_n answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o 1._o though_o the_o people_n sin_n yet_o indeed_o they_o do_v nullify_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v murder_v a_o minister_n they_o nullify_v his_o office_n and_o if_o they_o may_v debar_v he_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n why_o may_v they_o not_o make_v void_a his_o office_n reply_v 1_o our_o brethren_n confound_v two_o thing_n vast_o differ_v to_o wit_n the_o nullify_n of_o the_o office_n and_o the_o hinder_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o office_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n opposition_n nay_o indeed_o one_o man_n violence_n may_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n but_o can_v nullify_v the_o office_n 2._o i_o demand_v whether_o this_o hold_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o no_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v officer_n to_o the_o church_n only_o say_v our_o brethren_n and_o they_o say_v they_o be_v constitute_v officer_n by_o the_o church_n allege_v act_n 1._o although_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n be_v neither_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n well_o then_o this_o be_v premise_v suppose_v when_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o congregation_n this_o congregation_n have_v prove_v heretical_a and_o vote_v down_o the_o apostle_n i_o only_o suppose_v it_o and_o supposition_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n be_v a_o tergiversation_n nor_o do_v this_o supposition_n imply_v any_o contradiction_n to_o that_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o he_o will_v preserve_v his_o church_n for_o that_o may_v have_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o apostle_n alone_o i_o now_o quaere_fw-la whether_o in_o this_o case_n the_o apostolical_a office_n have_v be_v null_n or_o no_o if_o they_o affirm_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a assertion_n so_o it_o be_v also_o false_a for_o 1._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o constitute_v by_o man_n and_o therefore_o their_o office_n can_v not_o be_v nullify_v by_o man_n 2._o the_o apostle_n in_o such_o a_o case_n have_v a_o power_n official_o and_o authoritative_o to_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o mat._n 10._o 14._o and_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v you_o nor_o hear_v your_o word_n when_o you_o depart_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n 3._o they_o be_v apostle_n even_o to_o heathen_n to_o be_v
and_o moreover_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o many_o that_o a_o work_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n and_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o care_n do_v lie_v in_o my_o hand_n all_o along_o interfere_v with_o this_o which_o indeed_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n beside_o many_o other_o occasion_n not_o inconsiderable_a which_o be_v needless_a and_o impertinent_a for_o i_o here_o to_o speak_v of_o only_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v here_o mention_v by_o way_n of_o apology_n why_o this_o reply_n come_v forth_o no_o soon_o and_o it_o may_v further_o apologise_v for_o the_o frequent_a defect_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o it_o because_o i_o be_v so_o continual_o encumber_v with_o distract_n care_n about_o other_o affair_n whereof_o i_o have_v many_o witness_n this_o delay_n therefore_o the_o reader_n be_v entreat_v to_o pardon_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o service_n as_o it_o be_v now_o tender_v wherein_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o the_o wise_a to_o observe_v many_o weakness_n yet_o god_n and_o my_o conscience_n be_v my_o compurgator_n that_o i_o have_v manage_v it_o with_o sincerity_n and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v witness_v that_o i_o have_v handle_v it_o with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o moderation_n which_o our_o brethren_n have_v show_v and_o which_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v show_v in_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o for_o the_o success_n of_o this_o work_n as_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o there_o will_v be_v find_v some_o ex_fw-la meliore_fw-la luto_fw-la who_o lay_v aside_o partiality_n will_v own_o the_o evidence_n here_o bring_v and_o yield_v to_o it_o for_o i_o may_v without_o vanity_n say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o evidence_n and_o cogency_n at_o least_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o difference_n so_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o consider_v how_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a most_o be_v and_o unable_a to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v how_o supine_n and_o careless_a the_o generality_n even_o of_o good_a man_n be_v in_o the_o weigh_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o yet_o usual_o such_o as_o be_v least_o know_v be_v most_o confident_a and_o heady_a how_o apt_a the_o most_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n of_o their_o party_n for_o ability_n and_o piety_n how_o deep_o man_n interest_n be_v concern_v herein_o and_o in_o particular_a their_o honour_n in_o not_o seem_v to_o be_v baffle_v and_o desert_v that_o way_n they_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o be_o full_a of_o fear_n lest_o what_o be_v here_o say_v and_o whatever_o be_v speak_v hereafter_o will_v vanish_v into_o the_o air_n without_o any_o success_n however_o this_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o these_o decline_a time_n and_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v useful_a if_o not_o for_o the_o reduction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v go_v astray_o yet_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o settlement_n of_o other_o who_o may_v be_v waver_v herein_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o reader_n principal_o which_o i_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o 1._o weak_a and_o well-minded_a soul_n who_o be_v in_o this_o much_o to_o be_v pity_v that_o be_v insufficient_a to_o see_v by_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o look_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o holy_a pretence_n and_o pious_a end_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v by_o other_o and_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n these_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v follow_v the_o apostle_n direction_n and_o never_o give_v way_n to_o doubtful_a disputation_n but_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o and_o be_v overthrow_v by_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v very_o diligent_a heed_n and_o receive_v not_o more_o then_o ordinary_a assistance_n be_v never_o like_a to_o recover_v themselves_o 2._o proud_a wilful_a and_o self-conceited_a person_n the_o pride_n of_o who_o heart_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o way_n of_o singularity_n and_o will_v oblige_v they_o to_o make_v good_a their_o ground_n their_o motto_n be_v cedo_fw-la nulli_fw-la and_o because_o a_o recess_n from_o their_o receive_a persuasion_n will_v import_v something_o of_o weakness_n and_o humane_a frailty_n they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o great_a worth_n be_v resolve_v and_o unmoveable_a from_o their_o present_a apprehension_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o intelligent_a and_o ingenuous_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n dare_v not_o suppose_v themselves_o beyond_o a_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o always_o have_v a_o eye_n open_a to_o discern_v further_a conviction_n when_o ever_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o keep_v one_o ear_n open_a for_o the_o adverse_a party_n who_o language_n be_v that_o of_o job_n that_o which_o i_o know_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o and_o wherein_o i_o have_v think_v amiss_o i_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o trouble_n upon_o myself_o and_o i_o hope_v as_o to_o person_n of_o this_o allay_n my_o labour_n may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o shall_v detain_v thou_o no_o long_o in_o the_o porch_n but_o let_v thou_o into_o the_o house_n desire_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o thou_o in_o the_o lord_n matthew_n poole_n touch_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o ministry_n concern_v the_o epistle_n prefix_v by_o our_o brethren_n to_o their_o book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o because_o they_o run_v out_o into_o impertinent_a controversy_n concern_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n church_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v needless_a i_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o they_o have_v be_v so_o full_o ventilate_v by_o so_o many_o learned_a author_n as_o hudson_n rutherford_n wood_n cawdrey_n and_o many_o other_o and_o dr_n collings_n in_o particular_a have_v answer_v this_o epistle_n whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o therefore_o i_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o book_n wherein_o i_o shall_v crave_v no_o more_o liberty_n than_o our_o brethren_n take_v and_o i_o shall_v use_v their_o own_o word_n pag._n 1._o though_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o reply_v to_o every_o particular_a yet_o i_o shall_v give_v such_o animadversion_n upon_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o speak_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o i_o shall_v solemn_o promise_v that_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o decline_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o strong_a or_o plausible_a or_o considerable_a but_o only_o such_o passage_n as_o the_o foundation_n be_v shake_v do_v fall_n of_o themselves_o and_o under_o this_o promise_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o follow_v our_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o common_o occasion_n personal_a reflection_n and_o heterogeneous_a excursion_n and_o although_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o cast_v the_o work_n into_o a_o more_o convenient_a mould_n yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v with_o great_a ease_n compare_v their_o book_n and_o the_o answer_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o according_a to_o their_o chapter_n chap._n i._n 1._o they_o question_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o ministry_n and_o here_o to_o pass_v by_o impertinency_n because_o a_o minister_n be_v call_v so_o from_o ministration_n they_o infer_v that_o gift_a man_n who_o ordinary_a work_n or_o call_n be_v to_o preach_v may_v proper_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n pag._n 3._o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o blot_v paper_n with_o contend_v about_o word_n our_o question_n be_v not_o about_o name_n but_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o word_n minister_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o twenty_o person_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o gift_a brother_n who_o work_n or_o call_n be_v to_o preach_v may_v be_v call_v a_o minister_n for_o even_o he_o who_o never_o preach_v if_o he_o any_o other_o way_n minister_v to_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v call_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o their_o own_o argument_n but_o whether_o such_o a_o gift_a brother_n may_v preach_v and_o whether_o the_o title_n minister_n in_o its_o special_a and_o distinct_a acception_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o hold_v the_o negative_a 2._o their_o second_o question_n be_v not_o much_o more_o important_a viz._n whether_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o to_o the_o church_n and_o here_o they_o tax_v the_o assembly_n for_o say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o
convert_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v if_o they_o deny_v it_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o their_o principle_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v according_a to_o they_o the_o adequate_a correlatum_fw-la of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n cease_v they_o must_v needs_o cease_v also_o 2._o ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la and_o see_v they_o allow_v the_o institution_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o people_n 3._o i_o thus_o disprove_v that_o monstrous_a paradox_n that_o which_o render_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n lust_n or_o humour_n to_o nullify_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n the_o authority_n end_n and_o use_v of_o christ_n ambassador_n be_v most_o absurd_a that_o which_o make_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o official_o to_o preach_v peace_n to_o remit_v sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v high_o dangerous_a but_o such_o be_v this_o doctrine_n i_o prove_v the_o minor_a by_o these_o step_n 1._o there_o be_v now_o none_o but_o ordinary_a minister_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n say_v our_o brethren_n consist_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v his_o correlatum_fw-la and_o sublato_fw-la uno_fw-la relatorum_fw-la tollitur_fw-la alterum_fw-la so_o that_o when_o that_o relation_n cease_v his_o ministry_n cease_v 3._o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o dissolve_v that_o relation_n to_o eject_v a_o minister_n so_o say_v our_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v general_o assert_v by_o congregational_a man_n 4._o that_o which_o one_o congregation_n may_v do_v another_o may_v do_v and_o so_o every_o one_o may_v do_v suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v twenty_o and_o but_o twenty_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o each_o of_o these_o resolve_n several_o to_o eject_v their_o minister_n through_o covetousness_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o man_n to_o falsify_v christ_n word_n and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n end_n and_o use_v of_o christ_n ambassador_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o kill_v these_o minister_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o so_o thereby_o as_o well_o as_o by_o our_o way_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o disannul_v the_o promise_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v be_v answer_v in_o that_o case_n that_o the_o bone_n of_o christ_n be_v breakable_a yet_o by_o divine_a providence_n be_v keep_v from_o be_v break_v so_o though_o it_o be_v remotè_fw-la in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o kill_v all_o those_o minister_n yet_o god_n will_v restrain_v they_o from_o the_o act_n of_o kill_v they_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v his_o promise_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o church_n to_o depose_v they_o yet_o god_n will_v hinder_v the_o act_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v the_o case_n be_v whole_o different_a the_o one_o be_v a_o act_n of_o horrid_a violence_n the_o other_o a_o juridical_a act_n and_o here_o be_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n for_o a_o man_n to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o every_o congregation_n a_o juridical_a power_n to_o depose_v their_o minister_n when_o ever_o they_o please_v for_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v be_v leave_v by_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o disannul_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o punish_v a_o officer_n and_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n without_o his_o fault_n and_o without_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n in_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n be_v gospel_n minister_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o people_n upon_o every_o capricio_n when_o ever_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o to_o rob_v a_o godly_a minister_n it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n among_o they_o of_o that_o which_o he_o account_v better_a than_o a_o world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o redress_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v none_o to_o make_v his_o appeal_n to_o how_o secure_a may_v a_o people_n be_v in_o their_o wickedness_n if_o when_o a_o minister_n reprove_v they_o sharp_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o may_v take_v away_o from_o their_o minister_n the_o power_n of_o reclaim_v their_o sin_n or_o official_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o they_o but_o they_o have_v a_o second_o answer_n to_o relieve_v they_o if_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o their_o officer_n do_v not_o nullify_v his_o office_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o of_o right_a still_o over_o that_o church_n as_o their_o officer_n though_o hinder_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o the_o other_o but_o our_o brethren_n have_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o refuge_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o positive_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n to_o annul_v his_o office_n and_o beside_o it_o help_v they_o not_o at_o all_o for_o if_o the_o people_n and_o they_o only_a they_o beyond_o appeal_n have_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n of_o depose_v and_o reject_v their_o minister_n as_o our_o brethren_n hold_v than_o they_o only_o have_v a_o power_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deposition_n be_v just_a or_o unjust_a and_o be_v it_o just_a or_o unjust_a the_o minister_n have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o sentence_n for_o if_o once_o this_o gap_n be_v open_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n that_o a_o person_n judge_v and_o censure_v may_v thwart_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o supreme_a court_n by_o his_o private_a opinion_n it_o will_v introduce_v intolerable_a confusion_n it_o be_v true_a in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v appeal_v to_o god_n and_o find_v comfort_n in_o this_o that_o in_o fero_fw-la dei_fw-la his_o cause_n be_v good_a but_o as_o for_o the_o forum_n humanum_fw-la he_o be_v go_v irrecoverable_o and_o however_o neighbour_a church_n or_o minister_n may_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v and_o rectify_v such_o a_o church_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o own_v he_o as_o their_o minister_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v they_o must_v all_o be_v content_v and_o he_o must_v not_o be_v own_v for_o a_o minister_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o assembly_n i_o shall_v now_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o or_o three_o of_o their_o argument_n their_o chief_a argument_n be_v this_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o pastor_n only_o to_o his_o own_o flock_n but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o pastor_n only_o to_o his_o particular_a church_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o all_o that_o be_v a_o man_n flock_n he_o be_v command_v actual_o to_o feed_v and_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o and_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o act_n 20._o 28._o but_o no_o bishop_n be_v command_v actual_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a church_n ergo_fw-la the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o his_o flock_n p._n 8._o ans._n 1._o the_o major_a of_o the_o first_o syllogism_n be_v untrue_a a_o minister_n be_v a_o pastor_n to_o his_o own_o flock_n especial_o but_o not_o only_o 2._o the_o major_a of_o the_o second_o syllogism_n be_v deny_v a_o minister_n be_v not_o oblige_v actual_o to_o feed_v all_o his_o flock_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v give_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o every_o apostle_n be_v a_o catholic_n pastor_n and_o so_o have_v the_o whole_a church_n for_o his_o flock_n mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o here_o our_o brethren_n be_v consenter_n but_o every_o apostle_n be_v not_o oblige_v actual_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o nation_n they_o neither_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o their_o work_n be_v divide_v among_o they_o the_o circumcision_n be_v more_o especial_o commit_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n to_o paul_n and_o yet_o although_o by_o this_o distribution_n paul_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o feed_v they_o more_o especial_o yet_o he_o have_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o far_o as_o his_o ability_n and_o occasion_n reach_v to_o feed_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o no_o far_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o ordinary_a minister_n though_o they_o be_v especial_o oblige_v to_o feed_v their_o own_o flock_n and_o indeed_o can_v do_v no_o more_o constant_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o feed_v the_o whole_a church_n by_o teach_v and_o consult_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n urge_v formal_o in_o this_o place_n against_o our_o assertion_n but_o