christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v account_n answ_n this_o objection_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v as_o class_n synod_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v the_o lord_n jesus_n must_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o himself_o in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o his_o minister_n must_v receive_v law_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o he_o delegate_n to_o that_o work_n of_o administration_n under_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v other_o look_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o well_o as_o we_o our_o answer_n be_v brief_o &_o plain_o this_o the_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n the_o gift_n and_o power_n belong_v thereto_o be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o therefore_o he_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o yet_o his_o outward_a call_v to_o this_o office_n whereby_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o church_n and_o this_o make_v he_o no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o captain_n by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o general_n choose_v by_o the_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o his_o band._n we_o see_v in_o this_o reply_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o cast_v this_o odium_fw-la upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rank_n we_o with_o separatist_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o stick_v as_o fast_o upon_o the_o class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n reply_n if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n to_o admit_v member_n cast_v out_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o authority_n from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n answ_n if_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n as_o it_o ought_v a_o dim_a sight_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o key_n by_o the_o officer_n authoritative_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o place_n obediential_o follow_v and_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v along_o with_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o his_o law_n and_o cleave_v in_o their_o obedience_n to_o christ_n dissent_v from_o their_o guide_n when_o they_o forsake_v christ_n in_o their_o ministration_n if_o there_o need_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n hereof_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n in_o all_o civil_a administration_n wherein_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o of_o justice_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jurour_n both_o sweet_o concur_v in_o every_o case_n both_o civil_a &_o criminal_a neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o jury_n only_o to_o find_v the_o fact_n do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o some_o answer_n this_o instance_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n that_o award_v answerable_a punishment_n as_o whether_o the_o fact_n be_v simple_a theft_n or_o burglary_n murder_n or_o manslaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o damage_n cost_n in_o civil_a case_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o execution_n authoritative_o may_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n reply_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o shall_v not_o contradict_v your_o wariness_n in_o this_o case_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o such_o as_o he_o appoint_v though_o some_o corruption_n be_v admix_v in_o the_o entrance_n and_o administration_n but_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o what_o need_v there_o be_v or_o use_v of_o this_o note_n we_o see_v not_o our_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o safe_a enough_o but_o it_o seem_v your_o tenderness_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o england_n occasion_v this_o wariness_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o what_o you_o say_v that_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o we_o give_v some_o approbation_n to_o our_o stand_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n merciful_o pass_v over_o our_o many_o corruption_n but_o this_o will_v no_o way_n give_v allowance_n to_o the_o many_o gross_a corruption_n and_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o stand_n and_o administration_n nor_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o any_o in_o such_o corruption_n after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flockis_a not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o bond_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n answ_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o the_o assumption_n that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o distinct_a answer_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o explicate_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o church_n which_o it_o be_v like_a they_o who_o draw_v up_o the_o answer_n have_v former_o do_v have_v the_o time_n then_o be_v as_o critical_a as_o they_o be_v grow_v since_o 1_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o so_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o congregation_n under_o her_o own_o presbytery_n as_o to_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o seal_n many_o congregation_n stand_v under_o one_o common_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v former_o say_v we_o honour_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o godly_a member_n thereof_o 2_o when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n because_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o limit_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o congregation_n only_o whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v but_o of_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_n 3_o when_o we_o say_v that_o where_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n he_o may_v not_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n this_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o they_o or_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o proper_a flock_n the_o office_n be_v as_o we_o say_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n such_o a_o state_v power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n he_o have_v not_o to_o those_o of_o other_o congregation_n partake_v in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o another_o church_n yet_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o power_n or_o precaria_fw-la potestâ—…s_fw-la charitative_o to_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o those_o in_o a_o other_o church_n over_o who_o he_o be_v no_o officer_n we_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v but_o then_o this_o act_n of_o power_n be_v not_o towards_o they_o as_o over_o his_o own_o flock_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a to_o we_o 1._o that_o a_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v no_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o church_n as_o not_o be_v his_o proper_a flock_n for_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o pastor_n at_o large_a without_o power_n
it_o and_o see_v such_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o it_o increase_v and_o such_o press_v the_o same_o to_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o church_n so_o many_o fall_n so_o many_o weak_a one_o stagger_v and_o look_v at_o the_o example_n of_o their_o guide_n if_o now_o when_o all_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o with_o zeal_n and_o detestation_n a_o minister_n godly_a and_o able_a will_v use_v any_o part_n of_o it_o with_o offence_n etc._n etc._n we_o suppose_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v and_o leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o godly_a may_v lawful_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o call_v back_o your_o sharp_a censure_n of_o such_o withdraw_a as_o you_o conclude_v this_o passage_n withal_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v appeal_v to_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o minister_n and_o their_o late_a and_o godly_a directory_n herein_o reply_n five_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scruple_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o no_o society_n under_o heaven_n for_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n which_o hold_v all_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_a form_n unlawful_a say_v with_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o other_o inconceive_v prayer_n if_o they_o give_v too_o little_a honour_n to_o it_o as_o conceive_v the_o other_o lawful_a or_o sinful_o limit_v themselves_o to_o one_o stint_a form_n though_o conceive_v at_o first_o by_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o must_v entreat_v the_o christian_a reader_n still_o to_o carry_v in_o mind_n with_o what_o tenderness_n we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o upon_o what_o consideration_n we_o dare_v not_o whole_o excuse_v and_o clear_v such_o join_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o think_v these_o reason_v will_v be_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v take_v so_o as_o to_o justify_v such_o rigid_a principle_n as_o these_o be_v we_o hearty_o join_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o such_o advance_n of_o small_a difference_n will_v indeed_o bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n and_o we_o be_v far_o we_o hope_v from_o any_o such_o meaning_n if_o our_o answer_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o passage_n give_v just_a advantage_n to_o such_o separation_n we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v satisfy_v the_o ingenuous_a and_o christian_a reader_n reply_n six_o we_o have_v credible_o hear_v that_o you_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n without_o acknowledge_v of_o their_o error_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o member_n or_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n though_o you_o profess_v you_o approve_v not_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o if_o in_o godly_a wisdom_n you_o can_v see_v ground_n to_o join_v with_o they_o we_o marvel_n you_o shall_v be_v so_o timorous_a in_o this_o particular_a answ_n although_o in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n that_o reject_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o church_n and_o their_o minister_n as_o no_o true_a minister_n yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o such_o there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n whence_o we_o grant_v it_o may_v follow_v that_o we_o can_v have_v communion_n in_o god_n worship_n with_o man_n of_o several_a judgement_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v just_o timorous_a of_o join_v or_o approve_v other_o to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n etc._n etc._n we_o think_v these_o thing_n have_v not_o the_o same_o face_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v peaceable_o with_o we_o we_o can_v well_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o we_o have_v also_o with_o other_o that_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a of_o the_o church_n and_o way_n of_o it_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o approve_v their_o opinion_n nor_o conform_v to_o any_o of_o their_o corrupt_a practice_n reply_n seven_o if_o to_o administer_v in_o a_o stint_a form_n be_v scandalous_a to_o such_o as_o separate_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v not_o give_v and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v in_o their_o error_n the_o truth_n be_v not_o prejudice_v needless_a scruple_n occasion_v etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o this_o be_v from_o the_o question_n for_o we_o dispute_v of_o your_o liturgy_n not_o of_o any_o liturgy_n or_o stint_v form_n 2_o take_v in_o the_o case_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n as_o before_o declare_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v scandal_n may_v be_v give_v at_o least_o we_o put_v the_o case_n of_o a_o scandal_n real_o give_v 3_o how_o far_o a_o man_n in_o some_o case_n of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n may_v do_v a_o thing_n the_o rather_o for_o such_o reason_n though_o other_o take_v offence_n we_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o if_o for_o meat_n or_o by_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n as_o another_o account_n unclean_a we_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o brother_n stumble_v etc._n etc._n rom._n 14_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o how_o dangerous_a then_o to_o use_v such_o corrupt_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o when_o a_o weak_a brother_n stumble_v at_o they_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o judge_n we_o doubt_v it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n prescribe_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o chap._n iii_o 3_o position_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n 4_o that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n reply_n what_o be_v here_o premise_a to_o prevent_v mistake_n do_v seem_v more_o to_o raise_v then_o to_o abate_v scruple_n you_o refuse_v not_o all_o communion_n with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o church-member_n and_o so_o much_o they_o profess_v who_o former_o have_v go_v for_o and_o profess_v themselves_o separatist_n from_o our_o assembly_n you_o do_v not_o appropriate_v these_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_v only_o to_o member_n of_o your_o own_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o mean_v only_o that_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n be_v true_a for_o substance_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v confess_v of_o rome_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n your_o judgement_n be_v against_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a church_n answ_n we_o see_v not_o how_o such_o scruple_n can_v be_v raise_v without_o great_a mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n our_o expression_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o distinct_a for_o 1_o what_o if_o some_o separatist_n admit_v private_a communion_n with_o such_o yet_o they_o reject_v your_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o null_n which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v refuse_v also_o such_o private_a communion_n 2_o we_o marvel_n how_o you_o can_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o mistake_n as_o to_o suppose_v we_o only_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o church_n when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o concern_v those_o we_o admit_v to_o the_o seal_n which_o plain_o show_v we_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n 3_o concern_v fellowship_n with_o those_o church_n we_o may_v admit_v member_n of_o they_o to_o the_o seal_n with_o we_o when_o we_o can_v always_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o administration_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o sinful_a corruption_n wherein_o we_o must_v have_v actual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o yourselves_o will_v not_o join_v in_o case_n you_o must_v kneel_v at_o the_o lords-supper_n 4_o concern_v the_o dilemma_n we_o answer_v 1_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o cross_v to_o this_o profession_n for_o such_o as_o come_v recommend_v from_o foreign_a church_n and_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v we_o do_v receive_v and_o such_o as_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o all_o relation_n to_o english_a church_n and_o live_v among_o we_o we_o have_v look_v at_o as_o scatter_a stone_n till_o they_o join_v some_o where_o in_o a_o church_n and_o themselves_o general_o
so_o judge_v of_o themselves_o but_o if_o any_o will_v hold_v to_o their_o membership_n in_o england_n and_o come_v orderly_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o under_o that_o notion_n refuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o exclude_v not_o the_o english_a church_n out_o of_o the_o number_n and_o herein_o we_o deal_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o then_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n reply_n all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v so_o you_o deny_v not_o church_n privilege_n to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a nor_o the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o such_o as_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o question_v nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o 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appear_v by_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o any_o such_o universal_a church_n as_o institute_v and_o political_a wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v which_o reason_n you_o answer_v not_o but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n in_o our_o sense_n pag._n 21._o and_o if_o no_o such_o church_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v administer_v as_o we_o prove_v than_o the_o cause_n itself_o be_v yield_v and_o the_o seal_n must_v belong_v to_o particular_a church_n 2_o see_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o this_o question_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n to_o what_o church_n the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o open_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o because_o we_o affect_v and_o study_v peace_n with_o truth_n we_o shall_v free_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a effectual_o call_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o visible_a believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o one_o body_n to_o he_o he_o govern_v protect_a instruct_v all_o as_o his_o visible_a body_n second_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v appear_v the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o three_o we_o grant_v that_o all_o true_a believer_n wherever_o they_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o here_o we_o must_v first_o distinguish_v of_o these_o benefit_n of_o christ_n whereof_o some_o be_v mere_o 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visible_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o seal_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la visibili_fw-la now_o here_o lie_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o all_o these_o outward_a visible_a privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o immediate_o enjoy_v of_o the_o faithful_a or_o whether_o not_o the_o remote_a right_n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o sure_o to_o who_o one_o of_o these_o be_v give_v all_o be_v give_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n reason_n and_o use_v of_o all_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n discipline_n all_o be_v outward_a ordinance_n privilege_n 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etc._n as_o flow_v from_o his_o spiritual_a relation_n unto_o they_o yea_o and_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o all_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o manner_n yet_o we_o say_v institute_v privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n but_o be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n mediate_o and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n ordain_v and_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_o require_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o the_o church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n yet_o both_o the_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o 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etc._n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n falls_z flat_a to_o the_o ground_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v then_o be_v in_o family_n only_o now_o as_o it_o be_v about_o abraham_n time_n proposition_n 6_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o great_a dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o to_o what_o church_n the_o actual_a administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n belong_v do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n unity_n visibility_n or_o any_o other_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o the_o true_a state_n lie_v here_o concern_v the_o nature_n order_n form_n of_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o christ_n jesus_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v reduce_v his_o visible_a member_n unto_o for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n and_o therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly-learned_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o conceive_v many_o large_a dispute_n in_o this_o question_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o issue_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o intend_v for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n as_o mr._n ball_n say_v be_v one_o that_o have_v part_v visibiles_fw-la be_v a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la 2_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o totum_fw-la genericum_fw-la in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n as_o species_n specialissimae_fw-la of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o general_a which_o respect_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o sense_n we_o free_o consent_v unto_o but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la as_o some_o contend_v though_o we_o conceive_v in_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o entangle_v in_o their_o own_o logical_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o can_v get_v out_o without_o break_v they_o and_o fly_v to_o theological_a consideration_n yet_o we_o say_v what_o if_o that_o also_o be_v attain_v 3_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n also_o the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la 4_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v also_o by_o such_o dispute_n that_o the_o key_n and_o officer_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v first_o to_o this_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_v we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o what_o our_o brethren_n contend_v for_o be_v by_o all_o this_o obtain_v for_o first_o if_o the_o universal_a number_n of_o visible_a believer_n be_v one_o totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v one_o institute_v and_o political_a society_n that_o can_v enjoy_v visible_a communion_n together_o in_o visible_a worship_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o more_o hard_a to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o govern_v as_o one_o totum_fw-la second_o what_o though_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o they_o and_o constitute_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o one_o political_a body_n before_o they_o combine_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n three_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v first_o give_v the_o key_n ordinance_n promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o christ_n first_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o what_o else_o soever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o christ_n look_v at_o this_o catholic_n church_n first_o as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a he_o ordain_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o cause_n for_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n so_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o priority_n the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a as_o visible_a for_o christ_n no_o doubt_n first_o intend_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v all_o ordain_v rather_o then_o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o contain_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o key_n and_o institute_v ordinance_n belong_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o invisible_a church_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la can_v be_v that_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n belong_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n quâ_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la catholic_n can_v be_v this_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o intention_n be_v last_o in_o execution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o christ_n propound_v this_o end_n to_o himself_o to_o gather_v edify_v perfect_a sanctify_v save_v his_o catholic_n church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o &_o 5.26_o and_o therefore_o institute_n all_o ordinance_n as_o mean_n to_o far_o and_o attain_v this_o great_a design_n but_o in_o execution_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o give_v the_o key_n and_o ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n to_o any_o form_n of_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o institute_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o will_v prove_v the_o least_o society_n soon_o than_o a_o great_a and_o see_v our_o brethren_n otherwise_o mind_v make_v much_o use_n of_o simile_n in_o this_o dispute_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o illustrate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o a_o similitude_n â—…tly_o to_o make_v our_o conceiving_n the_o more_o plain_a to_o all_o who_o edification_n we_o seek_v and_o partly_o to_o discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o many_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o because_o similia_fw-la arguunt_fw-la fidemque_fw-la faciunt_fw-la as_o he_o say_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o right_o apply_v we_o will_v therefore_o propound_v it_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n the_o similitude_n be_v this_o genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o as_o the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n and_o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o catholic_n number_n of_o
may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n object_n 1_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o first_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a object_n 2_o if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o ephes_n 1.22_o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o
will_v never_o meet_v to_o combine_v but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o visible_a number_n of_o saint_n we_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o scripture_n because_o we_o conceive_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o lie_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v answer_v the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o hope_v will_v scatter_v the_o darkness_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o divers_a other_o scripture_n which_o be_v draw_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o catholic_n church_n as_o rom._n 12.4_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.25_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—…_n ephes_n 4.11_o in_o which_o last_o scripture_n we_o never_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v give_v not_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n only_o much_o less_o to_o such_o a_o diminutive_a congregation_n consist_v of_o 40_o 60_o or_o 100_o only_a as_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o iâ—…pawn_v all_o power_n in_o this_o or_o that_o congregational_a body_n but_o to_o a_o congregationall_a church_n consider_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o to_o this_o congregationall_a church_n only_o but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o do_v this_o argue_v one_o political_a body_n consist_v of_o all_o these_o for_o though_o veâ—…s_o 16._o the_o whole_a body_n be_v say_v to_o be_v compact_v yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o political_a not_o spiritual_a way_n of_o compact_v we_o confess_v with_o submission_n our_o weakness_n can_v apprehend_v the_o last_o scripture_n which_o we_o find_v cite_v that_o seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o feed_v the_o flock_n which_o be_v among_o you_o answ_n 1_o we_o answer_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v distributive_o for_o the_o several_a flock_n in_o all_o those_o country_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o their_o particular_a elder_n not_o collective_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o one_o flock_n in_o common_a for_o the_o country_n be_v so_o many_o and_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a yea_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a parallel_n james_n 2.2_o where_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o assembly_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v collective_o as_o if_o they_o have_v one_o assembly_n among_o they_o all_o but_o distributive_o of_o any_o assembly_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v call_v a_o flock_n not_o flock_n yet_o this_o as_o râ—…imes_o observe_v be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v one_o flock_n real_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n which_o also_o he_o expound_v to_o be_v per_fw-la internam_fw-la we_o have_v rather_o say_v spiritualem_fw-la unionem_fw-la but_o not_o per_fw-la externam_fw-la combinationem_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o which_o spiritual_a union_n that_o be_v true_a which_o mr._n ball_n cit_v out_o of_o cyprian_a 7._o etsi_fw-la pastor_n multi_fw-la sumus_fw-la unam_fw-la tamen_fw-la gregâ—…m_fw-la pascimus_fw-la as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la in_o â—…oto_fw-la mundo_fw-la hence_o also_o may_v appear_v a_o answer_n to_o divers_a argument_n the_o chief_a whereof_o we_o shall_v run_v through_o objection_n 1_o if_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n answ_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a of_o all_o age_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n political_a body_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v for_o then_o every_o baptize_v person_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v a_o oar_n in_o every_o boat_n in_o elect_a officer_n admit_v member_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n which_o mr._n ball_n will_v not_o grant_v and_o indeed_o will_v bring_v in_o endless_a confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beside_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o combine_a society_n without_o their_o consent_n for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o may_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n because_o baptize_v as_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o objection_n 2_o when_o any_o scandalous_a person_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o he_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o who_o be_v never_o within_o answ_n 1_o some_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o only_o consequenter_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v take_v away_o by_o say_v that_o as_o when_o the_o left_a hand_n cut_v off_o a_o finger_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o the_o left_a hand_n only_o that_o cut_v it_o off_o but_o the_o whole_a man_n deliberate_a reason_n and_o will_n consent_v for_o if_o this_o similitude_n will_v suit_v than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o consult_v and_o consent_v antecedenter_n before_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v cut_v off_o any_o member_n which_o ordinary_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v 2_o but_o further_o according_a to_o our_o former_a principle_n lay_v down_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n he_o be_v moral_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o all_o but_o not_o political_o and_o formal_o for_o to_o excommunicate_v political_o and_o formal_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n next_o under_o christ_n so_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o act_n the_o minister_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o person_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n charge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o one_o church_n put_v forth_o such_o a_o act_n of_o superior_a authority_n bind_v or_o charge_v all_o church_n politicè_fw-la and_o judicialitâ—…r_v not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o for_o so_o one_o church_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o all_o church_n and_o that_o without_o their_o actual_a approbation_n for_o quod_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d debat_fw-la ob_fw-la 〈◊〉_d approbari_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v excommunicate_a by_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o intrinsicall_a in_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o be_v that_o intrinsicall_a power_n be_v it_o natural_a or_o voluntary_a to_o say_v it_o be_v natural_a be_v too_o absurd_a it_o voluntary_a than_o neither_o congregation_n class_n province_n nation_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o previous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o must_v voluntary_o concur_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o catholic_n presbytery_n as_o 〈◊〉_d say_v have_v no_o next_o but_o a_o a_o remote_a power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o remote_a power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o rare_a contingens_fw-la or_o almost_o never_o than_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o be_v not_o from_o a_o intrinsâ—…call_a power_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o power_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o part_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v first_o in_o the_o man_n then_o in_o the_o eye_n yet_o not_o derive_v from_o hand_n leg_n shoulder_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v intrinsical_v light_n in_o every_o part_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o so_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n in_o point_n that_o several_o concern_v the_o same_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o every_o particular_a congregation_n receive_v its_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o any_o presbytery_n or_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n independent_a neither_o also_o can_v congregation_n derive_v the_o power_n seat_v in_o they_o to_o presbytery_n nor_o any_o great_a body_n take_v it_o from_o they_o second_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o be_v there_o proper_o seat_v by_o christ_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o political_a church_n classical_a provincial_n national_n or_o catholic_n that_o have_v any_o such_o intrinsical_a power_n as_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n this_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v to_o our_o understanding_n we_o deny_v â—…ot_v the_o use_n of_o lesser_a and_o great_a synodâ—…_n
concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la mar._n faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v tertullian_n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2.41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16.40_o &_o 17.5_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2.41_o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v
believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz._n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v send_v and_o give_v to_o the_o world_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o disciple_n servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n answ_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a scope_n first_o to_o prove_v the_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o which_o be_v answer_v afore_o second_o that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o confess_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o there_o be_v a_o covenâ—…nting_n between_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v personal_a and_o so_o whosoever_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o faith_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherâ—…in_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n
of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o assertion_n seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a to_o fall_v from_o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absuâ—…dities_n and_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o man_n may_v set_v up_o as_o many_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o please_v if_o the_o people_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n visible_o at_o least_o the_o archdeacon_n with_o his_o commissary_n priest_n churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o his_o cathedral_n with_o his_o clergy_n or_o any_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o other_o form-soev_a man_n will_v devise_v may_v go_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v discipline_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n second_o upon_o this_o ground_n every_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v in_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o as_o such_o the_o sealâ—…_n belong_v and_o send_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o may_v have_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n administer_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n discipline_n also_o yea_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o as_o you_o say_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v together_o in_o their_o travail_n at_o a_o inn_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o every_o christian_a family_n iâ—…_n the_o church_n for_o they_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n join_v daily_o in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n obedient_a unto_o the_o commandâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n why_o not_o call_v for_o a_o minister_n and_o have_v seal_n ordinary_o dispense_v to_o they_o three_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o company_n of_o christian_a woman_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_n â—…_n belong_v and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o all_o orderly_a dispensation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v overturn_v by_o this_o assertion_n we_o very_o believe_v this_o author_n be_v far_o from_o admit_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o position_n itself_o will_v unavoidable_o enforce_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o impute_v this_o assertion_n to_o any_o inconsiderateness_n through_o heat_n of_o disputation_n for_o if_o any_o shall_v maintain_v the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o people_n with_o god_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v visible_a church_n and_o not_o admit_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o public_a or_o general_a covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christianâ—…_n be_v make_v one_o people_n join_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o walk_v together_o in_o his_o wayâ—…_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o here_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o admit_v all_o form_n of_o church_n and_o all_o family_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v church_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o the_o confution_n object_v which_o we_o desire_v may_v well_o be_v consider_v all_o your_o argument_n stand_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o that_o conclusion_n to_o make_v all_o such_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_v belong_v as_o the_o absurd_a consequence_n thereof_o show_v these_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n some_o of_o they_o will_v prove_v they_o fit_a matter_n for_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o they_o will_v not_o prove_v every_o society_n of_o such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n have_v immediate_a right_n to_o have_v the_o seal_v dispense_v unto_o they_o reply_n five_o if_o it_o be_v graâ—…ted_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o be_v member_n of_o such_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o every_o visible_a believer_n profess_v the_o pure_a entire_a faith_n admit_v to_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v the_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v to_o new-england_n shall_v desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o themselves_o admit_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n among_o you_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o here_o express_v for_o the_o substance_n however_o some_o reason_n speak_v unto_o before_o intermix_v we_o pass_v over_o and_o to_o your_o question_n we_o frame_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o your_o own_o word_n for_o first_o you_o grant_v that_o if_o such_o member_n have_v renounce_v that_o society_n wherein_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o all_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o renounce_v the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o and_o give_v they_o suck_v as_o no_o true_a church_n yet_o see_v they_o be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a many_o way_n as_o they_o can_v neither_o enjoy_v some_o needful_a ordinance_n nor_o partake_v in_o those_o they_o have_v without_o sin_n they_o have_v therefore_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o membership_n in_o they_o and_o so_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n here_o can_v take_v they_o as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o under_o that_o respect_n second_o if_o any_o yet_o have_v not_o so_o far_o renounce_v those_o church_n they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o orderly_o recommend_v unto_o we_o which_o also_o you_o grant_v aught_o to_o be_v and_o indeed_o otherwise_o we_o may_v oft_o receive_v person_n just_o excommunicate_a or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o church_n any_o where_o or_o otherwise_o under_o great_a offence_n as_o frequent_a example_n among_o ourselves_o do_v sheâ—…e_v though_o the_o church_n may_v think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o what_o else_o follow_v in_o this_o paragraph_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o much_o of_o it_o in_o word_n also_o that_o we_o have_v answer_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o and_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o after_o as_o for_o that_o you_o desire_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o that_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o distinct_a church_n name_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v congregationall_a society_n we_o shall_v consider_v as_o follow_v reply_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n as_o in_o samaria_n jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n answ_n although_o we_o expect_v not_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n against_o the_o currant_n tenent_n of_o our_o godly_a reformer_n baine_n parker_n etc._n etc._n with_o who_o we_o join_v and_o we_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o beat_a objection_n of_o the_o prelate_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o digression_n the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n to_o edification_n then_o there_o be_v some_o other_o form_n of_o a_o church_n beside_o congregationall_a but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n answ_n
of_o office_n and_o the_o power_n that_o a_o pastor_n have_v over_o other_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v he_o their_o officer_n who_o thereby_o become_v his_o proper_a flock_n hence_o he_o have_v no_o power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o flock_n unless_o he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n e._n g._n a_o minister_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la &_o as_o a_o pastor_n not_o bare_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o may_v preach_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o edificaon_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o convert_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o intend_v but_o to_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o preach_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o christ_n have_v sheep_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n proper_a flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o intend_v their_o gather_n in_o as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o flock_n again_o as_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o office_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o believer_n so_o also_o he_o may_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la shut_v it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n that_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 10.14_o jer._n 1.10_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n again_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o his_o his_o own_o congregation_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n last_o a_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n may_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n occasional_o to_o those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o poor_a of_o another_o church_n yet_o be_v no_o officer_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o captain_n of_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o over_o his_o own_o band_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o subdue_v enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o those_o that_o submit_v a_o steward_n be_v a_o officer_n over_o his_o master_n family_n not_o over_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o his_o lord_n table_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v clear_a but_o now_o whether_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o occasional_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o a_o state_v presbytery_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o in_o all_o such_o act_n the_o church_n still_o keep_v her_o power_n in_o she_o own_o hand_n while_o the_o minister_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o at_o her_o desire_n and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o necessity_n neither_o do_v this_o make_v a_o minister_n a_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o pastoral_a office_n consist_v in_o take_v charge_n of_o a_o people_n and_o have_v power_n of_o authority_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o towards_o his_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v include_v neither_o of_o these_o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o may_v set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n over_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o may_v combine_v &_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n the_o first_o be_v their_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n not_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o may_v ordinary_o feed_v teach_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o rule_v they_o the_o end_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o submit_v to_o other_o who_o may_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o look_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o join_v together_o to_o set_v one_o pastor_n over_o they_o successive_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o pluralist_n and_o the_o bramble_n the_o king_n of_o tree_n nor_o yet_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o as_o in_o the_o first_o ambitious_a time_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o power_n over_o all_o single_o but_o under_o all_o joint_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o many_o pastor_n who_o by_o their_o plurality_n of_o vote_n may_v whole_o drown_v that_o power_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o last_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v desire_v the_o benefit_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o other_o office_n occasional_o that_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v do_v it_o constant_o no_o more_o then_o because_o they_o may_v desire_v sundry_a minister_n to_o preach_v among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o live_v altogether_o without_o any_o of_o their_o own_o now_o for_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n although_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o sense_n explain_v may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o other_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n yet_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o congregation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o question_n reply_n now_o to_o remove_v those_o 2013_o objection_n of_o mr._n ball_n which_o only_o reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v reply_v the_o 8._o when_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o labour_v the_o come_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o god_n these_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o elder_n ordinary_o in_o the_o city_n though_o the_o number_n may_v be_v so_o great_a in_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o either_o the_o pastor_n must_v baptise_v they_o be_v no_o member_n or_o they_o must_v remain_v without_o baptism_n till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n and_o choose_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n which_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o will_v ease_v the_o difficulty_n viz._n the_o pastor_n may_v baptize_v they_o unto_o their_o own_o congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o number_n do_v not_o exceed_v beyond_o edification_n and_o then_o divide_v their_o number_n may_v make_v divers_a church_n of_o one_o and_o they_o call_v pastor_n over_o they_o and_o so_o we_o see_v act._n 2._o they_o add_v 3000._o and_o after_o more_o till_o they_o be_v scatter_v and_o when_o peace_n be_v restore_v act._n 9_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o edify_v but_o multiply_v verse_n 3._o and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o 9_o reply_n be_v also_o take_v away_o reply_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o seal_n in_o another_o more_o than_o the_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v answ_n we_o have_v before_o show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o which_o warrant_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n to_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16.1_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o
ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o such_o a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o same_o and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o hold_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appearâ—…_n first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v not_o learned_a answ_n the_o proposition_n we_o see_v be_v grant_v yet_o it_o be_v obscure_v divers_a way_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v these_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n true_o but_o where_o not_o in_o any_o place_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n second_o what_o faith_n not_o only_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o withal_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o
reply_n if_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o circumcise_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a answ_n the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o baptize_v in_o every_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v give_v only_o to_o visible_a member_n of_o that_o institute_v visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v allege_v many_o more_o different_a reason_n between_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o those_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v it_o will_v little_o avail_v in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o shall_v consider_v your_o difference_n particular_o reply_n first_o if_o ever_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o may_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o so_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o then_o baptize_v mat._n 3.7_o john_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n answ_n there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n in_o this_o as_o be_v object_v for_o abraham_n family_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o circumcision_n be_v give_v only_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o when_o john_n baptize_v he_o baptize_v the_o member_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n in_o covenant_n before_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o baptism_n be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o so_o many_o as_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n concern_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n now_o come_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n remain_v yet_o member_n of_o that_o church_n second_o though_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v erect_v in_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o he_o do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a church_n can_v be_v gather_v by_o john_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n of_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o according_a to_o that_o state_n be_v make_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n already_o come_v to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v appropriate_v as_o for_o the_o instance_n act._n 2.37_o etc._n etc._n and_o 8.37_o and_o 10.47_o 48._o they_o be_v speak_v to_o before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n second_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o be_v circumcise_v but_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n answ_n first_o this_o difference_n make_v little_a to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o that_o will_v be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n and_o so_o now_o second_o in_o after_o time_n no_o doubt_n every_o true_a proselyte_n fear_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o if_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o seek_v it_o there_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a yea_o where_o shall_v they_o profess_v their_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o proselyte_n of_o old_a do_v your_o three_o difference_n be_v oft_o press_v and_o answer_v before_o reply_n four_o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o that_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v come_v of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o peculiarity_n or_o respect_n answ_n this_o difference_n be_v of_o little_a moment_n neither_o will_v it_o hold_v for_o first_o though_o that_o and_o other_o promise_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o abraham_n family_n yet_o circumcision_n seal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o to_o they_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n now_o do_v second_o this_o peculiar_a respect_n you_o speak_v of_o no_o way_n hinder_v the_o join_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o abraham_n family_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n afterward_o of_o any_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o now_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n three_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v because_o although_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o other_o yet_o not_o establish_v nor_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o and_o hence_o if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o must_v join_v in_o this_o which_o also_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o church-covenant_n with_o all_o that_o will_v become_v a_o people_n to_o he_o to_o this_o day_n the_o first_o difference_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chap._n ix_o consid_n 4._o reply_n to_o the_o four_o consideration_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n either_o as_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v they_o or_o as_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o second_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n whereof_o visible_a beleiver_n not_o in_o church_n order_n be_v capable_a but_o not_o subject_a to_o common_a censure_n in_o your_o sense_n answ_n this_o distinction_n be_v needless_a our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v object_v against_o the_o first_o to_o the_o instance_n object_v against_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o answer_v first_o concern_v the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o censure_n whensoever_o they_o offend_v the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v though_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v innocent_o they_o need_v they_o not_o second_o member_n of_o any_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v subject_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o censure_n though_o not_o in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o in_o the_o proposition_n 2._o also_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o censure_n mediate_o by_o and_o in_o that_o other_o church_n if_o they_o there_o offend_v for_o that_o church_n may_v admonish_v and_o prosecute_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o refuse_v society_n with_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n who_o can_v be_v prosecute_v to_o excommunication_n in_o any_o place_n three_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n have_v a_o special_a communion_n in_o they_o in_o which_o respect_v other_o do_v not_o share_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n or_o peculiar_a ordinance_n wherein_o none_o but_o the_o church_n may_v share_v for_o a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n be_v cultus_fw-la naturalis_fw-la say_v amen_o unto_o the_o same_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v cultus_fw-la institutus_fw-la reply_n second_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o now_o the_o privilâ—…dge_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o examine_v himself_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n in_o any_o
society_n where_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 4.47_o deut._n 16.1_o 1._o answ_n this_o seem_v to_o touch_v the_o question_n itself_o rather_o than_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o four_o consideration_n but_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v 1._o here_o you_o grant_v that_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v baptize_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o accept_v as_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o question_n unaware_o 2._o if_o you_o mean_v that_o such_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o all_o church_n where_o he_o come_v we_o grant_v so_o far_o as_o nothing_o in_o he_o just_o hinder_v but_o if_o you_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v baptize_v into_o all_o church_n so_o as_o to_o challenge_v a_o right_n of_o membership_n in_o they_o all_o we_o deny_v it_o as_o a_o position_n that_o will_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v 3._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptize_v person_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o &_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o baptize_v person_n for_o then_o a_o papist_n convert_v to_o the_o truth_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o church_n before_o he_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o faith_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o baptize_v person_n and_o we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o excommunicate_a penitent_a 4._o we_o grant_v that_o a_o baptize_v person_n be_v not_o only_o baptize_v in_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v first_o a_o member_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o initiation_n into_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o than_o he_o must_v be_v rebaptise_v as_o oft_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o another_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o sense_n former_o show_v into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n every_o where_o but_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v immediate_a right_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o when_o he_o be_v sever_v from_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v that_o follow_v not_o for_o as_o he_o have_v this_o latter_a right_n in_o the_o first_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v so_o he_o must_v have_v it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n afterward_o now_o if_o in_o the_o first_o church_n the_o fruition_n of_o ordinance_n come_v by_o orderly_o join_v to_o it_o so_o it_o must_v be_v afterward_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o such_o as_o the_o communion_n be_v such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o union_n he_o that_o will_v have_v political_a communion_n with_o the_o political_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v some_o where_o in_o political_a union_n with_o they_o otherwise_o one_o may_v have_v communion_n in_o all_o church_n &_o yet_o never_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o which_o loose_a walk_n we_o be_v persuade_v christ_n jesus_n will_v not_o allow_v 5_o the_o similitude_n from_o a_o circumcise_a person_n will_v not_o hold_v first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n between_o several_a family_n in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o several_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o rather_o several_a seat_n of_o communicant_n in_o the_o same_o church_n answer_v several_a â—…amilies_n eat_v the_o passover_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n second_o a_o edomite_n circumcise_a though_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o own_o country_n never_o so_o full_o yet_o may_v not_o eat_v the_o passover_n till_o he_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o all_o other_o proselyte_n do_v &_o so_o be_v it_o here_o reply_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o other_o as_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v join_v in_o hear_v and_o prayer_n with_o another_o church_n but_o not_o medale_a in_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o the_o prâ—…position_n be_v not_o so_o evidâ—…nt_a to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v answ_n what_o be_v here_o object_v from_o the_o liberty_n or_o restriction_n of_o church_n member_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o objection_n and_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v good_a for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v 2_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o proposition_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o our_o reason_n nor_o any_o way_n allow_v by_o we_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o power_n to_o admit_v but_o of_o the_o right_a to_o be_v partaker_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v a_o power_n in_o officer_n to_o admit_v member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o the_o seal_n though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 3_o if_o our_o proposition_n seem_v to_o need_v proof_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n because_o those_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n or_o proper_a privilege_n or_o propriety_n of_o the_o church_n as_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n viz._n outward_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n and_o joint_o give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o look_v to_o what_o church_n he_o have_v give_v the_o one_o he_o have_v give_v the_o other_o also_o if_o the_o one_o viz._n censure_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n than_o the_o other_o they_o be_v all_o both_o seal_n and_o censure_n contain_v in_o the_o key_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_n as_o such_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n reply_n that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o peculiar_a congregation_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v answ_n come_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n it_o be_v express_v according_a to_o the_o frequent_a manner_n in_o this_o reply_n in_o such_o term_n as_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o want_v proof_n blame_v not_o we_o our_o assumption_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o church_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n where_o by_o be_v in_o church_n covenant_n we_o mean_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o membership_n in_o any_o true_a church_n as_o in_o our_o answer_n we_o express_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o and_o in_o apply_v hereof_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o such_o be_v simple_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n reply_n first_o it_o do_v oft_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v count_v alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n answ_n this_o objection_n be_v before_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n where_o be_v give_v the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n and_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o reply_n itself_o in_o the_o next_o word_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n understand_v that_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n belong_v to_o their_o infant_n which_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o without_o that_o church_n though_o debar_v unjust_o of_o the_o present_a communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o renounce_v that_o church_n or_o other_o reply_n second_o if_o such_o church_n renounce_v it_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a spiritual_a fellowship_n be_v without_o than_o the_o mâ—…mbers_n of_o one_o church_n be_v without_o unto_o another_o etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o objection_n we_o have_v
of_o right_a and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o pastor_n may_v desire_v the_o seal_n of_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v easy_a for_o in_o desire_v seal_n of_o he_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o ministry_n they_o do_v now_o choose_v he_o however_o at_o first_o they_o oppose_v his_o come_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n whereof_o we_o speak_v reply_n these_o proposition_n be_v allow_v for_o currant_n a_o nation_n or_o people_n plunge_v into_o idolatry_n or_o infidelity_n or_o otherwise_o dischurch_v can_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n recover_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n wherein_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n desire_n or_o expect_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v dispense_v unto_o they_o answ_n what_o shall_v hinder_v if_o the_o whole_a nation_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o recover_v themselves_o into_o church_n indeed_o that_o be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v that_o all_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o recovery_n but_o we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v but_o all_o the_o nation_n or_o so_o many_o as_o be_v awaken_v in_o conscience_n to_o bewail_v their_o apostasy_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n have_v especial_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n several_a company_n of_o christian_n may_v combine_v in_o church_n so_o as_o may_v best_o suit_n with_o their_o edification_n choose_v officer_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n nay_o è_fw-la contra_fw-la our_o protestant_a divine_n as_o chemnitius_n field_n brentius_n whitacher_n luther_n etc._n etc._n make_v people_n power_n of_o elect_v their_o minister_n the_o best_a foundation_n of_o a_o people_n recovery_n of_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o church_n estate_n reply_n the_o five_o proposition_n rise_v beyond_o measure_n that_o no_o christian_a can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o conceive_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o child_n and_o woman_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consent_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n must_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o seem_a sâ—…ellings_n of_o this_o proposition_n will_v easy_o full_a and_o run_v within_o bank_n and_o bound_n if_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n for_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o all_o church_n member_n to_o his_o ministry_n after_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o as_o the_o act_n of_o election_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o think_v a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v over_o again_o whensoever_o a_o member_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o ouâ—…_n meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v and_o be_v so_o take_v woman_n choose_v their_o minister_n that_o be_v voluntary_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v child_n be_v subject_v to_o he_o by_o their_o parent_n the_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v and_o â—…oe_v if_o they_o remain_v under_o his_o ministry_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n you_o have_v or_o can_v suppose_v reply_n here_o you_o say_v people_n must_v join_v in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n before_o they_o can_v lawful_o desire_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n and_o another_o have_v zealous_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o choose_v a_o officer_n not_o train_v up_o and_o try_v in_o debaâ—…ing_n disâ—…ssâ—…g_a câ—…ying_v and_o contrive_v church_n affair_n in_o adâ—…nishing_v â—…châ—…ting_a comfort_a etc._n etc._n lâ—…y_o these_o together_o and_o consider_v how_o long_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o wâ—…t_a god_n ordinance_n answ_n first_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o profession_n in_o the_o latter_a thus_o to_o join_v we_o with_o mr._n robinson_n as_o another_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o may_v dislodge_v their_o thought_n of_o separation_n in_o we_o as_o we_o be_v hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o this_o reply_n we_o think_v will_v not_o so_o close_o join_v we_o with_o such_o they_o will_v have_v we_o part_v from_o and_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n unless_o they_o do_v much_o forget_v themselves_o second_o when_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o hand_n shall_v not_o rash_o be_v lay_v on_o any_o man_n and_o deacon_n the_o low_a office_n shall_v be_v prove_v and_o then_o minister_v be_v find_v blameless_a yea_o he_o say_v and_o these_o also_o prove_v imply_v that_o other_o also_o shall_v be_v so_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o what_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o either_o robinson_n or_o ourselves_o speak_v if_o our_o meaning_n and_o his_o be_v but_o charitable_o take_v if_o his_o word_n be_v overzealous_a to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o do_v otherwise_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o three_o for_o the_o delay_n of_o ordinance_n if_o both_o these_o be_v take_v together_o in_o most_o case_n it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o where_o god_n afford_v able_a and_o fit_a man_n for_o office_n but_o if_o some_o delay_n be_v and_o that_o a_o church_n want_v some_o ordinance_n and_o can_v by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n enjoy_v they_o which_o be_v rare_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o forbear_v some_o ordinance_n a_o while_n then_o miscarry_v in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n upon_o which_o the_o follow_a comfort_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o demand_n follow_v be_v answer_v in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o we_o hope_v not_o with_o word_n but_o proof_n especial_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n in_o the_o first_o consideration_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o such_o christian_n may_v as_o easy_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n for_o a_o time_n as_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o sit_v loose_a from_o it_o for_o transient_a member_n we_o disallow_v not_o reply_n if_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v for_o good_a i_o fear_v we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v that_o ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o answ_n if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o in_o that_o latitude_n we_o intend_v they_o we_o see_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o all_o true_a church_n then_o for_o people_n first_o to_o choose_v their_o minister_n &_o then_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o ancient_a reformer_n it_o be_v true_a many_o corruption_n have_v be_v in_o many_o true_a church_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o oft_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n but_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o argue_v a_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o such_o church_n but_o convince_v only_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o so_o in_o this_o case_n to_o assert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n elect_v officer_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n against_o all_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v that_o this_o conclusion_n rise_v beyond_o measure_n the_o objection_n be_v thus_o answer_v we_o leave_v the_o conclusion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n chap._n xii_o reply_n to_o the_o seven_o consideration_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o differ_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o point_n in_o question_n for_o first_o say_v they_o paul_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n answ_n we_o confess_v the_o same_o reply_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o with_o they_o answ_n the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o call_v it_o not_o but_o the_o
by_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o they_o much_o less_o limit_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o reply_n in_o reason_n this_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o child_n consent_n be_v require_v in_o marriage_n but_o the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v for_o himself_o the_o more_o liberty_n may_v parent_n grant_v the_o less_o able_a the_o more_o watchful_a must_v they_o be_v reply_n this_o similitude_n utter_o fail_v in_o two_o essential_a thing_n that_o concern_v the_o case_n for_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v 1._o because_o a_o child_n be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parent_n who_o right_a be_v such_o that_o a_o child_n can_v lawful_o choose_v without_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o church_n or_o other_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o officer_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n be_v yet_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o marriage_n consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a consent_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o child_n that_o marry_v and_o so_o here_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v must_v lie_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o acceptance_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v not_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o similitude_n confirm_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour_n church_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o the_o scripture_n will_v we_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o or_o admonish_v one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_n to_o every_o singular_a person_n towards_o his_o fellow_n but_o also_o to_o any_o whole_a company_n answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n be_v it_o weak_a or_o strong_a to_o take_v all_o needful_a counsel_n advise_v or_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o work_n but_o if_o church_n or_o other_o shall_v impose_v upon_o any_o church_n any_o officer_n without_o their_o choice_n this_o be_v no_o brotherly_a help_n but_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v junius_n so_o as_o that_o charitatis_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o communione_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v for_o another_o other_o way_n then_o by_o advise_v they_o to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o themselves_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o be_v his_o meaning_n neither_o do_v paul_n rom._n 12.12_o lie_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o usurpation_n but_o only_o of_o mutual_a brotherly_a helpfulnesse_n by_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o policy_n but_o some_o degree_n of_o tyranny_n reply_n it_o be_v a_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o either_o the_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o choose_v or_o be_v fit_a they_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o chocie_n but_o this_o maim_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n in_o his_o call_n answ_n if_o a_o people_n or_o church_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a which_o be_v here_o call_v unfitnesse_n yet_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o and_o they_o make_v a_o orderly_a and_o good_a choice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_v see_v the_o right_n be_v they_o and_o such_o a_o free_a choice_n will_v better_o establish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o godly_a minister_n in_o his_o call_n then_o if_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o able_a minister_n shall_v impose_v he_o without_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o be_v do_v but_o be_v they_o able_a or_o weak_a if_o the_o people_n be_v shut_v out_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v a_o great_a maim_n in_o his_o call_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v nor_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o one_o call_v by_o other_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o nullity_n as_o be_v show_v before_o what_o authority_n have_v he_o to_o minister_v to_o any_o church_n if_o they_o will_v refuse_v he_o or_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o for_o refuse_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o christ_n reply_n the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n be_v both_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n answ_n answ_n what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v dead_a reply_n the_o true_a church_n have_v continue_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v give_v away_o by_o the_o people_n or_o take_v from_o they_o answ_n true_a but_o it_o have_v be_v continue_v by_o the_o after_o consent_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n choose_v by_o other_o else_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v break_v a_o piece_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v other_o to_o themselves_o which_o still_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n be_v in_o the_o people_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disorder_n of_o ancient_a church_n in_o election_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o substance_n where_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v we_o grant_v the_o church_n at_o length_n consent_v to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o who_o the_o true_a right_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v over_o what_o follow_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o we_o may_v object_v against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o discourse_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o your_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o well_o your_o meaning_n if_o this_o be_v your_o mind_n that_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v and_o set_v over_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n aâ—…_n the_o particular_a church_n have_v unity_n with_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a and_o as_o a_o party_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v one_o cujus_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la as_o cyprian_n speak_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v unjust_o cast_v off_o by_o one_o congregation_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o no_o minister_n we_o free_o consent_v but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v only_o by_o right_a a_o minister_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o unjust_o depose_v as_o former_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n he_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o only_o and_o to_o no_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o what_o respect_n soever_o your_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o answ_n first_o if_o our_o meaning_n be_v doubtful_a see_v these_o expression_n do_v not_o well_o suit_n our_o notion_n nor_o full_o enter_v into_o our_o understanding_n we_o shall_v give_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o answer_n distinct_o and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o unjust_a leave_v or_o cast_v off_o a_o minister_n without_o all_o orderly_a proceed_n against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a depose_v he_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o church_n censure_n if_o the_o question_n be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o remain_v every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n by_o right_a a_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v before_o except_o he_o reject_v they_o and_o so_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o but_o if_o the_o question_n speak_v of_o a_o orderly_a censure_n of_o deposition_n unjust_o than_o we_o judge_v of_o that_o case_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o any_o other_o censure_n of_o a_o member_n by_o excommunication_n &_o therefore_o we_o say_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n in_o fâ—…ro_fw-la interno_fw-la before_o christ_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la second_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n he_o have_v still_o right_a true_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o and_o be_v their_o minister_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o a_o member_n unjust_o censure_v have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o membership_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v from_o the_o same_o though_o in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la we_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o in_o their_o account_n he_o be_v no_o minister_n as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o they_o no_o member_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o church_n if_o it_o do_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o depose_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o esteem_v he_o still_o and_o receive_v he_o and_o have_v
our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o boast_v of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n he_o incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v sâ—…ay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fâ—…sting_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o paâ—…tings_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n
etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n over_o look_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n and_o temptation_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o people_n be_v this_o from_o a_o stupid_a senselessness_n or_o desperate_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o we_o or_o we_o or_o want_v of_o natural_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n or_o near_a relation_n no_o sure_o with_o what_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n with_o what_o heart-breaking_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o christian_a friend_n many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o come_v away_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n bring_v so_o many_o ship-loads_a of_o his_o people_n through_o so_o many_o danger_n as_o upon_o eagle's_n wing_n with_o so_o much_o safety_n from_o year_n to_o year_n the_o fatherly_a care_n of_o our_o god_n in_o feed_v and_o clothing_n so_o many_o in_o a_o wilderness_n give_v such_o healthfulness_n and_o great_a increase_n of_o posterity_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n erect_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o in_o so_o few_o year_n bring_v to_o that_o state_n that_o scarce_o the_o like_a can_v be_v see_v in_o any_o of_o our_o english_a colony_n in_o the_o rich_a place_n of_o this_o america_n after_o many_o more_o year_n stand_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v carry_v the_o spirit_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o people_n through_o all_o their_o toilsome_a labour_n want_n difficulty_n loss_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o contentation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o singular_a pity_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n that_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o a_o people_n so_o unworthy_a so_o sinful_a that_o by_o murmur_n of_o many_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o promise_n oppression_n and_o other_o evil_n which_o be_v find_v among_o we_o have_v so_o dishonour_v his_o majesty_n expose_v his_o work_n here_o to_o much_o scandal_n and_o obloquy_n for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o own_v we_o and_o rather_o correct_v we_o in_o mercy_n than_o cast_v we_o off_o in_o displeasure_n and_o scatter_v we_o in_o this_o wilderness_n which_o give_v we_o cause_n with_o mich._n 7._o to_o say_v who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o our_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n even_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n though_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o many_o weakness_n and_o want_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o god_n to_o have_v be_v to_o we_o a_o god_n of_o many_o mercy_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o sweet_a peace_n which_o he_o have_v take_v away_o from_o so_o many_o nation_n yet_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o god_n house_n the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sweet_a unity_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n and_o minister_n increase_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n christian_a government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o many_o other_o mercy_n we_o enjoy_v but_o especial_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n to_o many_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o these_o but_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v persuade_v it_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o object_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o that_o state_n and_o people_n by_o who_o law_n and_o unkind_a usage_n we_o be_v drive_v out_o into_o a_o wilderness_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o desertor_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o hand_n with_o who_o excuse_v we_o if_o we_o now_o speak_v plain_o it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o easy_a unto_o many_o of_o we_o to_o have_v suffer_v then_o to_o have_v adventure_v hither_o upon_o the_o wilderness_n sorrow_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v meet_v withal_o though_o we_o must_v confess_v the_o lord_n have_v sweeten_v it_o beyond_o our_o thought_n and_o utmost_a expectation_n of_o prudent_a man_n but_o pass_v by_o this_o we_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a in_o remove_v that_o apprehension_n that_o we_o be_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v better_a we_o have_v be_v drive_v so_o far_o into_o this_o wilderness_n as_o never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o more_o concern_v our_o affection_n to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o a_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v best_o know_v to_o god_n so_o we_o think_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o man_n not_o only_o here_o by_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o it_o and_o sometime_o solemn_a seeking_n of_o god_n about_o it_o but_o also_o we_o have_v give_v some_o testimony_n thereof_o both_o by_o private_a letter_n and_o the_o public_a motion_n of_o some_o of_o god_n eminent_a servant_n among_o we_o tend_v that_o way_n we_o conceive_v two_o thing_n special_o in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o public_a reformation_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o remove_v the_o first_o be_v our_o practice_n wherein_o we_o seem_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o receive_v to_o our_o church_n only_o visible_a saint_n and_o believer_n this_o we_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n do_v evidence_n this_o to_o all_o that_o we_o think_v reformation_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o purge_v out_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a but_o also_o in_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o such_o profaneness_n and_o sinfulness_n as_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v the_o lord_n weary_a of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n isaiah_n 1_o and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n to_o desire_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o some_o be_v of_o large_a extent_n herein_o than_o other_o this_o hinder_v not_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a this_o day_n have_v discover_v what_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n can_v light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n agree_v together_o popish_a episcopal_a enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o all_o godliness_n and_o reformation_n cleave_v together_o in_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o neither_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n do_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v this_o reformation_n whereby_o any_o shall_v just_o from_o our_o example_n stand_v off_o from_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o public_a work_n it_o be_v true_a where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n relation_n but_o a_o people_n be_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a constitute_v of_o church_n reformation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o first_o constitution_n this_o be_v our_o case_n but_o where_o corrupt_a church_n such_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o congregation_n of_o england_n general_o to_o be_v be_v to_o be_v reform_v there_o we_o conceive_v that_o such_o congregation_n shall_v be_v call_v by_o able_a minister_n unto_o repentance_n for_o former_a evil_n and_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n renew_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v such_o as_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v exclude_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v purge_v out_o if_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o same_o what_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v have_v say_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o this_o our_o profession_n we_o can_v say_v nor_o do_v we_o justify_v but_o we_o know_v nothing_o that_o have_v come_v from_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o godly_a reformer_n or_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v
bellum_fw-la prodigorum_fw-la the_o day_n of_o all_o the_o spendthrift_n and_o of_o all_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v their_o finger_n in_o every_o man_n coffer_n and_o their_o hand_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o they_o who_o they_o have_v hate_v 10._o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o babylonish_n design_n shall_v take_v their_o effect_n can_v we_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o fulfil_v in_o these_o time_n which_o we_o wish_v may_v well_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v may_v chief_o hinder_v this_o close_n be_v that_o point_n of_o church_n government_n which_o concern_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o here_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o distance_n be_v too_o great_a for_o 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o side_n â—…ee_v 〈◊〉_d for_o either_o by_o treatise_n or_o by_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n that_o congregation_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v complete_a church_n especial_o stand_v among_o other_o church_n or_o that_o any_o power_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o administer_v church_n censure_n no_o not_o so_o long_o as_o they_o administer_v right_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o all_o such_o power_n be_v when_o indeed_o from_o the_o church_n though_o in_o word_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o strengthen_v they_o and_o if_o this_o also_o come_v down_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o to_o lesser_a synod_n the_o great_a part_n have_v power_n over_o the_o less_o as_o it_o be_v sure_a divino_fw-la it_o will_v 〈◊〉_d â—…ore_o at_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o here_o to_o say_v of_o the_o distance_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v tell_v we_o see_v or_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o our_o dear_a and_o honour_a brethren_n do_v free_o embrace_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o consultation_n synod_n for_o the_o brotherly_a help_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o weak_a church_n yea_o and_o in_o a_o doctrinal_a way_n to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v refuse_v wholesome_a counsel_n and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o as_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v propound_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o heresay_n but_o on_o the_o bend_a knee_n of_o our_o soul_n entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n to_o consider_v what_o power_n any_o oâ—…_n many_o church_n can_v challenge_v 〈◊〉_d another_o to_o require_v they_o to_o give_v up_o their_o right_n to_o they_o to_o rule_v in_o common_a if_o a_o sister_n church_n purnish_v with_o officer_n shall_v refuse_v the_o same_o or_o what_o rule_n bind_v the_o church_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o any_o such_o civil_a division_n to_o come_v into_o such_o a_o combination_n with_o those_o church_n rather_o thâ—…n_v other_o fit_a but_o refuse_v church_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n we_o think_v the_o more_o voluntary_a and_o free_a such_o consociation_n be_v the_o better_a here_o we_o shall_v be_v hold_n to_o propound_v this_o one_o thing_n viz._n why_o may_v not_o the_o five_o and_o six_o article_n of_o agreement_n public_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n obtain_v among_o our_o brethren_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o the_o treaty_n be_v down_o the_o agreement_n will_v be_v easy_a as_o be_v there_o say_v viz._n ar._n 5._o each_o particular_a church_n have_v she_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o express_a or_o tacit_n consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o a_o particular_a church_n whether_o in_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o in_o admit_v or_o excommunicate_v of_o member_n ar._n 6._o it_o be_v in_o many_o respect_v expedient_a both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o each_o church_n whether_o minister_n or_o people_n and_o for_o the_o right_a govern_n and_o well-being_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n that_o beside_o their_o particular_a assembly_n and_o eldership_n they_o meet_v by_o their_o commissioner_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o great_a assembly_n that_o matter_n that_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n within_o their_o bound_n respective_a may_v with_o common_a advice_n and_o consent_n be_v agree_v upon_o for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o lord_n may_v yet_o have_v such_o a_o mercy_n for_o england_n if_o the_o cry_a sin_n thereof_o be_v not_o still_o impenitent_o against_o this_o glorious_a shine_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n persist_v in_o which_o we_o confess_v be_v our_o great_a fear_n godly_a brethren_n we_o hope_v will_v agree_v if_o england_n sin_n hinder_v not_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o sad_a news_n that_o this_o year_n come_v unto_o our_o ear_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v hardly_o like_a to_o obtain_v so_o much_o jealousy_n there_o be_v lest_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n shall_v cross_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o this_o age_n yea_o that_o general_o there_o be_v no_o more_o regard_n of_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n especial_o in_o personal_a reformation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v never_o make_v that_o many_o reject_v the_o reformation_n they_o seem_v to_o desire_v at_o the_o first_o these_o with_o other_o sad_a thing_n come_v to_o our_o ear_n which_o sadden_fw-mi our_o spirit_n oh_o england_n england_n our_o belove_a england_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_a when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v will_v thou_o still_o return_v the_o lord_n jesus_n gracious_o strive_v with_o thou_o for_o to_o save_v thou_o such_o a_o unkind_a answer_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n reign_n over_o we_o have_v thou_o not_o yet_o learned_a so_o much_o wisdom_n as_o to_o kiss_v the_o son_n no_o not_o now_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n that_o voice_n of_o god_n sound_v oft_o in_o our_o ear_n when_o we_o think_v of_o england_n put_v off_o thy_o ornament_n that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o to_o do_v unto_o thou_o but_o for_o aught_o we_o hear_v the_o pride_n of_o england_n do_v never_o so_o much_o testify_v to_o their_o face_n as_o now_o when_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n be_v more_o suitable_a the_o lord_n humble_a the_o heart_n of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n or_o else_o we_o fear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o how_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v bear_v and_o endure_v that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v but_o what_o do_v we_o thus_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o and_o let_v loose_v our_o pen_n so_o far_o pardon_v we_o beseech_v you_o christian_a reader_n this_o seem_a boldness_n it_o be_v our_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o it_o that_o have_v draw_v these_o thing_n from_o we_o say_v not_o what_o call_v have_v these_o thus_o to_o admonish_v and_o censure_v we_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o will_v do_v only_o to_o ourselves_o but_o faithful_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o hope_v we_o may_v presume_v neither_o have_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o this_o whole_a weighty_a work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o call_v of_o divers_a our_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o voice_n herein_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v we_o accept_v that_o call_v out_o of_o any_o just_a we_o have_v to_o contend_v or_o enter_v the_o list_n of_o disputation_n with_o any_o we_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o our_o dear_a and_o godly_a brethren_n too_o well_o to_o have_v any_o such_o end_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v and_o consider_v any_o return_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o we_o hope_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o must_v profess_v two_o thing_n chief_o incline_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o work_n first_o to_o clear_v up_o such_o truth_n as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o this_o reply_n second_o and_o that_o especial_o hope_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v write_v will_v tend_v rather_o to_o a_o peaceable_a heal_n of_o offence_n and_o difference_n than_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o have_v presume_v to_o preface_n thus_o far_o and_o so_o to_o present_v these_o our_o affectionate_a request_n to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o countryman_n which_o we_o hearty_o recommend_v to_o their_o serious_a
consideration_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n who_o only_o can_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n set_v before_o they_o though_o we_o be_v the_o mean_a and_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o thus_o to_o speak_v to_o our_o dear_a countryman_n yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v we_o into_o the_o ministry_n we_o have_v bestow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o labour_n in_o these_o part_n neither_o we_o hope_v altogether_o in_o vain_a which_o make_v we_o somewhat_o the_o more_o engage_v and_o encourage_v to_o write_v as_o we_o do_v and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v testify_v our_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o peace_n unity_n reformation_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o belove_a england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therein_o we_o commend_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o rest_n from_o new-england_n novemb_n 28._o 1645._o tho._n allin_n tho._n shepard_n advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o reply_n we_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o savour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o unity_n which_o we_o thankful_o acknowledge_v only_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o passage_n 1_o a_o complaint_n make_v against_o some_o stand_a affect_a new-england_n ward_n who_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o as_o if_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o separation_n and_o that_o therefore_o some_o have_v separate_v from_o all_o private_a and_o public_a communion_n there_o other_o from_o all_o public_a but_o not_o from_o private_a other_o from_o the_o sacrament_n only_o allow_v public_a communion_n otherwise_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o church_n fall_v by_o degree_n into_o universal_a pollution_n by_o the_o apostasy_n foretell_v to_o be_v under_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o by_o degree_n it_o recover_v it_o out_o of_o it_o again_o if_o therefore_o separation_n reach_v no_o far_o than_o separation_n from_o sin_n and_o such_o sin_n of_o church_n wherein_o ourselves_o in_o join_v with_o they_o must_v be_v involve_v we_o suppose_v such_o separation_n all_o due_a respect_n and_o love_v reserve_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o church_n themselves_o can_v just_o be_v account_v unwarrantable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o plead_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o far_o than_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n if_o any_o transgress_v these_o bound_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o private_a or_o public_a communion_n in_o england_n we_o must_v profess_v open_o that_o if_o any_o mourn_n for_o it_o we_o be_v or_o will_v be_v companion_n with_o they_o in_o that_o grief_n who_o heart_n bleed_v not_o to_o see_v god_n flock_n scatter_v and_o needless_a rent_n make_v that_o scarce_o truth_n or_o error_n can_v now_o adays_o be_v receive_v but_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o schism_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o gather_n and_o unite_n spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o wide_a conscience_n call_v evil_a good_a and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o evil_n a_o strait_a conscience_n call_v good_a evil_a as_o gerson_n observe_v and_o therefore_o can_v ready_o separate_v even_o from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o rash_a and_o sudden_a man_n be_v grow_v master_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o trouble_v not_o they_o from_o who_o they_o divide_v nor_o whither_o they_o run_v in_o separate_a way_n when_o weak_a yet_o godly_a man_n be_v under_o the_o tenderness_n yet_o much_o darkness_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o timorous_a of_o way_n that_o be_v evil_a grow_v many_o time_n shy_a at_o least_o in_o simplicity_n be_v lead_v from_o way_n that_o afterward_o be_v find_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a it_o be_v the_o usual_a misery_n of_o english_a spirit_n either_o to_o spin_v the_o spider_n web_n and_o swallow_v down_o all_o corruption_n in_o church_n or_o so_o to_o break_v down_o the_o gap_n in_o forsake_v corruption_n utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o church_n themselves_o the_o wine_n of_o causeless_a separation_n have_v a_o spirit_n in_o it_o if_o god_n gracious_o prevent_v not_o that_o hurry_v man_n headlong_o to_o strange_a distance_n that_o in_o separate_n from_o public_a they_o separate_v from_o private_a in_o separate_v from_o corrupt_a church_n as_o no_o church_n they_o separate_v from_o the_o pure_a even_o those_o of_o their_o own_o in_o separate_v from_o pollution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n at_o last_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o storm_a of_o some_o if_o not_o to_o the_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o mourn_v we_o say_v for_o such_o evil_n and_o can_v with_o bend_a knee_n desire_v our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o so_o carry_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o yet_o whole_o forsake_v and_o not_o rather_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n if_o any_o liberty_n can_v be_v procure_v to_o study_v how_o to_o heal_v the_o bleed_a breach_n and_o manifold_a evil_n of_o sick_a and_o sinful_a england_n that_o in_o their_o own_o recovery_n from_o pollution_n the_o whole_a may_v arise_v and_o share_v alike_o with_o they_o therein_o tolerate_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a many_o thing_n amiss_o &_o mourn_v daily_o after_o the_o lord_n till_o such_o time_n come_v wherein_o he_o will_v give_v his_o people_n his_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o purity_n but_o also_o in_o power_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o zach._n 14.9_o over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o look_v not_o upon_o our_o departure_n to_o these_o part_n to_o be_v a_o separation_n rigid_o take_v but_o a_o lawful_a secession_n or_o a_o heavenly_a translation_n from_o corrupt_a to_o more_o pure_a church_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o god_n and_o how_o far_o we_o allow_v of_o separation_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v declare_v 2_o the_o second_o be_v that_o we_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o as_o much_o as_o other_o from_o we_o and_o perhaps_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o we_o answ_n we_o confess_v we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o that_o but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o dissent_v we_o shall_v not_o speak_v the_o truth_n nor_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sinful_a man_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v speak_v to_o his_o praise_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o we_o serve_v with_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o although_o satan_n have_v be_v oft_o busy_a to_o make_v breach_n among_o we_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v hitherto_o general_o if_o not_o all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o we_o and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o many_o where_o ever_o difference_n be_v sow_v yet_o the_o minister_n never_o disagree_v and_o that_o although_o some_o difference_n have_v and_o do_v arise_v before_o their_o convening_n together_o yet_o they_o never_o yet_o meet_v but_o grace_n have_v over-wrestled_n corruption_n peace_n trouble_n and_o truth_n error_n and_o so_o have_v most_o sweet_o accord_v in_o one_o the_o thought_n of_o which_o christ-like_a peaceablenesse_n of_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o it_o oft_o sweeten_v many_o other_o sorrow_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v spare_v herein_o and_o that_o this_o our_o crown_n may_v not_o be_v take_v from_o we_o by_o such_o passage_n suggest_v great_a difference_n as_o these_o be_v now_o for_o the_o reply_n itself_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o book_n reaâ—…y_v at_o hand_n to_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o quotation_n make_v in_o 〈◊〉_d argent_a and_o therefore_o be_v such_o testimony_n 〈◊〉_d cast_v not_o the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o another_o we_o have_v pass_v most_o of_o they_o by_o with_o silence_n it_o have_v also_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o have_v analyse_v more_o orderly_o the_o word_n of_o the_o reply_n then_o as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o but_o because_o we_o will_v not_o do_v the_o least_o wrong_a we_o have_v set_v they_o down_o as_o we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o book_n not_o every_o passage_n for_o that_o be_v needless_a but_o those_o thing_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o observable_a matter_n of_o dispute_n between_o we_o nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a of_o do_v the_o author_n the_o least_o wrong_n in_o set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n as_o hereafter_o you_o find_v they_o we_o confess_v that_o in_o sundry_a of_o our_o
the_o answer_n will_v be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o impertinent_a and_o just_a so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o reason_n though_o the_o corruption_n in_o that_o service_n and_o this_o be_v not_o alike_o we_o grant_v but_o before_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o dis-junction_a let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a here_o once_o for_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o people_n in_o join_v with_o the_o read_n of_o this_o liturgy_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v read_v usual_o by_o such_o idol-priest_n first_o concern_v the_o liturgy_n itself_o if_o you_o respect_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a to_o rip_v up_o what_o for_o matter_n have_v be_v object_v by_o the_o godly_a reformer_n consider_v but_o two_o thing_n object_v strong_o by_o mr._n cartwright_n against_o the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o popish_a massebook_n concern_v which_o he_o affirm_v that_o although_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlawful_a or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o say_v he_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o no_o word_n of_o god_n no_o reason_n nor_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n jewish_n or_o christian_a will_v permit_v we_o to_o use_v the_o same_o form_n and_o ceremony_n viz._n with_o papist_n be_v neither_o command_v of_o god_n nor_o such_o as_o there_o may_v not_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o and_o rather_o better_a establish_v yea_o consider_v how_o near_o the_o papist_n live_v among_o we_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o conform_v to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o this_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n of_o liturgy_n as_o well_o as_o ceremony_n cartw._n reply_n to_o whitgift_n answer_v to_o the_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n pag._n 131_o 132._o and_o although_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v light_n of_o this_o objection_n after_o page_n 15._o end_n yet_o in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o whitgift_n have_v say_v it_o be_v not_o material_a that_o dean_n canon_n come_v from_o the_o pope_n cartwright_n reply_v thus_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o skill_v not_o if_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n for_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v antichrist_n come_v first_o from_o the_o devil_n cartw._n reply_v pag._n 204._o second_o he_o object_v that_o absurd_a manner_n of_o chap_a and_o interrupt_v the_o prayer_n of_o which_o mr._n cartwright_n say_v that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o supplication_n to_o a_o prince_n he_o will_v think_v he_o to_o make_v his_o supplication_n before_o he_o know_v what_o to_o ask_v or_o that_o he_o have_v forget_v some_o piece_n of_o his_o suit_n 138._o or_o that_o he_o be_v distract_v in_o his_o understanding_n much_o more_o may_v be_v add_v but_o we_o have_v only_o touch_v this_o sore_a and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o learned_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v neither_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o book_n nor_o the_o reason_n against_o it_o be_v so_o new_a or_o proper_a to_o the_o separatist_n as_o be_v pretend_v now_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o godly_a conscience_n have_v to_o join_v in_o or_o conform_v unto_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o this_o be_v further_o consider_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o book_n as_o we_o speak_v still_o of_o join_v in_o it_o who_o know_v not_o that_o such_o must_v subject_v their_o child_n to_o that_o gross_a idol_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o see_v and_o approve_v the_o pollution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n with_o the_o same_o and_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n join_v in_o that_o idolatrous_a gesture_n of_o kneel_v and_o therefore_o how_o the_o godly_a can_v join_v lawful_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o such_o part_n as_o those_o idol-priest_n dispense_v let_v all_o nonconformist_n judge_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o superstitious_o precise_a such_o be_v in_o press_v all_o conformity_n to_o every_o gesture_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o their_o book_n which_o they_o so_o idolize_v as_o they_o have_v good_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o maintain_v they_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o imposition_n hereof_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o late_a strict_a press_v thereof_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a and_o conform_v full_o to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o minister_n to_o use_v it_o the_o very_a yield_v of_o conformity_n thereto_o do_v miserable_o cast_v away_o the_o liberty_n purchase_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n enthral_v the_o church_n to_o antichrist_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n in_o his_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n three_o we_o may_v add_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o scandal_n that_o follow_v from_o admit_v this_o liturgy_n which_o be_v touch_v in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o position_n we_o here_o pass_v over_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v need_v to_o disprove_v the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o disjunction_n which_o you_o decline_v in_o state_v the_o question_n but_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o be_v confirm_v now_o let_v we_o consider_v your_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o disjunction_n which_o be_v thus_o reply_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minister_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o on_o one_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n make_v it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 〈◊〉_d in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o wheâ—â—_n the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n do_v ever_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n our_o saviour_n charge_v the_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisea_n but_o never_o forbid_v they_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o you_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n of_o those_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n of_o england_n reader_n as_o they_o be_v call_v of_o the_o common-service_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o a_o state_v way_n with_o they_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n proper_o ministerial_a in_o any_o act_n that_o private_a person_n may_v perform_v we_o may_v communicate_v with_o they_o but_o not_o in_o ministerial_a work_n as_o sacrament_n for_o although_o be_v impose_v on_o any_o church_n as_o minister_n and_o so_o receive_v by_o they_o their_o ministerial_a act_n be_v not_o a_o nullity_n yet_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o their_o act_n of_o receive_v they_o than_o the_o church_n sin_v in_o choose_v they_o or_o be_v impose_v in_o receive_v they_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o ministry_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o reject_v of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o godly_a sin_n in_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n from_o they_o as_o minister_n of_o christ_n know_v they_o intrude_v into_o that_o office_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v we_o may_v hear_v a_o private_a gift_a christian_a prophecy_n but_o if_o he_o intrude_v without_o a_o lawful_a call_n into_o the_o ministry_n we_o may_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o approve_v of_o he_o therein_o cyprian_n speech_n be_v common_o note_v that_o plebs_fw-la maxim_n habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la yet_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o general_o observe_v which_o be_v this_o plebs_fw-la obsequenâ—…_n praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la deum_fw-la meâ—…uens_fw-la à _fw-la peccatore_fw-la proposito_fw-la separare_fw-la se_fw-la debet_fw-la nec_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la sacrilegia_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la iniscere_fw-la cum_fw-la ipse_fw-la maxim_n habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la eligendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o people_n observe_v divine_a precept_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a minister_n neither_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest_n see_v they_o chief_o have_v power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o reject_v unworthy_a second_o we_o see_v no_o demonstrative_a argument_n that_o the_o priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v whole_o unable_a for_o the_o work_n
of_o those_o time_n as_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o be_v for_o though_o the_o priest_n isaiah_n 56.10_o be_v dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v bark_v yet_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o place_n to_o be_v mean_v actual_o rather_o than_o habitual_o through_o their_o slumber_n or_o security_n there_o mention_v not_o tell_v the_o people_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o warn_v they_o of_o judgement_n rather_o than_o of_o their_o total_a inability_n man_n of_o good_a part_n and_o able_a gift_n may_v be_v actual_o such_o dumb_a dog_n as_o seldom_o preach_v or_o never_o to_o purpose_n and_o be_v spiritual_o ignorant_a through_o much_o profaneness_n yet_o not_o total_o deprive_v of_o common_a gift_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v blind_a yet_o teach_v the_o people_n and_o hence_o the_o disciple_n be_v permit_v to_o hear_v they_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o question_n which_o be_v of_o unable_a as_o well_o as_o of_o ungodly_a minister_n 31._o three_o suppose_v some_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v unable_a yet_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v limit_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o that_o by_o succession_n which_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o church_n election_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o reject_v they_o or_o withdraw_v from_o they_o when_o they_o have_v minister_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n four_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n be_v not_o lineal_o descend_v of_o that_o tribe_n yet_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v communicate_v with_o they_o be_v necessary_o command_v of_o god_n viz._n sacrifice_n offering_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o temple_n which_o seal_n of_o god_n we_o see_v not_o stamp_v upon_o this_o liturgy_n in_o question_n to_o make_v it_o currant_n and_o thus_o peter_n martyr_n answer_v in_o the_o like_a case_n 1._o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o pernicious_a doctrine_n teach_v by_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o wicked_a priest_n yet_o sacrificandi_fw-la ritus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o rite_n of_o sacrifice_v be_v not_o change_v for_o the_o same_o oblation_n be_v offer_v which_o the_o law_n command_v and_o therefore_o the_o saint_n may_v use_v they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n conjoin_v with_o they_o five_o what_o you_o grant_v concern_v christ_n his_o warning_n his_o disciple_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n no_o doubt_n he_o do_v the_o like_a concern_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o administration_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o 16._o but_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v or_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o actual_a communion_n with_o those_o corruption_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o question_n do_v abstain_v which_o be_v so_o we_o may_v retort_v this_o argument_n thus_o in_o regard_n of_o conformity_n to_o ceremony_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o partake_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n where_o we_o must_v actual_o join_v with_o such_o ceremony_n than_o christ_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n must_v not_o have_v join_v in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o worse_a or_o as_o ill_a corruption_n be_v admix_v with_o that_o worship_n but_o they_o never_o refuse_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o such_o corruption_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o for_o these_o ceremony_n abstain_v put_v case_n for_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o please_v to_o solve_v this_o knot_n the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v our_o turn_n as_o well_o reply_n it_o be_v not_o for_o private_a christian_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o such_o be_v permit_v to_o deal_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n who_o they_o judge_v or_o know_v unfit_a when_o man_n join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o unworthy_a minister_n they_o do_v not_o countenance_v they_o their_o place_n and_o office_n but_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o require_v their_o attendance_n upon_o his_o highness_n in_o that_o way_n and_o mean_n answ_n first_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o always_o for_o private_a christian_n so_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o reason_n but_o if_o they_o have_v first_o do_v their_o part_n according_a to_o their_o place_n to_o reform_v or_o cast_v out_o such_o a_o unworthy_a and_o unable_a ministry_n and_o can_v or_o see_v no_o hope_n to_o procure_v one_o sufficient_a to_o edify_v the_o church_n he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o some_o other_o church_n where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o christian_a can_v reject_v all_o fellowship_n with_o such_o idol_n priest_n but_o he_o must_v forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o rend_v off_o from_o the_o church_n when_o indeed_o he_o deprive_v himself_o of_o many_o ordinance_n in_o join_v with_o they_o and_o attain_v they_o in_o forsake_v of_o they_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o all_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n lie_v viz._n in_o a_o great_a part_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o in_o their_o after_o consent_n and_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o other_o for_o they_o act._n 1._o and_o 6._o and_o 14._o how_o can_v any_o godly_a man_n receive_v submit_v unto_o or_o acknowledge_v such_o unable_a wretch_n by_o receive_v god_n ordinance_n from_o they_o as_o minister_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o countenance_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o set_v up_o to_o themselves_o a_o idol_n or_o mean_n of_o worship_n to_o edify_v 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whether_o they_o will_v approve_v of_o any_o godly_a man_n that_o will_v rest_v in_o such_o mean_n and_o not_o call_v he_o to_o leave_v all_o his_o outward_a convenience_n for_o some_o godly_a able_a ministry_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o attend_v on_o they_o but_o get_v where_o they_o may_v be_v better_o edify_v reply_n to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n you_o quote_v hosea_n 4.6_o 7._o because_o thou_o have_v despise_v knowledge_n i_o have_v reject_v thou_o proper_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o the_o priest_n among_o they_o who_o worship_v the_o calf_n etc._n etc._n who_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o reject_v but_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o text_n prove_v that_o people_n join_v in_o worship_n with_o such_o do_v countenance_n they_o in_o their_o place_n answ_n the_o text_n prove_v that_o god_n reject_v such_o priest_n as_o these_o be_v just_a like_a jeroboam_n priest_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o be_v all_o it_o be_v allege_v for_o and_o that_o receive_v such_o as_o minister_n do_v countenance_v they_o in_o their_o place_n be_v prove_v before_o and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o jeroboam_n priest_n as_o you_o say_v the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o those_o day_n 2_o chron._n 11.16_o will_v well_o justify_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o reject_v and_o leave_v these_o also_o second_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v four_o argument_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o these_o kind_n of_o priest_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o miserable_a perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n by_o their_o mean_n second_o because_o the_o people_n in_o receive_v they_o reject_v knowledge_n as_o calvin_n note_v upon_o the_o place_n three_o because_o god_n will_v take_v a_o time_n to_o disburden_v the_o church_n of_o they_o whence_o drusius_n in_o locum_fw-la
wish_v utinam_fw-la tale_n hodie_fw-la à _fw-la ministerio_fw-la aâ—…verentuâ—…_n four_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v cast_v off_o their_o child_n from_o be_v his_o for_o this_o sin_n as_o calvin_n also_o note_n upon_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o a_o 1000_o generation_n be_v chief_o annex_v to_o the_o observer_n of_o the_o second_o command_n and_o the_o institute_v mean_n of_o worship_n which_o those_o priest_n never_o be_v reply_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o you_o will_v extend_v this_o text_n to_o all_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n condemn_v as_o not_o approve_a minister_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o sort_n then_o such_o as_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a idol_n priest_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o this_o discourse_n concern_v we_o not_o for_o we_o free_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o divers_a case_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n to_o communicate_v with_o such_o unworthy_a minister_n as_o may_v be_v contain_v in_o your_o description_n but_o that_o people_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v with_o such_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n as_o you_o say_v the_o scripture_n allege_v teach_v not_o this_o so_o evident_o that_o we_o can_v see_v as_o 1_o sam._n 2.12_o 13.17.24_o that_o imputation_n verse_n 24._o they_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v do_v not_o depend_v immediate_o on_o verse_n 13_o 14.17_o but_o on_o verse_n 22.23_o where_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o have_v lie_v with_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o story_n of_o samuel_n and_o his_o mother_n verse_n 18_o 19.20_o 21._o so_o jer._n 8.8_o 9_o micah_n 3.11_o 12._o contain_v only_a threat_n against_o wicked_a minister_n but_o not_o a_o word_n to_o prove_v people_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1.15_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o preach_v and_o preach_v christ_n though_o not_o of_o sincerity_n do_v not_o reach_v such_o minister_n as_o the_o word_n condemn_v for_o many_o such_o may_v be_v approve_v minister_n by_o the_o word_n have_v a_o call_v according_a to_o the_o same_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o contend_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o dissent_v so_o that_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o lawful_a liberty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o minister_n gross_o wicked_a and_o teacher_n of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o idle_a and_o unsufficient_a when_o they_o can_v reclaim_v they_o or_o remove_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n within_o their_o power_n reply_n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v the_o donatist_n and_o catharist_n for_o their_o voluntary_a and_o seditious_a separation_n and_o the_o modern_a church_n condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n for_o their_o rent_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n will_v hold_v against_o separation_n from_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v read_v by_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n we_o deny_v that_o we_o teach_v or_o hold_v such_o separation_n because_o read_v by_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n as_o be_v sufficient_o show_v before_o but_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v against_o conformity_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n especial_o use_v by_o a_o unable_a as_o well_o as_o ungodly_a minister_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n mention_v will_v hold_v against_o our_o proposition_n just_a as_o the_o accusation_n and_o imputation_n of_o donatism_n puritanisme_n anabaptism_n which_o the_o prelate_n cast_v upon_o all_o nonconformist_n and_o man_n studious_a of_o reformation_n will_v hold_v and_o fasten_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o reply_n the_o second_o proposition_n where_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v use_v though_o by_o a_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v be_v of_o your_o judgement_n herein_o for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o great_a abuse_n no_o question_n be_v find_v etc._n etc._n but_o they_o never_o teach_v people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n answ_n first_o we_o must_v still_o mind_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o true_a and_o full_a state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o in_o our_o answer_n be_v of_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o and_o when_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v use_v and_o he_o that_o join_v with_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v actual_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o what_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o though_o this_o proposition_n reach_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n yet_o let_v none_o think_v we_o plead_v herein_o separation_n from_o their_o ministry_n but_o only_o that_o people_n may_v not_o conform_v with_o they_o to_o any_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o by_o this_o proposition_n also_o the_o author_n may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o we_o deny_v the_o other_o which_o be_v weave_v in_o with_o this_o not_o because_o of_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o as_o he_o carry_v his_o dispute_n but_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o worship_n together_o with_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o such_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v both_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a second_o concern_v the_o argument_n it_o run_v as_o full_a for_o conformity_n to_o all_o the_o corrupt_a ceremony_n of_o the_o book_n as_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n itself_o therein_o as_o be_v say_v before_o clear_v the_o one_o viz._n non-conformitie_n to_o ceremony_n show_v a_o reason_n why_o you_o will_v separate_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o you_o will_v not_o kneel_v according_a to_o the_o book_n and_o you_o answer_v your_o argument_n here_o allege_v against_o we_o but_o the_o reply_n proceed_v reply_n and_o if_o presence_n at_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o lawful_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n allege_v there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a society_n name_v since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n or_o thereabouts_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v lawful_o join_v in_o prayer_n read_v the_o scripture_n hear_v the_o word_n or_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o doctrine_n prayer_n right_n be_v less_o pure_a than_o we_o but_o no_o man_n we_o hope_v will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n within_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n to_o be_v so_o miserable_o decay_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o without_o sin_n hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o foresay_a ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n first_o this_o argument_n hold_v as_o strong_o for_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o be_v say_v before_o second_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a kind_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o 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reason_n will_v go_v far_o in_o justification_n of_o communion_n with_o many_o false_a worship_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v not_o gross_o idolatrous_a three_o it_o be_v a_o great_a charge_n upon_o those_o time_n to_o say_v no_o visible_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n can_v be_v name_v since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o less_o pure_a than_o england_n in_o doctrine_n rite_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v be_v that_o as_o general_o church_n be_v corrupt_a so_o they_o contemn_v and_o censure_v such_o as_o profess_v more_o purity_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o visible_a assembly_n more_o pure_a may_v be_v conceive_v by_o that_o testimony_n give_v to_o aerius_n and_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n with_o he_o though_o condemn_v for_o a_o heretic_n in_o that_o which_o we_o all_o now_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n also_o after_o the_o waldenses_n cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o will_n
worship_n and_o the_o follow_v reform_v church_n those_o of_o scotland_n geneva_n and_o divers_a other_o in_o france_n and_o switserland_n etc._n etc._n who_o doctrine_n rite_n and_o administration_n we_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v confess_v more_o pure_a than_o english_a church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a and_o in_o these_o know_a time_n needless_a to_o search_v all_o record_n and_o to_o compare_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o rite_n of_o these_o with_o former_a time_n we_o read_v of_o very_a few_o form_n use_v for_o 300._o year_n some_o short_a one_o they_o have_v which_o be_v retain_v yet_o in_o our_o liturgy_n with_o many_o more_o and_o these_o form_n they_o have_v not_o impose_v nor_o stint_v which_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n of_o this_o until_o about_o the_o year_n 406._o and_o there_o we_o read_v in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n that_o no_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o compose_v of_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n or_o approve_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ignorant_a ministry_n of_o those_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a time_n 12._o as_o chemnitius_n observe_v ne_fw-fr forte_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la ignorantiam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la minus_fw-la studium_fw-la sit_fw-la compositum_fw-la if_o the_o roman_a bishop_n do_v multiply_v as_o indeed_o they_o do_v excessive_o unless_o their_o own_o admirer_n err_v gross_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o long_o it_o be_v ere_o the_o church_n in_o other_o place_n submit_v to_o their_o power_n so_o that_o this_o comparison_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v to_o conclude_v though_o we_o say_v not_o that_o all_o church_n since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n be_v so_o miserable_o decay_v that_o the_o faithful_a may_v not_o without_o sin_n communicate_v with_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o communicate_v in_o many_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n without_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n themselves_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v and_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v and_o we_o believe_v will_v have_v abstain_v from_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o yea_o after_o all_o mean_v use_v to_o purge_v they_o out_o and_o not_o prevail_v they_o ought_v and_o will_v have_v withdraw_v themselves_o to_o more_o pure_a church_n or_o erect_v such_o among_o themselves_o reply_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n conceive_v or_o stint_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v not_o his_o private_a prayer_n but_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o you_o will_v not_o say_v the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o join_v with_o their_o pastor_n therein_o if_o ought_v be_v amiss_o for_o matter_n manner_n or_o both_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n so_o impose_v and_o so_o clog_v as_o be_v before_o show_v and_o such_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n have_v something_o amiss_o but_o you_o may_v put_v the_o case_n so_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o people_n to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n also_o as_o if_o the_o minister_n for_o matter_n usual_o pray_v to_o saint_n for_o manner_n turn_v himself_o and_o fix_v his_o eye_n on_o a_o crucifix_n reply_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n in_o this_o case_n whether_o the_o fault_n be_v personal_a as_o some_o distinguish_v or_o otherwise_o know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o know_v for_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v whether_o know_v before_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d not_o all_o presence_n be_v faulty_a and_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v not_o our_o presence_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n know_v whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a answ_n first_o we_o distinguish_v not_o here_o between_o personal_a and_o ministerial_a fault_n but_o object_n against_o the_o personal_a act_n of_o he_o that_o join_v with_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o so_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v that_o join_v with_o the_o whole_a not_o only_a say_n amen_o to_o they_o but_o as_o be_v know_v he_o take_v his_o share_n in_o those_o shred_n of_o prayer_n respond_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o mr._n cartwright_n judgement_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o make_v a_o man_n seem_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n and_o therefore_o his_o personal_a actual_a conformity_n must_v needs_o carry_v guilt_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o than_o simple_a presence_n in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o understanding_n second_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v know_v or_o not_o know_v beforehand_o as_o appear_v plain_o 1_o cor._n 10.27_o 28_o 29._o where_o we_o see_v if_o a_o man_n come_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o know_v not_o they_o eat_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o idol_n nor_o that_o any_o take_v offence_n he_o may_v eat_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n but_o if_o he_o know_v such_o thing_n he_o may_v not_o eat_v beside_o public_a sinful_a action_n of_o minister_n be_v either_o 1_o accidental_a &_o occasional_a or_o 2_o know_v &_o appoint_v in_o a_o state_v service_n now_o the_o frailty_n of_o a_o minister_n which_o accidental_o fall_v in_o and_o be_v not_o know_v before_o nor_o be_v any_o part_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o service_n unto_o which_o man_n that_o come_v do_v or_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v call_v hinder_v not_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prae_fw-la se_fw-la far_o by_o their_o presence_n to_o attend_v and_o observe_v they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v know_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o which_o and_o with_o which_o the_o imposer_n call_v other_o to_o join_v as_o in_o a_o state_v service_n to_o god_n the_o use_n of_o which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a frailty_n in_o god_n minister_n not_o yet_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a thereof_o yet_o for_o those_o to_o communicate_v herein_o who_o know_v such_o evil_n have_v sure_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n because_o in_o this_o action_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o only_a communion_n by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o communion_n of_o action_n public_a prayer_n be_v the_o common_a action_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n towards_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prayer_n by_o any_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n but_o there_o will_v be_v some_o humane_a frailty_n attend_v on_o it_o if_o therefore_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v communion_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v reject_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o never_o join_v in_o any_o prayer_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v not_o such_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o cast_v off_o then_o keep_v this_o case_n stand_v not_o in_o tolerate_v fault_n in_o another_o as_o the_o reply_n make_v it_o but_o in_o actual_a join_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o wherein_o he_o that_o join_v be_v involve_v and_o therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v corruption_n that_o may_v be_v tolerate_v or_o not_o in_o another_o yet_o if_o sin_n they_o may_v not_o be_v practise_v and_o so_o join_v in_o with_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o case_n you_o put_v of_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n obstinate_a in_o error_n till_o he_o may_v be_v convince_v be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n for_o we_o must_v not_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o error_n no_o not_o a_o hour_n though_o we_o may_v tolerate_v he_o a_o month_n reply_n have_v not_o christian_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o humane_a frailty_n lesson_v you_o dear_a brethren_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o have_v or_o can_v be_v object_v true_o against_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o we_o answ_n the_o lord_n have_v lesson_v we_o to_o tolerate_v and_o bear_v with_o many_o humane_a frailty_n not_o only_o in_o one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o our_o dear_a brethren_n abroad_o but_o to_o join_v with_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o conformity_n to_o know_v and_o gross_a corruption_n in_o worship_v god_n or_o to_o stoop_v so_o low_a to_o the_o insolent_a tyranny_n of_o usurp_a prelate_n as_o to_o bear_v on_o our_o back_n their_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o we_o confess_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a and_o now_o we_o hope_v never_o to_o go_v to_o that_o school_n again_o to_o learn_v the_o same_o reply_n and_o why_o such_o corruption_n shall_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o humane_a frailty_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o a_o godly_a minister_n make_v use_n of_o a_o book_n in_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v
therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o â—…ord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o amongst-god_o reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n proposition_n 1_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1.23_o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5.26_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n proposition_n 2_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n proposition_n 3_o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n proposition_n 4_o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n proposition_n 5_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n
who_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o general_n may_v and_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o convene_v let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o all_o political_a church_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o one_o political_a body_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o the_o similitude_n will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n three_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o army_n suppose_v they_o never_o meet_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o political_a union_n as_o full_o reach_v the_o political_a communion_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v combine_v viz._n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o a_o just_a government_n or_o by_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o army_n but_o if_o such_o a_o political_a body_n be_v combine_v to_o have_v such_o communion_n as_o a_o church-communion_n be_v than_o it_o will_v require_v convent_v together_o as_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_a for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o one_o to_o have_v political_a communion_n together_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o political_a combination_n but_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o helpfulnesse_n one_o to_o another_o as_o need_n require_v so_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o brotherly_a consociation_n of_o church_n together_o be_v union_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o communion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o judicious_a we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o come_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o knotty_a controversy_n as_o we_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v state_v and_o carry_v viz._n what_o be_v that_o form_n of_o a_o political_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o with_o another_o therein_o and_o here_o give_v we_o leave_v before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o question_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o little_a further_o use_v of_o our_o former_a similitude_n for_o illustration_n and_o then_o we_o will_v show_v where_o the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la as_o we_o conceive_v must_v stand_v it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n that_o although_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n thereof_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o no_o reason_n will_v enforce_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o so_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n we_o will_v now_o add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o such_o reason_n yet_o in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o least_o civil_a society_n yea_o a_o family_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o the_o least_o political_a church_n society_n may_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o of_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o we_o think_v that_o there_o by_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v seat_v and_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v best_o be_v attain_v thereby_o concern_v family_n we_o see_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n and_o noah_n of_o any_o sovereign_a or_o universal_a government_n further_o than_o in_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n after_o who_o as_o they_o increase_v family_n go_v out_o and_o combine_v make_v city_n and_o so_o commonwealth_n by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o in_o gen._n 10._o and_o other_o story_n appear_v except_o by_o the_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n of_o some_o as_o nimrod_n the_o rest_n be_v bring_v under_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n among_o any_o free_a people_n be_v still_o the_o most_o orderly_o just_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o erect_v all_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n family_n to_o combine_v into_o town_n city_n kingdom_n or_o aristocratical_a state_n but_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o similitude_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v the_o first_o church_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o church_n power_n and_o church_n communion_n then_o as_o family_n shall_v combine_v into_o town_n and_o city_n and_o they_o into_o great_a commonwealth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n so_o here_o these_o first_o church_n may_v not_o stand_v independent_o but_o aught_o to_o combine_v into_o great_a body_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o whole_a church_n to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o this_o evident_a reason_n because_o civil_a society_n and_o government_n thereof_o be_v herein_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o may_v admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n various_a law_n and_o constitution_n various_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o man_n shall_v conceive_v best_a for_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o common_a moral_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o those_o society_n but_o here_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o must_v attend_v what_o kind_n of_o church_n he_o have_v institute_v so_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o such_o rule_n privilege_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v one_o step_n beyond_o the_o same_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o alienate_v the_o power_n right_n or_o privilege_n christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o same_o or_o to_o mould_n up_o any_o other_o political_a church_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o here_o we_o conceive_v stand_v immovable_o the_o ne_fw-la plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o this_o similitude_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n well_o weigh_v to_o we_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v all_o such_o intermediate_v form_n of_o church_n or_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o mr._n ball_n call_v the_o same_o as_o classical_a provincial_n diocesan_n national_n patriarchicall_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o see_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v constitute_v either_o descendendo_fw-la from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o ascendendo_fw-la from_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_n except_o institution_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o same_o we_o find_v indeed_o that_o some_o endeavour_n to_o build_v such_o form_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o moral_a principle_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o god_n have_v give_v government_n to_o be_v over_o a_o multitude_n and_o that_o of_o many_o society_n as_o well_o as_o person_n that_o one_o society_n may_v not_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n and_o that_o therefore_o must_v be_v give_v of_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o little_a church_n power_n of_o external_a government_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o nature_n that_o general_o bind_v free_a society_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a government_n must_v many_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n by_o consequence_n all_o kingdom_n combine_v in_o government_n lest_o one_o kingdom_n be_v hurt_v i._o must_v moab_n ammon_n edom_n tyre_n sydon_n judea_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o contiguous_a in_o near_a vicinity_n to_o each_o other_o combine_v in_o one_o government_n 2_o be_v it_o not_o as_o suitable_a to_o morality_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o combination_n that_o they_o set_v up_o one_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o when_o many_o grow_v ignorant_a evil_a or_o heady_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v wrong_a as_o to_o set_v up_o many_o 3_o do_v abraham_n lot_n melchisedeck_v and_o such_o family_n church_n walk_v against_o ground_n of_o morality_n and_o nature_n that_o do_v not_o so_o combine_v we_o may_v add_v more_o but_o forbear_v but_o we_o can_v desire_v our_o dear_a brethren_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o scatter_v such_o principle_n for_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n
grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28.20_o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2.47_o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6_o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2.41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5.13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o maâ—…thias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1.15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 9.1_o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1.4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o
so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o a_o catholic_n church_n from_o act_n 1._o etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v suppose_v of_o a_o catholic_n church_n representative_a in_o act._n 15._o if_o it_o be_v such_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o catholic_a officer_n only_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o assembly_n also_o but_o in_o neither_o respect_n ergo._fw-la 1_o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o as_o be_v say_v any_o one_o apostle_n may_v make_v a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o for_o though_o they_o will_v meet_v oft_o to_o consult_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o for_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o any_o one_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n here_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o suppose_v here_o they_o act_v rather_o as_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n than_o out_o of_o their_o apostolical_a power_n 2_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o then_o that_o assembly_n must_v consist_v of_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o decree_n shall_v have_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v appear_v for_o first_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o messenger_n but_o those_o from_o antioch_n and_o how_o to_o evince_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v be_v hard_o second_o if_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v before_o this_o assembly_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o paul_n have_v be_v in_o arabia_n before_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 1.17_o and_o when_o he_o and_o barnabas_n go_v send_v out_o from_o antioch_n act_v 13._o they_o go_v to_o several_a island_n and_o country_n as_o cyprus_n paphos_n salamis_n etc._n etc._n beside_o what_o other_o place_n scatter_v christian_n and_o apostle_n have_v preach_v in_o now_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o messenger_n send_v from_o all_o these_o place_n second_o the_o decree_n be_v express_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n where_o it_o seem_v this_o question_n have_v trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n act_n 15.23_o 24._o which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n have_v any_o messenger_n there_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v their_o messenger_n object_n but_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v have_v have_v their_o messenger_n there_o if_o they_o will_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o decree_n as_o of_o a_o general_a council_n answ_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o church_n have_v lawful_a summons_n to_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o that_o assembly_n before_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v any_o blame_n on_o they_o for_o neglect_v the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v all_o tie_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o a_o general_a council_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a much_o less_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o silent_a argument_n 2_o every_o political_a body_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o a_o society_n but_o christ_n have_v not_o institute_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v combine_v into_o a_o society_n ergo._fw-la propos_fw-fr prove_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o free_a society_n civil_a or_o sacred_a that_o be_v under_o policy_n but_o that_o it_o arise_v from_o combination_n how_o come_v israel_n to_o be_v one_o national_n church_n but_o by_o a_o national_a covenant_n and_o that_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n or_o how_o come_v any_o national_a provincial_a classical_a church_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o to_o be_v such_o but_o by_o some_o such_o combination_n why_o be_v this_o church_n of_o this_o classis_fw-la not_o of_o another_o but_o by_o combination_n second_o in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o whole_a have_v power_n to_o order_v every_o part_n but_o this_o power_n among_o person_n that_o be_v free_a be_v only_o by_o combination_n assump_n prove_v first_o because_o christ_n never_o institute_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o every_o age_n so_o to_o do_v second_o christ_n ordain_v combination_n for_o communion_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o this_o communion_n also_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o one_o ergo._fw-la three_o corrupt_a church_n be_v visible_a church_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o any_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o combination_n of_o all_o church_n asian_n african_a european_a american_n corrupt_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o prudent_a man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v the_o heavy_a consequent_n thereof_o argument_n 3_o every_o political_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v she_o own_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n have_v not_o such_o power_n ergo._fw-la proposit_n prove_v this_o all_o scripture_n example_n show_v that_o every_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o believer_n have_v her_o pastor_n act._n 14._o tit._n 1._o second_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n if_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n because_o all_o privilege_n be_v primary_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n that_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a assump_n prove_v first_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v choose_v pastor_n over_o it_o than_o they_o may_v make_v apostle_n because_o catholic_n pastor_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n second_o the_o reason_n against_o a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v strong_a here_o as_o that_o their_o office_n be_v not_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o their_o power_n able_a to_o reach_v all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v choose_v her_o pastor_n in_o the_o part_n or_o particular_a society_n which_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o catholic_n pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n choose_v pastor_n over_o themselves_o who_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o be_v part_n partium_fw-la and_o so_o part_n totius_fw-la than_o they_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n tâ—…tum_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o officer_n but_o in_o its_o part_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o officer_n in_o they_o do_v make_v one_o political_a body_n or_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v catholic_n pastor_n argument_n 4_o christ_n jesus_n institute_v no_o such_o political_a body_n as_o destroy_v church_n policy_n but_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n political_a destroy_v policy_n ergo._fw-la assump_n prove_v because_o it_o swallow_v up_o the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o all_o church_n congregationall_a but_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n by_o take_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n from_o they_o for_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n from_o which_o there_o can_v be_v just_o no_o appeal_n for_o matth._n 18._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o whatsoever_o it_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o high_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n and_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o high_a court_n and_o judge_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o appeal_n but_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o as_o the_o high_a church_n hence_o no_o inferior_a church_n can_v bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n see_v appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o a_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n proceed_v right_o as_o in_o a_o inferior_a sanhedrin_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n yet_o may_v we_o appeal_v from_o he_o answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o civil_a court_n do_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o every_o civil_a court_n have_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o looâ—…ing_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n second_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o bind_n in_o civil_a court_n and_o appeal_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v from_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v because_o
nor_o of_o such_o doctrinal_a power_n oâ—…_n the_o paâ—â—ern_a act_n 15._o hold_v forth_o and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o learned_a 482._o mâ—…_n rutherford_n conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o a_o general_a council_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v very_o i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v whâ—â—_n power_n of_o jurisdiction_n tâ—…_n censure_n scandal_n can_v be_v in_o a_o general_a council_n there_o maâ—…ke_v some_o 〈◊〉_d doctrinal_a power_n in_o such_o a_o câ—…uncell_n if_o such_o can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o how_o a_o national_n provincial_n or_o classical_a synod_n be_v lesser_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v put_v forth_o such_o act_n as_o the_o whole_a can_v do_v ipsi_fw-la vidâ—…rint_fw-la it_o be_v tâ—…ue_a a_o particular_a church_n may_v formal_o cast_v out_o a_o scandalous_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18._o yet_o the_o argument_n from_o proportion_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o great_a assembly_n against_o any_o particular_a church_n offend_v though_o other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o if_o excommunication_n cast_v out_o a_o offender_n out_o of_o all_o church_n than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v except_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n last_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o be_v say_v but_o a_o cross_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v to_o put_v forth_o its_o suppose_a intâ—…insecall_n power_n then_o let_v the_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v that_o power_n till_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v a_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v institute_v such_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o catholic_n body_n which_o aâ—…_n be_v say_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la shall_v be_v till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o many_o age_n and_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o orderly_o meet_v to_o this_o day_n objection_n 3_o if_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n but_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o good_a of_o every_o part_n redoâ—…nding_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a yea_o if_o some_o pastoral_a care_n also_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o church_n and_o to_o fetch_v in_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o not_o of_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o plâ—…ce_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o former_o open_v by_o we_o but_o if_o this_o argument_n intend_v that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n as_o of_o one_o political_a church_n than_o we_o deny_v the_o assumption_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o pastoral_n office_n consiâ—…ts_v proper_o iâ—…_n have_v a_o charge_n and_o power_n over_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n act._n 20._o â—…8_n but_o he_o have_v no_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o so_o he_o must_v give_v account_n to_o christ_n of_o the_o whole_a neither_o have_v he_o power_n over_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n be_v never_o choose_v by_o it_o â—…or_v it_o subject_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v such_o be_v make_v pastor_n by_o ordinaâ—…ion_n of_o the_o presbyâ—â—â—â—_n not_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n who_o only_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o he_o be_v either_o a_o catholic_n pastor_n that_o have_v power_n to_o intâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o we_o think_v none_o will_v yeâ—…lâ—…_n they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v pastor_n only_o in_o name_n without_o power_n which_o be_v absurd_a nor_o do_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d make_v doctor_n of_o physic_n at_o large_a by_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n help_v in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v make_v such_o â—…_n doctor_n before_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o any_o people_n to_o exercise_v this_o faculty_n which_o applyâ—…d_v to_o this_o case_n of_o a_o pastor_n â—…s_v have_v ordination_n to_o make_v he_o a_o pastor_n at_o large_a before_o election_n to_o thâ—â—_n or_o that_o people_n be_v utter_o against_o all_o example_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d actâ—…_n 1_o &_o â—…_n &_o 14_o objection_n 4_o that_o whiâ—â—_n belong_v to_o a_o little_a part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n and_o tâ—…lis_fw-la belong_v to_o a_o great_a part_n much_o more_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o immâ—…diâ—…te_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n bâ—…long_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o whole_a answ_n 1_o such_o as_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o similar_v body_n have_v need_n explicate_v theâ—…selves_n for_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o strict_o by_o this_o â—…ile_n every_o particular_a visible_a believer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o 〈…〉_z must_v have_v nomen_fw-la &_o naturam_fw-la totius_fw-la and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o church_n or_o if_o they_o so_o divide_v this_o catholic_n similar_v body_n as_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a congrâ—…gation_n that_o can_v join_v in_o god_n ordiâ—…ancâ—â—_n the_o 〈◊〉_d quoth_v stâ—…_n then_o particular_a visible_a beleeverâ—…_n consider_v as_o exist_v out_o of_o these_o congregation_n can_v be_v mâ—…mbers_n formal_o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n 2_o we_o aâ—…_n knowledge_n the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v as_o visible_a and_o invisâ—â—â—â—_n iâ—…_n one_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a body_n yet_o this_o catholic_n body_n be_v under_o â—…o_o catholic_n policy_n but_o only_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v prove_v before_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n which_o be_v spiritual_o one_o body_n be_v politicè_fw-la many_o body_n so_o that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a totum_fw-la be_v not_o distinct_a body_n 〈…〉_z for_o then_o every_o company_n of_o woman_n be_v a_o church_n body_n but_o 〈…〉_z and_o hence_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n 〈…〉_z body_n spiritual_o due_a caution_n and_o interpretation_n observe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o similar_v body_n political_o and_o hence_o every_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n hence_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o therefore_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o spiritual_a and_o so_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v spiritual_a yet_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n as_o political_a do_v not_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o political_a exempli_fw-la gradiâ—…_n consider_v a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o number_n redeem_v call_v to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o this_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o if_o any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a yeâ—…_n consider_v a_o church_n as_o a_o combine_a body_n so_o what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a for_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n to_o elect_v and_o enjoy_v constant_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o totum_fw-la the_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v indeed_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v but_o it_o be_v no_o first_o form_v political_a similar_v church_n whence_o every_o particular_a church_n immediate_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o whole_a have_v 〈…〉_z tem_fw-la talis_fw-la materiae_fw-la &_o partem_fw-la formâ—…_n answ_n objection_n 5_o if_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n between_o all_o church_n than_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n of_o all_o church_n in_o hear_v receive_v sacrament_n exhort_v one_o another_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…raâ—â—â—nall_n ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o internal_o but_o external_o without_o such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v one_o political_a combine_a body_n such_o as_o here_o we_o dispute_v of_o as_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v
communion_n together_o in_o the_o jewish_a policy_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o one_o political_a body_n so_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o yet_o be_v distinct_a church_n not_o one_o church_n aâ—…_n also_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n have_v sweet_a and_o bless_a commâ—…nion_n yet_o be_v distinct_a and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o galaâ—…ia_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a lâ—…mp_n as_o be_v object_v yet_o be_v they_o thus_o by_o political_a combination_n or_o as_o dr._n downam_n to_o mould_n up_o a_o diocesan_n church_n compare_v the_o first_o church_n to_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n or_o batch_n of_o bread_n out_o of_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v form_v into_o many_o loaf_n or_o not_o rather_o call_v a_o lump_n by_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n common_a profession_n and_o fraternal_a communion_n be_v all_o the_o same_o countryman_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v church_n communion_n yet_o be_v not_o a_o political_a body_n kingdom_n so_o may_v have_v civil_a communion_n and_o commerce_n yet_o not_o be_v one_o kingdom_n objection_n 6_o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o flock_n of_o redeem_a one_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o primary_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o secondary_o but_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v by_o such_o as_o deny_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n 1_o it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o of_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n house_n etc._n etc._n do_v agree_v primary_o to_o the_o church_n not_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o secondary_o to_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n colos_n 1.18_o ephes_n 5.25_o 26._o and_o 2.19_o 2_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exist_v in_o this_o age_n the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o it_o primary_o in_o comparison_n of_o particular_a church_n coexi_v with_o it_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n but_o not_o to_o it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o political_a dispensation_n the_o key_n belong_v first_o to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o redeem_v one_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o invisible_a rather_o than_o visible_a must_v have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o key_n primary_o 3_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o key_n be_v immediate_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n abstract_o as_o a_o number_n of_o redeem_v but_o as_o consociate_v and_o political_o combine_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o part_n a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o redeem_a one_o which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a ex._n gr_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v combine_v so_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o so_o can_v the_o whole_a so_o a_o man_n may_v tell_v the_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v convene_v together_o not_o so_o the_o whole_a thus_o far_o through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n propound_v concern_v a_o catholic_n institute_v church_n we_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o all_o institute_v worship_n do_v regular_o and_o ordinary_o belong_v and_o here_o we_o shall_v show_v 1_o what_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v 2_o how_o the_o dispensation_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n do_v belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o in_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1_o it_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n nor_o can_v many_o visible_a believer_n live_v several_o without_o society_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v one_o church_n 2_o it_o be_v not_o every_o society_n of_o visible_a professor_n that_o do_v make_v a_o church_n for_o then_o every_o family_n of_o such_o professor_n be_v a_o church_n then_o two_o or_o three_o which_o our_o brethren_n so_o much_o condemn_v be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o society_n of_o woman_n profess_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o political_a church_n then_o many_o member_n of_o several_a church_n meet_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o any_o like_a occasion_n make_v a_o church_n then_o a_o number_n of_o professor_n may_v constitute_v a_o diocesan_n church_n or_o any_o like_a form_n for_o out_o of_o this_o block_n that_o any_o number_n of_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n dr._n downam_n hew_v out_o his_o diocesan_n church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fit_a seat_n for_o his_o diocesan_n mercury_n last_o then_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o any_o set_a form_n prescribe_v then_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o humane_a wisdom_n see_v meet_v for_o hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o any_o form_n or_o mould_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o imagine_v a_o number_n of_o profess_v believer_n cohabit_v either_o in_o a_o city_n hundred_o wapentake_n shire_n province_n nation_n empire_n etc._n etc._n there_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o our_o best_a reformer_n who_o account_v it_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v mould_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n 3_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o society_n combine_v and_o that_o by_o a_o covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o combine_a society_n where_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o its_o member_n now_o whatever_o power_n one_o have_v over_o another_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o way_n of_o conquest_n or_o natural_a relation_n as_o the_o father_n over_o the_o child_n it_o be_v by_o covenant_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_z and_o people_n other_o power_n be_v but_o usurpation_n it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o profane_a speech_n in_o bronnus_n who_o profess_v he_o know_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o justice_n then_o for_o the_o great_a to_o subdue_v the_o less_o again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v a_o ordinate_a power_n to_o subject_v itself_o to_o officer_n by_o elect_v of_o they_o to_o administer_v ordinance_n among_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o federall_a society_n again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o which_o be_v require_v something_o more_o than_o faith_n act_v 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v first_o believer_n before_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o immediate_o scatter_v into_o many_o town_n or_o country_n now_o if_o faith_n profess_v alone_o make_v not_o a_o church_n but_o somewhat_o more_o be_v require_v what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o foederall_a combination_n last_o that_o the_o dissolution_n whereof_o do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o break_v the_o combination_n dissolve_v the_o church_n whether_o by_o consent_n schism_n or_o when_o god_n himself_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n ergo._fw-la 4_o though_o a_o church_n be_v such_o by_o combine_v and_o so_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v herein_o illimited_a but_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n express_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o they_o have_v this_o power_n to_o combine_v as_o many_o and_o as_o large_o as_o they_o will_v than_o a_o diocese_n province_n nation_n may_v combine_v and_o so_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_n national_n society_n which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v such_o a_o form_n as_o a_o man_n may_v ordinary_o bring_v offence_n unto_o it_o according_a to_o matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o diocese_n much_o less_o in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n where_o the_o member_n can_v neither_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o offence_n nor_o ordinary_o so_o much_o as_o consent_v unto_o any_o censure_n act_v by_o any_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o church_n nay_o further_o if_o their_o power_n be_v unlimited_a they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o
rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2.41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1.4_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la objection_n 1_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n objection_n 2_o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n objection_n 3_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n not_o have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o
one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o authoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o next_o they_o belong_v proper_o to_o this_o subject_a which_o we_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a three_o they_o be_v not_o so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o congregation_n only_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o other_o form_n of_o government_n for_o we_o have_v a_o brotherly_a esteem_n of_o such_o congregation_n notwithstanding_o that_o tertium_fw-la quoddam_fw-la separabile_fw-la of_o government_n as_o mr._n baines_n call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o a_o church_n now_o constitute_v and_o may_v be_v absent_a the_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n four_o although_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o divine_n that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o that_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o so_o speak_v for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n of_o faith_n personal_a which_o be_v act_v several_o by_o particular_a person_n and_o common_a which_o be_v act_v conjoint_o in_o and_o with_o a_o society_n the_o first_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o catholic_a number_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o so_o fit_a matter_n for_o political_a church-society_n the_o other_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o political_a church_n formal_o and_o complete_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o that_o in_o and_o to_o this_o subject_n so_o profess_v the_o seal_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o argument_n 1_o first_o the_o seal_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a body_n the_o sole_a subject_n of_o church_n administration_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o the_o part_n as_o exist_v out_o of_o congregation_n argument_n 2_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v into_o particular_a society_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o seal_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o they_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o that_o end_n for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o erect_v any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o these_o particular_a temple_n destroy_v and_o thus_o a_o door_n of_o liberty_n be_v open_v to_o many_o to_o live_v loose_o without_o the_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n argument_n 3_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o believer_n or_o profess_v believer_n as_o such_o than_o they_o may_v be_v administer_v private_o to_o any_o one_o wherever_o he_o be_v find_v but_o that_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o against_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a divine_n who_o give_v large_a testimony_n against_o private_a baptism_n or_o of_o the_o lords-supper_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n allege_v for_o the_o contrary_n argument_n 4_o lest_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o this_o controversy_n let_v the_o argument_n produce_v by_o didoclavius_n and_o he_o that_o write_v concern_v perth_n assembly_n against_o private_a baptism_n be_v consider_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v strong_o conclude_v against_o administration_n thereof_o to_o any_o but_o church-member_n argument_n 5_o the_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sundry_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o 22._o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o 68_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a
we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o more_o congregationall_a church_n and_o so_o no_o other_o form_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n but_o we_o suppose_v you_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o answer_v to_o your_o assumption_n we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v here_o call_v a_o church_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v not_o meet_v to_o edification_n and_o first_o concern_v samaria_n reply_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o samaria_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v answ_n we_o grant_v a_o church_n or_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n and_o we_o accept_v your_o reason_n as_o good_a because_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v whâ—…e_o by_o the_o way_n you_o grant_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o before_o that_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n lie_v not_o in_o 〈…〉_z prove_v until_o you_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o church_n or_o one_o church_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n 〈…〉_z nor_o any_o other_o where_o that_o we_o can_v find_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o as_o philip_n convert_v and_o baptize_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n at_o several_a time_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o he_o baptize_v they_o so_o he_o may_v gather_v several_a church_n as_o well_o as_o one_o see_v that_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o congregationall_a church_n 〈◊〉_d a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o man_n contend_v for_o beside_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o samaria_n as_o great_a as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o it_o prove_v nothing_o reply_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a yet_o increase_v to_o 3000_o then_o to_o 5000_o etc._n etc._n answ_n be_v it_o so_o the_o increase_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v call_v one_o distinct_a church_n it_o be_v one_o congregation_n viz._n until_o they_o scatter_v by_o the_o persecution_n about_o stephen_n acts._n 7.8_o which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o act_v 2.41_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v the_o 3000_o add_v to_o the_o 120._o they_o have_v their_o communion_n together_o describe_v 1_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n verse_n 42._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 44_o &_o 45_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v describe_v verse_n 46._o viz._n in_o their_o spiritual_a duty_n they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o their_o state_n they_o eat_v their_o meat_n from_o house_n to_o house_n this_o latter_a require_v many_o table_n and_o many_o house_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o so_o that_o although_o in_o their_o outward_a communion_n it_o be_v in_o private_a house_n yet_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n viz._n the_o temple_n where_o they_o have_v room_n enough_o be_v the_o place_n erect_v for_o a_o national_n church_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o interrupt_v therein_o by_o any_o persecution_n we_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o reply_v to_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o note_v that_o they_o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v not_o ansâ—…ered_v by_o any_o 〈…〉_z 2_o this_o appear_v act_n â—…_z 1_o 5._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o election_n of_o deacon_n be_v before_o and_o by_o the_o multitude_n verse_n 1._o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n verse_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o church-meeting_n and_o church_n act_n we_o read_v of_o before_o their_o scatter_n neither_o can_v â—…t_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n and_o â—…recians_n who_o widow_n murmur_v be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v choose_v all_o by_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o whole_a not_o distinct_o so_o many_o for_o this_o and_o so_o many_o for_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v needful_a if_o they_o be_v two_o church_n these_o proof_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o inconvenience_n object_v be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o many_o example_n of_o as_o great_a assembly_n meet_v ordinary_o to_o edification_n as_o beside_o the_o auditory_a of_o chrysostome_n cite_v by_o other_o the_o assembly_n of_o stepney_n in_o london_n yarmouth_n in_o norfolk_n and_o other_o in_o our_o experience_n beza_n a_o man_n not_o love_v to_o hyperbolise_v say_v that_o be_v in_o paris_n there_o meet_v at_o a_o sermon_n 332._o 24000._o and_o of_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n no_o less_o than_o 10000_o beza_n epist._n 65._o reply_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v the_o church_n rise_v to_o such_o aâ—…_n bigness_n as_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n act_v 11.21_o &_o 14.27_o answ_n 1_o in_o that_o place_n act_v 11.21_o the_o great_a number_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o the_o scatter_a christian_n at_o phenice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o all_o and_o their_o whole_a success_n be_v sum_v up_o together_o nothing_o say_v before_o of_o the_o other_o place_n 2_o though_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n teach_v much_o people_n yet_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o this_o much_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n 3_o though_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o if_o first_o disciple_n be_v there_o call_v christian_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o their_o number_n and_o not_o rather_o for_o eminent_a likeness_n to_o christ_n with_o other_o specialty_n of_o providence_n 4_o it_o be_v express_o say_v the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o act_v 14.27_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o elder_n only_o as_o if_o they_o only_o can_v meet_v for_o chap._n 15.30_o they_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n 〈…〉_z but_o 〈…〉_z to_o gâ—…ther_o in_o 〈◊〉_d place_n reply_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v great_a at_o ephesus_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o year_n all_o that_o dwell_v 〈…〉_z hear_v 〈…〉_z and_o effectual_a way_n open_v 〈…〉_z the_o 〈…〉_z of_o diâ—…na_fw-la her_o temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v seâ—…_n aâ—…â—…ought_v 〈◊〉_d those_o 〈…〉_z burn_v their_o book_n open_o which_o can_v not_o 〈…〉_z great_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v 〈◊〉_d act_v 19.10_o 19_o 27._o answ_n 1_o be_v it_o so_o that_o many_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o word_n grâ—…w_o mighty_o this_o prove_v not_o thâ—â—_n all_o who_o hear_v paul_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o then_o all_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v of_o that_o church_n act_n 19.10_o who_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d jewe_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o a_o little_a spark_n may_v â—…indle_v such_o fear_n and_o raise_v such_o outcry_n in_o the_o covetous_a craftsman_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v see_v in_o a_o superstitious_a 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v how_o soon_o a_o profane_a people_n will_v cry_v our_o against_o a_o faithful_a minister_n before_o he_o have_v convert_v ten_o 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o city_n 2_o that_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v their_o book_n open_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o church_n except_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n believe_v seem_v a_o strange_a reason_n as_o if_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d not_o profess_v open_o except_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n to_o maintain_v they_o with_o club-law_n open_a profession_n in_o those_o time_n
have_v and_o answer_v oft_o before_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v the_o like_a reason_n no_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o other_o church_n who_o may_v in_o a_o due_a order_n of_o christ_n persecute_v the_o censure_n against_o they_o though_o not_o complete_o among_o themselves_o which_o can_v beâ—…_n say_v of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v tâ—…at_v the_o apostle_n reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v without_o to_o corinth_n but_o without_o to_o all_o church_n reply_n three_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o verse_n the_o 10.11_o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n answ_n we_o nâ—…ver_v think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o heathen_a be_v most_o proper_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o if_o our_o word_n be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o certain_a respect_n or_o as_o our_o word_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o church_n society_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o what_o great_a offence_n have_v we_o give_v for_o first_o be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n if_o just_o eâ—…communicate_v without_o in_o this_o sense_n second_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o call_v they_o without_o that_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2.19_o say_v they_o wâ—…nt_v out_o three_o be_v not_o the_o catechumâ—…ni_n of_o old_a in_o this_o respect_n without_o and_o the_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o likeâ—…_n who_o in_o those_o zealous_a and_o severe_a time_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v without_o but_o stand_v without_o though_o weep_v and_o pray_v as_o penitent_n at_o the_o church_n door_n sometime_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n and_o after_o this_o degree_n of_o preparation_n for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v three_o more_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o severity_n though_o we_o approve_v not_o yet_o it_o may_v mollify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o word_n from_o we_o four_o our_o saviour_n himself_o express_o say_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o those_o of_o no_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinary_a hearer_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o man_n without_o and_o therefore_o this_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o need_v not_o be_v call_v insolent_a or_o raise_v such_o a_o hubbub_n abroad_o as_o we_o perceive_v it_o do_v reply_n four_o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n this_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o public_a order_n we_o know_v not_o or_o where_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v necessary_a can_v be_v find_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v neither_o be_v it_o anywhere_o teach_v in_o this_o reply_n and_o we_o will_v glad_o learn_v how_o that_o church_n shall_v orderly_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o man_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n reply_n five_o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v without_o we_o read_v not_o in_o any_o scripture_n but_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n heretic_n themselves_o be_v within_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o answ_n all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n except_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v but_o a_o repeat_v denial_n of_o the_o conclusion_n in_o other_o word_n to_o the_o objection_n about_o heretic_n within_o we_o grant_v they_o be_v within_o till_o cast_v out_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2.19_o and_o if_o go_v out_o how_o be_v they_o within_o and_o so_o if_o a_o orthodox_n professor_n will_v froward_o forsake_v all_o church_n and_o live_v alone_o or_o among_o the_o heathen_a how_o be_v he_o within_o we_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n reply_n six_o this_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n and_o what_o we_o have_v say_v before_o may_v satisfy_v here_o reply_n seven_o without_o be_v dog_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 22.15_o not_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a holy_a etc._n etc._n answ_n true_o proper_o such_o be_v without_o not_o these_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o have_v be_v say_v other_o also_o may_v be_v without_o as_o such_o as_o forsake_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v before_o say_v more_o full_o reply_n eight_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o the_o society_n as_o set_v member_n answ_n to_o say_v some_o believer_n may_v be_v without_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v far_a from_o such_o a_o censure_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o israel_n in_o their_o corrupâ—…_n estate_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o long_a time_n without_o god_n without_o law_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n yet_o that_o hard_a expression_n do_v not_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o heathen_a much_o less_o to_o say_v some_o believer_n be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n and_o we_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o such_o then_o of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n reply_n nine_o 〈…〉_z shall_v â—…ee_v without_o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o particular_a combination_n 〈…〉_z reform_a church_n that_o ascribe_v the_o 〈…〉_z and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o 〈…〉_z also_o and_o therefore_o we_o 〈…〉_z approve_a christ_n 〈…〉_z be_v either_o without_o or_o not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n if_o they_o offenâ—…_n though_o no_o set_a member_n for_o 〈…〉_z themselves_o 〈…〉_z ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o 〈…〉_z â—…ffending_a 〈◊〉_d answ_n this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n without_o extreme_a strain_n of_o our_o application_n oâ—…_n 1_o cor_n 5_o 1â—…_n see_v 〈◊〉_d never_o limit_v the_o position_n to_o church_n of_o the_o same_o judgemenâ—…_n or_o in_o like_a degree_n of_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o a_o force_a 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o can_v 〈…〉_z our_o brethren_n â—…andâ—…_n neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o church_n oâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classiâ—…_n exclude_v the_o community_n among_o we_o second_o for_o that_o objection_n that_o such_o puâ—…_n themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n if_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o desire_v seal_n it_o be_v something_o but_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d deâ—…iâ—…ing_v of_o seal_n do_v include_v such_o a_o subjection_n in_o itself_o be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o or_o that_o act_n of_o administration_n we_o can_v understand_v but_o let_v this_o be_v real_o make_v good_a that_o defit_v seal_v it_o be_v a_o way_n that_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o the_o case_n will_v be_v issue_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o approve_a christian_n as_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o last_o to_o proceed_v against_o such_o as_o aâ—…_n not_o member_n or_o of_o another_o church_n as_o with_o a_o offend_a member_n of_o our_o own_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o the_o proceed_n of_o victor_n in_o his_o contentious_a time_n or_o may_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o usurpation_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v of_o reply_n ten_o if_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v clear_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v never_o allege_v by_o any_o writer_n we_o be_v not_o to_o except_v against_o it_o for_o want_v of_o man_n testimony_n only_o in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v convince_a but_o for_o the_o
exposition_n of_o this_o text_n we_o have_v not_o observe_v one_o substantial_a ground_n or_o approve_a author_n to_o be_v allege_v dr._n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o peculiar_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quin_fw-la conturbentur_fw-la signa_fw-la illa_fw-la quibus_fw-la fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n though_o of_o no_o settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o unless_o christian_n make_v themselves_o actual_a member_n of_o a_o church_n the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o reason_n how_o can_v that_o text_n be_v allege_v unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v answ_n first_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o respect_v declare_v may_v appear_v by_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o objection_n second_o that_o we_o have_v one_o approve_a author_n so_o allege_v it_o viz._n doctor_n ames_n shall_v appear_v in_o clear_n his_o meaning_n from_o your_o objection_n 1._o grant_v that_o by_o man_n without_o according_a to_o doctor_n ames_n his_o reason_n infidel_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o how_o shall_v the_o sign_n discern_v believer_n from_o unbeliever_n be_v confound_v by_o such_o as_o join_v not_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n if_o those_o believer_n do_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n stand_v without_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o consequence_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o own_o syllogism_n whereinto_o you_o cast_v his_o argument_n will_v have_v conclude_v so_o much_o if_o it_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v out_o in_o the_o conclusion_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o say_v except_o such_o join_v to_o some_o church_n the_o sign_n will_v be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o reason_n right_o conclude_v will_v have_v say_v fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o sign_n will_v be_v confound_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o judgement_n it_o be_v unavoidablâ—…_n that_o such_o mix_v themselves_o with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v without_o indeed_o proper_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n reply_n again_o doctor_n ames_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v say_v it_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o outward_a profession_n etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o you_o allege_v here_o out_o of_o doctor_n ames_n we_o confess_v show_v that_o he_o be_v very_o large_a in_o his_o charity_n about_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n extend_v the_o same_o to_o the_o child_n of_o a_o papist_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o some_o passage_n that_o he_o understand_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o look_n at_o the_o child_n of_o a_o papist_n as_o one_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o substance_n though_o so_o exceed_o corrupt_a but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o disprove_v that_o he_o understand_v 1_o cor._n 5.12_o otherwise_o then_o have_v be_v say_v what_o you_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o second_o manuduction_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o consent_v unto_o neither_o do_v we_o deny_v seal_n to_o any_o if_o they_o demand_v they_o as_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n in_o england_n and_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n chap._n x._o consid_n 5._o reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v utter_o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a institution_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o still_o complain_v of_o this_o liberty_n which_o be_v take_v in_o change_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n first_o that_o clause_n member_n of_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o poâ—…ition_n nor_o be_v it_o maintain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o sense_n neither_o do_v we_o limit_v church-fellowship_n to_o our_o order_n as_o it_o be_v call_v but_o acknowledge_v church_n defective_a in_o matter_n of_o order_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o answer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a wrong_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o reader_n so_o oft_o to_o put_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n second_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a by_o divine_a institution_n may_v not_o evil_a consequence_n be_v add_v and_o if_o both_o hold_n be_v not_o our_o reason_n the_o more_o strong_a what_o need_v then_o such_o a_o reply_n three_o we_o have_v oft_o grant_v a_o remote_a right_n but_o next_o and_o immediate_a we_o still_o deny_v and_o we_o conceive_v no_o other_o order_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o prevent_v such_o evil_n then_o by_o join_v to_o the_o institute_v church_n of_o christ_n reply_n seal_n may_v be_v profane_v when_o the_o dispenser_n can_v help_v it_o but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o random_n but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o sufficient_o know_v to_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o fear_n and_o danger_n in_o this_o case_n be_v more_o than_o so_o far_o off_o can_v easy_o be_v discern_v though_o the_o limitation_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o description_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o will_v open_v a_o door_n wide_a than_o many_o can_v imagine_v for_o many_o such_o in_o the_o judgement_n even_o of_o the_o wise_a come_v into_o this_o state_n of_o temptation_n prove_v far_o otherwise_o even_o yourselves_o be_v judge_n if_o you_o be_v here_o we_o suppose_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n of_o england_n among_o forward_a professor_n will_v teach_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v how_o many_o professor_n may_v prove_v here_o yet_o second_o if_o you_o add_v such_o as_o retain_v their_o membership_n in_o your_o church_n be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o by_o your_o church_n or_o by_o know_a godly_a minister_n we_o can_v then_o according_a to_o order_n receive_v they_o and_o avoid_v the_o confusion_n and_o inconvenience_n we_o object_v three_o if_o also_o it_o be_v take_v into_o the_o description_n know_v and_o sufficient_o approve_v of_o ourselves_o than_o the_o door_n be_v open_a to_o they_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o though_o they_o can_v settle_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n and_o this_o way_n of_o order_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n but_o if_o we_o come_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n any_o other_o way_n we_o can_v avoid_v it_o but_o great_a offence_n will_v be_v give_v to_o many_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n object_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o will_v follow_v here_o with_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v much_o more_o in_o some_o other_o place_n reply_n you_o profess_v high_a respect_n to_o your_o brethren_n in_o old_a england_n but_o it_o seem_v you_o judge_v they_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o orderly_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o approve_a christian_n well_o know_v and_o live_v among_o they_o which_o two_o can_v well_o agree_v answ_n this_o position_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o judgement_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o case_n neither_o have_v we_o show_v it_o by_o reject_v such_o orderly_a testimony_n that_o we_o know_v reply_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o join_v to_o some_o approve_a church_n etc._n etc._n answ_n neither_o do_v we_o impute_v that_o to_o all_o that_o join_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o under_o such_o a_o
rest_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o scripture_n that_o any_o society_n of_o unbaptised_a do_v first_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v you_o can_v produce_v one_o example_n or_o other_o proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o one_o man_n teach_v the_o gospel_n ministerial_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o of_o a_o society_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n but_o they_o be_v baptize_v person_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n out_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v they_o be_v first_o baptize_v into_o church_n fellowship_n before_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n remain_v enjoy_v from_o they_o other_o ordinance_n as_o act._n 2._o and_o so_o have_v no_o officer_n choose_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n immediate_o for_o they_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o they_o must_v choose_v officer_n if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o no_o need_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v usual_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_n arise_v out_o of_o popery_n in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v such_o church_n can_v partake_v of_o no_o ordinance_n without_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o yet_o this_o vary_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n pattern_n neither_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o believer_n differ_v when_o paul_n find_v about_o twelve_o believer_n at_o ephesâ—…s_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n act._n 19.1_o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v into_o a_o constitute_v church_n as_o be_v probable_a be_v call_v on_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o way_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o baptise_v they_o again_o with_o water_n but_o only_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o pentecost_n act._n 1.5_o with_o 2.1.2_o and_o yet_o no_o vary_a from_o the_o rule_n in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o like_a be_v our_o case_n now_o 2_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o here_o you_o urge_v than_o those_o former_a assertion_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n page_n 23._o and_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o want_v of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n if_o these_o be_v so_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n may_v be_v a_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n though_o they_o want_v baptism_n 3_o though_o no_o such_o example_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n choose_v a_o pastor_n among_o themselves_o can_v be_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thereof_o apostle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o baptize_v they_o yet_o why_o in_o absence_n of_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n may_v they_o not_o choose_v some_o other_o baptize_v christian_n who_o come_v into_o some_o far_a remote_a country_n of_o infidel_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o show_v a_o example_n of_o presbyter_n hold_v a_o synod_n or_o ordain_v of_o elder_n without_o apostle_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o suppose_v you_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o such_o thing_n 4_o if_o a_o example_n of_o one_o unbaptise_v that_o preach_v &_o baptize_v ministerial_o will_v satisfy_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n may_v answer_v your_o demand_n for_o whether_o he_o baptize_v himself_o or_o be_v baptize_v by_o some_o other_o at_o first_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n do_v baptize_v but_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o example_n scripture_n ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o case_n be_v they_o rule_v example_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o and_o we_o reason_n thus_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n profess_v christ_n have_v liberty_n from_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n but_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n in_o a_o combine_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v choose_v their_o officer_n reply_n the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v also_o right_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o faithful_a alone_o but_o their_o guide_v and_o officer_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v two_o or_o three_o believer_n link_v in_o a_o society_n be_v such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n do_v belong_v but_o that_o right_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n answ_n the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o proposition_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o former_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v guide_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o therein_o but_o not_o to_o limit_v they_o who_o to_o choose_v but_o when_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o guide_n as_o by_o death_n and_o other_o way_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o shall_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o choose_v if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v to_o who_o the_o right_a fall_n they_o may_v take_v what_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o other_o they_o want_v but_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o limitation_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o number_n of_o two_o or_o three_o we_o contend_v not_o but_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n gather_v be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n be_v in_o such_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o when_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o our_o minister_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o church_n no_o say_v dr._n field_n for_o the_o people_n elect_v they_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o separate_v from_o wicked_a minister_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n who_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la plebs_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n also_o from_o ocham_n who_o say_v si_fw-mi papa_n &_o maxim_n celebres_fw-la episcopi_fw-la incidunt_fw-la in_o haeresin_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la devoluta_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n either_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o choose_v other_o or_o consent_v to_o their_o impiety_n field_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o place_n be_v little_a to_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o scruple_v by_o we_o and_o what_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o therefore_o here_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o reply_n proposi_fw-la 4._o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n fellowship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a right_o understand_v for_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o can_v join_v themselves_o together_o in_o church_n estate_n answ_n to_o this_o objection_n be_v speak_v before_o only_o we_o marvel_v why_o you_o say_v they_o must_v first_o partake_v of_o seal_n when_o as_o act_v 2._o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o day_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n by_o baptism_n reply_n such_o as_o for_o lack_v of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n can_v join_v in_o such_o estate_n or_o be_v disperse_v persecution_n or_o destitute_a of_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n may_v for_o a_o time_n seek_v the_o seal_n in_o other_o society_n answ_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o such_o as_o may_v come_v to_o any_o society_n to_o desire_v seal_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o join_v viz._n to_o that_o society_n the_o two_o other_o instance_n be_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v still_o to_o hold_v their_o right_n in_o a_o church_n society_n the_o thing_n iâ—…_n grant_v by_o we_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n reply_n the_o people_n also_o who_o be_v deprive_v
be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busy_a body_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o â—…_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—…_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n so_o we_o confess_v to_o his_o praise_n that_o we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n orderly_o carry_v and_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o various_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o christian_n when_o need_n be_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n to_o enjoy_v and_o sanctify_v oft_o to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v have_v be_v oft_o follow_v with_o sad_a event_n reply_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n infer_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n to_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o grant_v our_o church-covenant_n neither_o require_v every_o business_n to_o come_v to_o public_a counsel_n nor_o perpetual_a
residence_n in_o one_o place_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o hold_v by_o we_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n reply_n you_o say_v you_o bind_v yourselves_o to_o no_o new_a duty_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o require_v neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o can_v but_o grieve_v we_o to_o see_v how_o the_o replyer_n still_o not_o content_a to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o harsh_a sense_n but_o will_v also_o wind_v in_o other_o matter_n into_o his_o discourse_n which_o may_v make_v our_o practice_n seem_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o it_o be_v first_o he_o urge_v we_o as_o if_o we_o bring_v all_o case_n of_o remove_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o as_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o he_o will_v by_o consequence_n infer_v the_o like_a of_o occasional_a absence_n and_o now_o he_o weave_v in_o that_o also_o as_o if_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o to_o require_v man_n to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o place_n whither_o they_o go_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o occasional_a absence_n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o reply_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o best_a church_n through_o weakness_n and_o temptation_n may_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a administration_n of_o censure_n or_o other_o affair_n but_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o such_o fear_n upon_o so_o little_a ground_n may_v argue_v the_o author_n charity_n concern_v our_o wisdom_n and_o christian_n care_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o very_o great_a reply_n as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v a_o godly_a sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n answ_n if_o the_o author_n have_v not_o strain_v and_o aggravate_v thing_n beyond_o our_o mâ—…aning_n in_o the_o answer_n and_o our_o practice_n this_o will_v not_o have_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n to_o trouble_v a_o sober_a godly_a mind_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o general_o sober_a godly_a mind_n that_o have_v their_o pride_n and_o selfwillednesse_a in_o any_o good_a measure_n mortify_v do_v count_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o our_o practice_n of_o this_o point_n to_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o profitable_a neither_o do_v we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o any_o as_o be_v say_v but_o if_o any_o stumble_v at_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o a_o little_a here_o clear_a that_o scruple_n when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o branch_v our_o reason_n into_o four_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o those_o four_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o distinct_a promise_n in_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o the_o four_o iâ—…_n but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o three_o former_a as_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o make_v by_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o distinct_a promise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o our_o judgement_n or_o practice_n if_o because_o we_o extend_v our_o watch_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n it_o will_v no_o more_o follow_v then_o that_o we_o require_v promise_n in_o admission_n in_o a_o thousand_o case_n to_o which_o our_o watch_n also_o extend_v reply_n if_o any_o shall_v not_o middle_a with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n answ_n to_o extend_v our_o watch_n so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o these_o case_n of_o removall_n from_o a_o church_n to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o abrupt_a break_v off_o and_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n oft_o fall_v into_o in_o their_o unadvised_a break_n out_o of_o the_o fold_n the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o in_o and_o to_o further_a their_o best_a good_a in_o their_o removall_n whatever_o be_v think_v of_o it_o we_o count_v it_o no_o breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v under_o such_o a_o watch_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o shall_v neglect_v any_o duty_n that_o one_o owe_v to_o another_o so_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v necessary_o to_o those_o end_n we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o covenant_n but_o because_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n etc._n etc._n we_o entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o answer_n this_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o thing_n note_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o general_a and_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a case_n by_o we_o nor_o well_o appliable_a in_o the_o manner_n here_o express_v second_o it_o be_v moderate_v in_o the_o answer_n which_o say_v in_o some_o sort_n he_o shall_v commit_v that_o sin_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o satisfy_v we_o wish_v it_o expunge_v or_o any_o other_o seem_a harshness_n rather_o than_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o any_o last_o that_o you_o may_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n herein_o we_o will_v acquaint_v all_o man_n with_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o removal_n from_o one_o town_n and_o church_n to_o another_o and_o from_o full_a to_o new_a plantation_n be_v frequent_o practise_v among_o we_o with_o consent_n and_o approbation_n second_o that_o we_o find_v in_o experience_n that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o sheep_n a_o wander_a disposition_n so_o in_o this_o large_a wilderness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v exercise_v his_o people_n with_o various_a temptation_n by_o liberty_n by_o offer_n of_o large_a outward_a accommodation_n by_o want_n and_o straits_n by_o various_a opinion_n vent_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o respect_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o subject_a many_o time_n to_o outrunnings_n that_o we_o find_v more_o than_o ordinary_a need_n of_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o watch_n in_o many_o case_n and_o many_o that_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o officer_n friend_n and_o of_o the_o church_n have_v deep_o smart_v for_o it_o how_o say_v a_o case_n be_v it_o when_o some_o brainsick_a master_n of_o a_o family_n transport_v with_o a_o fancy_n a_o odd_a opinion_n will_v needs_o carry_v his_o whole_a family_n with_o himself_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o hazard_n of_o his_o godly_a wife_n and_o hopeful_a child_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o people_n full_a of_o fanatical_a error_n be_v it_o christian_a liberty_n or_o dangerous_a licentiousness_n to_o leave_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o he_o reply_n may_v you_o not_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o â—…he_a mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n and_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a for_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n beyond_o warrant_n to_o bind_v conscience_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o
be_v join_v to_o a_o church_n second_o when_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v and_o desire_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v to_o a_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o allow_v none_o to_o â—…ee_v of_o the_o church_n but_o real_a saint_n and_o such_o as_o give_v demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o we_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n what_o ever_o their_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o real_a but_o visible_a faith_n not_o the_o inward_a be_v but_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n whence_o man_n be_v call_v visible_a saint_n that_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n which_o faith_n so_o profess_v be_v call_v visible_a not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a â—…_n cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o all_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n direct_v we_o not_o so_o to_o judge_v because_o many_o christian_n may_v be_v draw_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o seed_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v sometime_o not_o know_v it_o sometime_o remember_v not_o the_o work_n of_o it_o sometime_o through_o bashfulness_n fear_n want_v of_o part_n nor_o not_o train_v up_o under_o a_o know_a ministry_n not_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v it_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o hence_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o other_o from_o communion_n out_o of_o groundless_a fear_n that_o all_o their_o profession_n may_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n we_o allow_v not_o because_o no_o man_n in_o his_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o fear_n but_o by_o the_o word_n hence_o also_o to_o account_v any_o unfit_a for_o the_o church_n because_o their_o heart_n can_v close_v with_o they_o or_o because_o they_o like_v not_o their_o spirit_n speak_v not_o with_o favour_n or_o any_o such_o like_a principle_n and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n â—…eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_v 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o also_o appear_v act_v 2.38_o which_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o tremble_v and_o profane_a man_n of_o much_o knowledge_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o act._n 8.37_o philip_n not_o only_o require_v faith_n but_o a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o hearâ—…_n of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o profession_n baptize_v he_o and_o hence_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n colosse_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o because_o debito_fw-la and_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la only_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o require_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o may_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o he_o require_v they_o manifest_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o save_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o a_o creed_n which_o be_v require_v for_o then_o a_o papist_n be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n nor_o willingness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o then_o heap_n of_o profane_a person_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v profession_n of_o a_o work_n and_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v ever_o require_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n be_v no_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o more_o rigid_o incline_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o second_o with_o what_o profession_n charity_n according_a to_o rule_v be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o breadth_n in_o charity_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o testimonium_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o a_o man_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a profession_n potest_fw-la sâ—…besse_fw-la salsum_fw-la there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n latent_fw-la it_o be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n so_o in_o the_o weak_a profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la verum_fw-la idest_fw-la there_o may_v be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n hence_o man_n leave_v all_o secret_n to_o god_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o first_o either_o with_o that_o which_o be_v only_o verbal_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a by_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o second_o with_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v real_a which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v false_a
yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o convince_v by_o a_o rule_n that_o so_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v fearful_a as_o of_o open_v the_o door_n too_o wide_o so_o of_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o any_o who_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o but_o for_o what_o yet_o we_o see_v or_o read_v from_o the_o argument_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o author_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a learned_a we_o think_v that_o church_n charity_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o first_o but_o with_o the_o latter_a for_o let_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o short_a or_o so_o weak_a let_v it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o immediate_a relation_n or_o by_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o appear_v to_o a_o regulate_v charity_n so_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o be_v be_v real_a it_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v then_o till_o god_n make_v discovery_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o intend_v not_o to_o heap_v up_o argument_n nor_o answer_v scruple_n but_o these_o four_o thing_n seemâ—…_n to_o â—…vince_v as_o much_o 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 3000._o convert_v act_n â—…_z as_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o one_o day_n immediate_o receive_v so_o many_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o large_a profession_n of_o every_o one_o so_o also_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o pattern_n it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v evident_o join_v with_o humiliation_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n mourning_n and_o cry_v out_o before_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n which_o be_v real_a testimony_n of_o some_o real_a change_n from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n receive_v they_o 2_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o from_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o turn_v away_o if_o barâ—…_n profession_n be_v sufficient_a why_o shall_v timothy_n turn_v from_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o profession_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o private_a but_o church_n communion_n also_o suppose_v they_o such_o as_o not_o oneâ—…y_o have_v a_o form_n but_o may_v be_v by_o a_o rule_n convince_v thereof_o 3.9_o 3_o lie_v and_o apparent_a untruth_n can_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n for_o charity_n to_o rest_v on_o that_o so_o he_o be_v but_o verbal_a profession_n which_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v real_a but_o false_a be_v palpable_a lie_v and_o indeed_o more_o fit_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v the_o church_n hence_o sanctius_n in_o zach._n 14.14_o observe_n that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o qui_fw-la cum_fw-la fidem_fw-la retineant_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la abjecerunt_fw-la 4_o if_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n than_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n cast_v out_o in_o one_o hour_n shall_v be_v immediate_o receive_v in_o again_o if_o he_o will_v but_o renew_v his_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n nay_o then_o the_o indian_n in_o maryland_n who_o will_v put_v on_o and_o put_v off_o this_o profession_n as_o their_o ghostly_a father_n the_o popish_a priest_n will_v bestow_v or_o withhold_v garment_n and_o shirt_n upon_o they_o shall_v in_o charity_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o charity_n may_v know_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o profession_n we_o answer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v application_n thereof_o only_o this_o we_o do_v add_v in_o general_a for_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n 1_o such_o a_o faith_n profess_v with_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o innocent_a godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o say_v this_o conversation_n make_v faith_n appear_v real_a james_n 2.18_o rev._n 22.14_o we_o conceive_v more_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n appear_v a_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o church_n then_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v only_o bone_fw-la civis_fw-la and_o bare_a civility_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o latter_a but_o not_o for_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v needful_a as_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o not_o only_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v join_v with_o evident_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o experience_n always_o of_o such_o a_o holy_a life_n antecedent_o see_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v act._n 2.37_o 38._o for_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v experience_a christian_n into_o his_o family_n and_o house_n but_o also_o the_o weak_a and_o poor_a who_o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o experience_n of_o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n some_o think_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v act._n 2.39_o so_o soon_o because_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v but_o if_o they_o have_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o here_o according_a to_o that_o for_o they_o receive_v divers_a hypocrite_n in_o as_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o other_o of_o their_o act_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v exemplary_a why_o shall_v this_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o extraordinary_a 3_o when_o there_o be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o other_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n although_o their_o humiliation_n faith_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v for_o we_o see_v the_o church_n receive_v paul_n when_o barnabas_n have_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v just_a to_o condemn_v another_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o faithful_a witness_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unchristian_a to_o receive_v a_o other_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n much_o more_o ready_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a christian_n especial_o then_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a open_o and_o public_o ro_o speak_v so_o full_o for_o themselves_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o question_v whether_o this_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n answer_v 1._o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o receive_v other_o to_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n do_v act_v 9.26_o 27._o encourage_v by_o barnabas_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v rom._n 14.1_o which_o although_o it_o be_v of_o fellow-member_n into_o their_o affection_n yet_o the_o proportion_n hold_v strong_a for_o receive_v comer_n into_o the_o church_n joh._n ep._n 3.8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o if_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o must_v by_o some_o mean_n know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v comfortable_o receive_v into_o their_o affection_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v first_o private_o to_o examine_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o admission_n be_v to_o show_v the_o church_n the_o rule_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o admit_v they_o act._n 10.37_o can_v any_o forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n be_v best_a see_v by_o that_o public_a profession_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o if_o no_o just_a exception_n be_v make_v as_o none_o shall_v be_v without_o conviction_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n hereunto_o for_o if_o public_a profession_n be_v needful_a at_o least_o before_o the_o church_n though_o not_o the_o world_n always_o as_o didoclavius_n observe_v to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n by_o baptism_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o person_n former_o baptize_v and_o enter_v anew_o into_o the_o church_n but_o they_o shall_v open_o
of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n act_v 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o bâ—…st_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v thâ—…_n to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10.9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o johnâ—…_n â—…_z 1_o 2._o and_o 5.1_o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19.17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a 1â—…_n chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o if_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la it_o â—…are_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v proâ—…anation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la fiduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumâ—…tuâ—…_n reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3.6_o act_n 8.37_o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o
communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n he_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o they_o may_v do_v with_o a_o member_n unjust_o cast_v out_o but_o till_o that_o appear_v unto_o they_o they_o can_v so_o esteem_v and_o honour_v he_o be_v orderly_o depose_v but_o must_v at_o least_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o the_o case_n be_v clear_v four_o we_o answer_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o chief_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n if_o a_o minister_n be_v unjust_o depose_v or_o forsake_v by_o his_o particular_a church_n and_o he_o also_o withal_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v they_o so_o far_o as_o all_o office_n and_o relation_n between_o they_o cease_v then_o be_v he_o no_o long_o a_o officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o church_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v call_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o minister_n office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o indelible_a character_n but_o consist_v in_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n once_o ordain_v his_o relation_n cease_v his_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o remain_v why_o shall_v not_o a_o roll_a elder_a or_o deacon_n remain_v a_o elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o all_o be_v officer_n ordain_v of_o christ_n alike_o give_v to_o his_o church_n officer_n choose_v and_o ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o of_o â—…ands_n alike_o but_o weâ—…_n suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v a_o deacon_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v remain_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o not_o a_o minister_n second_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v and_o first_o this_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v union_n with_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a it_o be_v a_o unusual_a expression_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o your_o meaning_n the_o usual_a church_n in_o england_n have_v be_v either_o the_o arch-deacon_n church_n in_o the_o deanaâ—…ies_n or_o diocesan_n in_o the_o bishopric_n or_o provincial_n or_o national_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intend_a here_o yet_o to_o all_o this_o and_o the_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o particular_a church_n have_v be_v subject_a as_o part_n there_o but_o if_o by_o usual_a church_n you_o mean_v a_o classical_a provincial_n or_o national_n church_n we_o must_v entreat_v better_a ground_n for_o any_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o mind_n and_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o that_o we_o look_v at_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o such_o relation_n to_o the_o usual_a and_o intermediate_v church_n between_o it_o and_o the_o catholic_a the_o second_o sense_n therefore_o we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o before_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o know_v not_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o know_v what_o the_o universal_a church_n judge_v except_o we_o can_v hear_v it_o speak_v or_o see_v its_o practice_n if_o the_o only_a head_n prophet_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n be_v fit_a to_o declare_v her_o judgement_n we_o will_v be_v try_v thereby_o who_o we_o know_v have_v set_v elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n act._n 14.23_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o particular_a flock_n act._n 20.28_o but_o not_o over_o any_o other_o church_n that_o we_o can_v find_v neither_o do_v this_o destroy_v the_o unity_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o of_o particular_a church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o be_v say_v for_o church_n may_v enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o without_o such_o state_v form_n under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o another_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o reply_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o other_o church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o nor_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v together_o on_o nor_o the_o minister_n one_o non_fw-la the_o flock_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o answ_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v intend_v to_o have_v the_o minister_n one_o and_o flock_v one_o we_o do_v not_o see_v if_o you_o mean_v one_o by_o one_o visible_a government_n over_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n you_o must_v at_o last_o rise_v to_o oecomenicall_a pastor_n or_o council_n that_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a which_o can_v scarce_o ever_o be_v have_v if_o you_o mean_v a_o unity_n by_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o officeâ—…_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a helpefulnesse_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n without_o usurpation_n such_o a_o unity_n and_o community_n be_v not_o destroy_v and_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o follow_v can_v many_o distinct_a society_n of_o town_n or_o corporation_n make_v up_o one_o county_n except_o the_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o one_o town_n be_v a_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o other_o also_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o deacon_n of_o all_o or_o else_o the_o unity_n be_v destroy_v reply_n if_o the_o pastor_n derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n have_v set_v he_o aside_o what_o right_o have_v he_o to_o administer_v among_o that_o people_n answ_n true_o but_o we_o say_v he_o derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n indeed_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o he_o to_o which_o the_o authority_n be_v annex_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n hence_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o without_o christ_n depose_v he_o they_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n but_o his_o right_n remain_v reply_n as_o they_o give_v right_a to_o a_o unworthy_a man_n to_o minister_v among_o they_o if_o they_o call_v he_o unjust_o so_o they_o take_v right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o they_o unjust_o depose_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la but_o as_o in_o the_o call_n his_o outward_a call_v consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o call_n and_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o call_v to_o complete_a his_o power_n of_o administration_n now_o this_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n may_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o â—…ust_v censure_v without_o his_o consent_n but_o can_v unjust_o be_v wring_v from_o he_o without_o his_o consent_n &_o therefore_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o right_n till_o either_o he_o be_v just_o depose_v or_o willing_o relinquish_v the_o same_o upon_o their_o injurious_a interruption_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n reply_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o election_n give_v he_o authority_n among_o they_o to_o feed_v their_o câ—…sting_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n they_o give_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o execution_n may_v be_v unjust_o hinder_v though_o the_o right_n and_o office_n remain_v but_o we_o may_v well_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o usual_a or_o catholic_a church_n thus_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relative_n than_o he_o that_o may_v just_o for_o ever_o be_v hinder_v of_o all_o execution_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v his_o flock_n or_o can_v so_o much_o as_o just_o approve_v and_o admonish_v they_o for_o the_o same_o sure_o he_o have_v a_o poor_a office_n and_o ministry_n but_o such_o a_o minister_n that_o have_v no_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v his_o flock_n under_o his_o charge_n may_v just_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o can_v censure_v or_o reprove_v his_o catholic_n or_o usual_a church_n for_o the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o no_o minister_n and_o and_o have_v no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n â—…hap_n xvii_o position_n 8._o that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n reply_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o ministerial_a etc._n etc._n answ_n concern_v our_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o position_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o position_n to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o here_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o our_o expression_n that_o a_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o church_n do_v it_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o may_v occasion_v stumble_v yet_o the_o the_o next_o word_n follow_v do_v full_o express_v our_o mind_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o ministerial_a act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o that_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n for_o so_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n with_o that_o authority_n he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o which_o further_o clear_v up_o our_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o none_o but_o his_o proper_a flock_n although_o some_o act_n of_o his_o office_n may_v extend_v beyond_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v still_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v once_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o study_v how_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n for_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v it_o from_o this_o reply_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o godly_a learned_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o possible_o may_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o think_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v in_o another_o congregation_n do_v it_o only_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n as_o the_o refuter_fw-la of_o doctor_n downam_n with_o other_o in_o former_a time_n of_o reformation_n believe_v also_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o if_o any_o difference_n appear_v herein_o it_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n for_o substance_n we_o maintain_v if_o by_o sundry_a line_n we_o all_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o point_n finis_fw-la with_fw-mi pet._n mart._n loc._n com._n de_fw-fr excom_n brin_n watch_n part_v 3._o capâ—…_n 10._o jun._n lib._n 1._o paral_n 6._o g._n apol._n cap._n 7._o q._n 2._o ibid._n p._n 138._o peter_n martyr_n in_o 1_o king_n 12._o verse_n 31._o pet._n mart._n com._n loc._n the_o idol_n in_o praeâ—…_n l._n 1._o john_n 2.15_o 16._o conc._n miliv_n can._n 12._o tertull._n apol._n cap._n 30._o vid._n chemnit_fw-la ex._n de_fw-fr innoc._n sanctorum_fw-la vid._n birth_n of_o heresy_n out_o of_o elasopolitans_n comment_n pet._n mart._n loc_n â—…om_n the_o idol_n whit._n de_fw-fr eccle._n 1_o cor._n 15.47_o vid._n brightm_n an._n in_o loc._n cypr._n lib._n 3._o epist_n 13._o cypr._n lib._n 4._o epist_n 7._o 7._o right_o of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 482._o page_n 22._o page_n 68_o tertul._n lib._n 4._o com._n mar._n mar._n calvin_n epist_n 332._o chamier_n de_fw-fr euchar_n cap._n 13._o reply_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o answer_n pet_n mart._n de_fw-fr excom_n loc._n com._n com._n official_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 6.7_o rev._n 2.2_o and_o 3.9_o act_n 2_o 38.8_o â—…7_n 19_o 17_o 18_o â—…_n cham_fw-mi de_fw-fr bap._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 1â—…_n