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another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o council_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o the_o assembly_n once_o grow_v to_o be_v populous_a of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v negligent_a in_o or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o heavy_a task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a for_o every_o one_o to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v usurpation_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v over_o ridge_v in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n themselves_o go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busi-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n and_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o
a_o letter_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n request_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o new_a england_n concern_v nine_o position_n write_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1637._o together_o with_o their_o answer_n thereunto_o return_v anno_fw-la 1639._o and_o the_o reply_v make_v unto_o the_o say_a answer_n and_o send_v over_o unto_o they_o anno_fw-la 1640._o now_o publish_v by_o occasion_n mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n who_o love_n and_o seek_v the_o truth_n by_o simeon_n ash_n and_o william_n rathband_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a london_n print_v for_o thomas_n vnderhill_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o great_a woodstreet_n 1643._o i_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v this_o reply_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o 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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 lord_n supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n 6._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o unjust_o or_o leave_v he_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n 8._o that_o a_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o 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to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o faithful_a this_o can_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o that_o offence_n be_v personal_a only_a and_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a they_o join_v in_o prayer_n only_o and_o not_o in_o his_o read_n or_o limit_v himself_o not_o to_o say_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v herein_o both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n if_o he_o give_v offence_n must_v they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stone_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v rather_o think_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o foot_n that_o they_o go_v not_o awry_o let_v it_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o either_o the_o minister_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v unlawful_a honour_n or_o that_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v do_v 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apostle_n as_o you_o say_v dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o the_o seal_v dispense_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n of_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispence_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 be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a to_o what_o pupose_v then_o be_v those_o word_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n add_v to_o the_o proposition_n if_o thereby_o you_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n it_o be_v evident_o cross_v to_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v and_o to_o yourselves_o afterward_o if_o 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which_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o 13._o world_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whereof_o some_o be_v pure_a other_o impure_a some_o more_o other_o less_a sound_n hereunto_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o every_o multitude_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v indefinite_o call_v the_o church_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n may_v true_o be_v call_v one_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v to_o many_o disperse_a church_n who_o can_v not_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n nor_o be_v feed_v by_o one_o shepherd_n speak_v of_o they_o singular_o as_o one_o flock_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o but_o that_o flock_n be_v the_o stranger_n disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n asia_n cappadocia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o join_v together_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n or_o make_v one_o distinct_a congregat_v assembly_n ecclesiae_fw-la and_o if_o the_o catholic_a militant_a church_n be_v one_o society_n the_o seal_n that_o be_v give_v as_o a_o prerogative_n to_o the_o church_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o in_o due_a order_n though_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n fellowship_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o the_o flock_n or_o society_n be_v one_o so_o be_v the_o ministry_n faith_n covenant_n and_o sacrament_n 7._o which_o be_v give_v as_o a_o communion_n prerogative_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o appropriate_v to_o this_o or_o that_o part_n ormember_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v further_o evidence_v hereby_o that_o sometime_o it_o have_v and_o too_o often_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o christian_n 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the_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o agree_v to_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n under_o the_o head_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v communion_n together_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o be_v one_o 4._o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n or_o assembly_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 in_o church-order_n into_o one_o congregationall_a body_n or_o society_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 they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o child_n and_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 10._o and_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n though_o but_o two_o or_o three_o and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o he_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o communication_n and_o accept_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o undoubted_a token_n of_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n or_o confederate_n but_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o 2â—2_n true_a and_o entire_a faith_n join_v 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 and_o in_o some_o measure_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n 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 the_o want_n of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o title_n or_o right_a of_o a_o church_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o head_n corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o people_n come_v unto_o christ_n unite_v unto_o he_o build_v upon_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n by_o god_n himself_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v a_o people_n in_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o church_n so_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o sacrament_n if_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_n and_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o a_o privilege_n whether_o in_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n we_o accept_v it_o as_o good_a and_o sound_a but_o it_o make_v against_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o keep_v away_o such_o as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n if_o you_o mean_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v only_o to_o set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n combine_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v among_o you_o we_o can_v receive_v it_o because_o it_o imply_v a_o distinction_n not_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o cross_v to_o yourselves_o and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o scripture_n have_v nothing_o but_o many_o thing_n against_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v 5_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v member_n of_o true_a and_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n membership_n as_o you_o call_v it_o for_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o entire_a and_o true_a faith_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o matter_n substantial_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o visible_a 117._o believer_n receive_v the_o word_n and_o profess_v the_o true_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 that_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 for_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o dwell_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o man_n the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v ever_o join_v with_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o they_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o seal_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o without_o but_o within_o the_o church_n a_o ordinance_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n other_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o divine_a providence_n shall_v minister_v occasion_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n you_o say_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n well_o know_v and_o approve_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n which_o church_n do_v mutual_o and_o with_o good_a acceptance_n communicate_v each_o of_o they_o at_o other_o church_n even_o so_o often_o as_o god_n providence_n lead_v they_o thereunto_o and_o themselves_o desire_v it_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o this_o consideration_n you_o say_v you_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o know_v approve_a and_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n and_o if_o know_v and_o
to_o bigness_n more_o than_o ordinary_a a_o increase_n of_o place_n for_o their_o assemble_v when_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o change_v nor_o one_o multiply_v or_o divide_v into_o many_o and_o it_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o further_o remove_v from_o all_o ambition_n if_o the_o society_n shall_v assemble_v occasional_o in_o divers_a place_n as_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n then_o to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a free_a society_n consist_v of_o a_o few_o believer_n not_o fit_a to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a body_n contrary_a to_o the_o precedent_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o time_n of_o grievous_a and_o hot_a persecution_n the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v not_o assemble_v in_o any_o great_a number_n in_o public_a place_n but_o have_v be_v compel_v to_o meet_v in_o wood_n cave_n den_n and_o dark_a corner_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v offer_v opportunity_n one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n in_o sundry_a place_n so_o that_o either_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o or_o their_o society_n be_v break_v off_o by_o persecution_n when_o their_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o place_n be_v interrupt_v it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o where_o the_o church_n grow_v great_a sometime_o by_o the_o sudden_a and_o extraordinary_a conversion_n of_o more_o than_o can_v well_o so_o assemble_v than_o be_v there_o present_o a_o dispersion_n 196._o of_o the_o former_a and_o a_o multiplication_n of_o more_o particular_a assembly_n but_o in_o the_o scripture_n quote_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v appear_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o aftertime_n when_o the_o church_n be_v within_o the_o city_n as_o of_o rome_n ephesus_n alexandria_n carthage_n raff_n jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n the_o number_n of_o believer_n do_v great_o exceed_v the_o bigness_n of_o a_o convenient_a and_o fit_a assembly_n which_o may_v ordinary_o congregate_v in_o one_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n when_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o seven_o see_v then_o both_o the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a and_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n id_fw-la est_fw-la to_o the_o faithful_a and_o repentant_a teach_v make_v disciple_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o profess_v the_o faith_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n who_o be_v member_n of_o other_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v by_o admittance_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o unto_o set_a member_n of_o congregationall_a assembly_n only_o and_o see_v the_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o godly_a congregation_n true_a church_n and_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n true_a member_n of_o visible_a church_n former_o baptize_v and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o consideration_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n to_o justify_v your_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n among_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v as_o set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n among_o you_o and_o if_o such_o believer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o seal_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v if_o ever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v right_o dispense_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n the_o seal_n do_v follow_v the_o grant_n and_o as_o the_o seal_n be_v profane_v if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o a_o false_a grant_n or_o charter_n so_o be_v the_o faithful_a wrong_v if_o the_o seal_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n desire_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o grant_n i._n e._n have_v right_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o the_o faithful_a 211._o who_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n believe_v and_o profess_v be_v member_n know_v and_o approve_v by_o other_o visible_a church_n or_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o that_o visible_a society_n for_o the_o time_n by_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n be_v already_o partaker_n of_o the_o grant_n or_o charter_n have_v right_a and_o interest_n in_o christ_n may_v lawful_o desire_v the_o seal_n and_o may_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v of_o that_o particular_a society_n therefore_o to_o debar_v such_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n a_o injury_n to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n a_o wrong_n to_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n that_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o that_o so_o debar_v they_o they_o sin_v grievous_o who_o defer_v baptism_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o negligence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o do_v not_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o reprove_v the_o superstitious_a be_v great_a and_o be_v not_o the_o severity_n in_o debar_v such_o as_o 79._o crave_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_v a_o injury_n to_o be_v reprehend_v answ_n 2_o confider_v the_o ordinary_a administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o ministry_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o the_o seal_n also_o must_v necessary_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o 1._o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o ministry_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o first_o institution_n math._n 28._o 19_o where_o god_n have_v join_v to_o preach_v viz._n by_o office_n and_o to_o baptize_v together_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o separate_v they_o for_o howsoever_o any_o man_n may_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o family_n signify_v his_o mind_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n from_o he_o to_o the_o family_n yet_o the_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n of_o food_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o steward_n office_n indeed_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o they_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o particular_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o no_o church_n office_n can_v be_v orderly_o perform_v by_o any_o but_o one_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o nor_o will_v god_n vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n whereupon_o all_o spiritual_a efficacy_n depend_v in_o a_o ordinance_n dispense_v but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o 2._o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n appear_v as_o from_o evident_a text_n of_o scripture_n so_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n 1_o the_o office_n be_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n wherefore_o 28_o take_v away_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o office_n and_o the_o work_n cease_v for_o where_o he_o have_v not_o power_n he_o may_v not_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o he_o have_v no_o powerwhere_o he_o have_v not_o a_o relation_n by_o office_n herein_o the_o proportion_n hold_v between_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a and_o of_o a_o church_n that_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o former_a be_v only_o within_o his_o own_o corporation_n so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v confine_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n reply_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o that_o you_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n something_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o that_o passage_n math._n 28._o 19_o but_o confirm_a for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n before_o his_o death_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v baptize_v many_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v before_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n second_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v 23._o apply_v that_o text_n to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o according_a to_o our_o exposition_n must_v be_v a_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n of_o food_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o preach_v to_o every_o creature_n or_o unto_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v man_n unto_o
relation_n to_o their_o flock_n only_o and_o must_v not_o meddle_v beyond_o their_o calling_n according_a to_o your_o tenant_n 11_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o 1â—3_n scripture_n more_o to_o warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n unto_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o or_o the_o baptise_n of_o his_o child_n occasional_o in_o another_o assembly_n then_o there_o be_v for_o receive_v of_o know_a and_o approve_a christian_n and_o their_o seed_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 nor_o the_o one_o more_o of_o his_o flock_n then_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o sort_n may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o they_o most_o proper_o who_o be_v of_o long_a abode_n among_o they_o but_o as_o we_o hear_v it_o 288._o be_v frequent_a among_o you_o as_o at_o dorchester_n etc._n etc._n to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o another_o assembly_n and_o usual_o you_o admit_v to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o limit_v to_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o flock_n but_o he_o may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o other_o which_o in_o this_o consideration_n be_v deny_v 12_o if_o the_o want_n of_o one_o officer_n in_o a_o congregation_n for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o another_o as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o doctor_n rule_v elder_a or_o deacon_n by_o the_o pastor_n why_o may_v not_o the_o defect_n of_o some_o congregation_n or_o christian_n be_v supply_v by_o pastor_n or_o minister_n of_o another_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v request_v and_o desire_v the_o mind_n herein_o be_v godly_a and_o the_o mean_n lawful_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n 13_o and_o 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 make_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n as_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o time_n only_o the_o minister_n therefore_o may_v do_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o his_o flock_n as_o he_o may_v stand_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o for_o the_o time_n 14_o your_o comparison_n betwixt_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a and_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o alike_o unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o member_n of_o another_o corporation_n occasional_o come_v into_o the_o town_n be_v thereby_o a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n for_o so_o you_o profess_v that_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o another_o and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o time_n be_v which_o if_o you_o grant_v it_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n howsoever_o the_o comparison_n itself_o be_v very_o perilous_a if_o it_o be_v press_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o a_o town_n corporate_a presume_v to_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n out_o of_o his_o own_o corporation_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o believer_n of_o another_o society_n though_o do_v without_o consent_n it_o be_v never_o deem_v or_o judge_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n let_v the_o comparison_n hold_v good_a and_o most_o christian_n have_v cause_n to_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v or_o ever_o lawful_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o or_o by_o authority_n dispense_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o other_o consideration_n this_o argument_n from_o comparison_n be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o write_n of_o brethren_n against_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n great_o mistake_v to_o say_v no_o more_o answer_v 3_o consideration_n circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o to_o be_v administer_v also_o the_o consequence_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o parity_n of_o these_o ordinance_n for_o if_o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o paedobaptism_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o circumcision_n of_o infant_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o church_n membership_n to_o baptism_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o circumcision_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o person_n circumcise_v &_o only_o they_o may_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o they_o only_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o church_n member_n in_o our_o 447._o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o first_o consideration_n we_o have_v show_v that_o circumcision_n be_v not_o administer_v to_o all_o that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v but_o only_o such_o of_o they_o as_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v so_o far_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n count_v these_o express_a equivalent_a to_o be_v circumcise_v in_o christ_n with_o circumcision_n make_v without_o 12._o hand_n and_o to_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n indeed_o in_o something_n they_o differ_v as_o only_o the_o male_n be_v circumcise_v whereas_o with_o we_o female_n be_v also_o baptize_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v limit_v circumcision_n to_o the_o male_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n that_o difference_n be_v take_v away_o again_o circumcision_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o private_a family_n but_o baptism_n only_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o circumcise_v the_o male_n on_o the_o eight_o day_n but_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v too_o far_o off_o for_o the_o purpose_n to_o bring_v every_o child_n thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o judaea_n to_o be_v circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n nor_o have_v they_o always_o opportunity_n of_o a_o solemn_a convention_n in_o the_o synagogue_n on_o every_o eight_o day_n when_o some_o child_n or_o other_o may_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v but_o there_o be_v no_o precise_a day_n set_v down_o so_o baptism_n nor_o be_v opportunity_n of_o public_a assembly_n so_o remote_a where_o church_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o congregationall_a frame_n but_o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n baptism_n may_v be_v administer_v if_o it_o be_v require_v again_o for_o the_o aforesaid_a reason_n circumcision_n require_v not_o a_o peculiar_a minister_n for_o aught_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d in_o baptism_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n but_o no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o in_o this_o they_o shall_v not_o both_o agree_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v both_o to_o be_v dispense_v only_o to_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o eveâ—_n think_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o thâ—_n church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o old_a all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n walk_v in_o holiness_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v in_o external_a society_n with_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o to_o exclude_v melchisedeck_v or_o job_n because_o they_o be_v nâ—â—_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o church_n order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v be_v well-nigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o ouâ—_n congregation_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o
esteem_v all_o true_a church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o true_a &_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 to_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 to_o any_o believer_n now_o unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n in_o church_n membership_n or_o unless_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a assembly_n the_o strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n stand_v in_o the_o parity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a 23._o and_o new_a testament_n circumcision_n and_o baptism_n for_o parum_fw-la par_fw-fr est_fw-la ratio_fw-la but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_n allege_v in_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v just_o require_v some_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o like_v in_o that_o particular_a but_o to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o how_o far_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v sound_o from_o one_o sacrament_n to_o another_o or_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v second_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o proposition_n itself_o three_o whether_o the_o reason_n of_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v one_o in_o that_o particular_a first_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a agree_v in_o their_o common_a author_n nature_n and_o end_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a author_n nature_n and_o end_n that_o do_v hold_v true_a of_o every_o one_o if_o circumcision_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o sacrament_n in_o general_n be_v a_o ordinance_n divine_a a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n proâ—er_n and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o that_o be_v confederate_n but_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o sacrament_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o another_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o new_a as_o if_o â—he_v sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v with_o blood_n obscure_a in_o signification_n painful_a â—or_a use_n peculiar_a to_o one_o nation_n and_o to_o be_v abolish_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v without_o blood_n clear_a for_o signification_n easy_a for_o use_v universal_a â—o_o all_o nation_n and_o perpetual_a to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o â—gree_v in_o the_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 â—s_n circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n so_o do_v baptism_n much_o more_o clear_o as_o abraham_n and_o â—is_fw-la household_n and_o the_o infant_n of_o believe_v jew_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v so_o the_o faithful_a â—heir_a family_n and_o their_o seed_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v none_o must_v eat_v the_o passover_n who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v woman_n except_v who_o be_v circumcise_v in_o the_o male_n nor_o may_v a_o man_n unbaptise_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n circumcision_n be_v but_o once_o apply_v by_o god_n appointment_n and_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o baptism_n according_a to_o â—he_n will_v and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n agree_v not_o in_o â—heir_n special_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n appoint_v of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o â—hings_n a_o reason_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o affirmative_o the_o male_n only_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v as_o only_o capable_a of_o that_o sign_n but_o male_n and_o female_n both_o aught_o to_o be_v baptize_v the_o infant_n male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n because_o seven_o day_n they_o be_v legal_o unclean_a 30_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v unclean_a ergo_fw-la no_o set_a time_n be_v appoint_v for_o baptism_n circumcision_n as_o other_o ceremony_n do_v distinguish_v the_o jew_n from_o the_o gentile_n but_o christ_n now_o of_o two_o have_v make_v one_o circumcision_n signify_v christ_n to_o come_v baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o 215._o â—he_n new_a covenant_n make_v in_o christ_n already_o come_v and_o so_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n give_v some_o difference_n may_v be_v put_v the_o other_o difference_n allege_v in_o the_o consideration_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a for_o baptism_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o the_o jew_n may_v gather_v a_o assembly_n on_o â—he_n eight_o day_n as_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o may_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n though_o do_v in_o private_a but_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o agree_v or_o differ_v we_o must_v â—ooke_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o neither_o stretch_v it_o wide_o nor_o draw_v it_o narrow_a than_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v it_o for_o he_o be_v the_o institutor_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o learn_v of_o he_o both_o to_o who_o how_o and_o for_o what_o end_n the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v how_o they_o agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v affirm_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o as_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o 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_o 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 visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o join_v not_o themselves_o in_o church_n order_n to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n we_o have_v not_o learned_a in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n we_o find_v that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o abraham_n as_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n former_o make_v with_o he_o but_o of_o any_o church_n covenant_n or_o order_n whereunto_o abraham_n family_n shall_v enter_v before_o circumcision_n we_o read_v not_o melchizedeck_v lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o only_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n we_o read_v not_o you_o say_v that_o melchizedeck_v lot_n or_o job_n be_v circumcise_v but_o that_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o infer_v negative_o that_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a we_o read_v not_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n or_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o 500_o brethren_n be_v baptise_a we_o must_v not_o forthwith_o 13._o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o initiate_v by_o that_o seal_n moreover_o if_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a it_o may_v be_v the_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o or_o the_o author_n of_o circumcision_n upon_o who_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o must_v depend_v do_v not_o command_v it_o unto_o they_o or_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n family_n and_o in_o that_o case_n if_o they_o have_v circumcise_a themselves_o they_o have_v transgress_v but_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_v be_v not_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o you_o speak_v in_o church_n order_n but_o because_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o abraham_n family_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o some_o special_a and_o peculiar_a respect_n belong_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n after_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v constitute_v when_o we_o can_v no_o more_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n among_o the_o gentile_n then_o that_o there_o be_v christian_n among_o the_o barbarian_n at_o this_o day_n we_o find_v none_o must_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n that_o be_v not_o first_o circumcise_a but_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o a_o stranger_n to_o circumcision_n but_o that_o he_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o a_o vouch_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o god_n which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v do_v before_o he_o can_v be_v repute_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o under_o
the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n thus_o a_o learned_a and_o reverend_a divine_a circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n that_o 309._o shall_v come_v as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n of_o isaac_n and_o so_o of_o jacob_n of_o who_o be_v the_o 12_o tribe_n who_o be_v the_o israelite_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 9_o 4._o 5._o so_o that_o as_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o his_o family_n as_o be_v bear_v there_o or_o buy_v and_o so_o bring_v thither_o which_o be_v not_o of_o his_o seed_n so_o afterward_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a which_o be_v not_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n of_o jacob_n and_o patriarch_n or_o join_v to_o they_o and_o after_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n none_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n and_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o join_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n be_v thus_o much_o god_n give_v circumcision_n to_o abraham_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v give_v to_o other_o believer_n in_o his_o time_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o circumcise_a it_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o special_a institution_n of_o god_n and_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o order_n afterward_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o covenant_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n or_o stranger_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n circumcision_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n nor_o any_o man_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n who_o be_v not_o circumcise_v this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o probability_n but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v by_o just_a analogy_n or_o proportion_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a must_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n or_o visible_a beleiver_n be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n unless_o they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n unite_v in_o church_n order_n three_o presuppose_v therefore_o that_o melchizedeck_v lot_n and_o job_n be_v not_o circumcise_a we_o say_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n of_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o first_o if_o circumcision_n be_v ever_o appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v first_o gather_v into_o a_o political_a body_n or_o christian_a church_n membership_n and_o then_o baptize_v john_n the_o baptist_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n 7._o baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n believe_v 48._o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o they_o be_v gather_v into_o christian_a church_n order_n or_o make_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o christian_a congregationall_a assembly_n 2_o if_o circumcision_n be_v by_o special_a institution_n give_v as_o a_o privilege_n to_o the_o male_n of_o abraham_n family_n melchizedecke_n job_n lot_n and_o other_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n to_o abraham_n family_n or_o desire_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v circumcise_v but_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n believe_v christ_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v and_o desire_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n 3._o melchizedech_n job_n and_o lot_n be_v not_o only_o visible_a believer_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o dispense_n in_o those_o time_n but_o the_o seal_n as_o you_o confess_v belong_v to_o all_o believer_n knit_v together_o in_o church-covenant_n 4._o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o the_o covenant_n seal_v by_o circumcision_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n sc_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v come_v as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o any_o peculiar_a or_o special_a tie_n or_o respect_n 5._o you_o contend_v that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o than_o jewish_a church_n which_o can_v stand_v if_o abraham_n family_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o christian_a society_n or_o congregationall_a assembly_n just_a reason_n therefore_o may_v be_v give_v why_o circumcision_n be_v dispense_v only_o to_o the_o male_n of_o abraham_n family_n when_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o the_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n and_o if_o this_o consideration_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o purpose_n instead_o of_o say_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n you_o must_v say_v circumcision_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v of_o or_o administer_v unto_o all_o the_o true_a approve_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o than_o all_o visible_a approve_a member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o desire_v nor_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o conclusion_n you_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v answ_n 4._o consideration_n they_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o they_o that_o be_v not_o within_o church-covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a the_o assumption_n may_v be_v prove_v 1_o corinth_n 5._o 12._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o now_o to_o be_v without_o be_v not_o only_o the_o case_n of_o heathen_n and_o excommunicate_n but_o of_o some_o believer_n also_o who_o though_o by_o external_a union_n with_o christ_n they_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o join_v external_o to_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o christ_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n say_v to_o be_v without_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v this_o text_n allege_v by_o other_o divine_n also_o as_o dr._n ames_n case_n of_o consci_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o resp_n 5._o reply_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n in_o two_o respect_n either_o in_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o authority_n to_o dispense_v they_o according_a to_o god_n or_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o seed_n of_o christian_a parent_n child_n and_o woman_n you_o say_v you_o admit_v to_o the_o seal_v the_o know_v and_o approve_v and_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n but_o to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o censure_n admittance_n of_o member_n and_o choice_n of_o officer_n only_o the_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o they_o and_o we_o any_o of_o we_o stand_v member_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n also_o many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n the_o know_a and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o that_o other_o society_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n be_v a_o church_n privilege_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o visible_a believer_n and_o godly_a person_n though_o not_o in_o church_n order_n and_o so_o not_o in_o subjection_n in_o your_o sense_n to_o church_n censure_n second_o a_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o baptize_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v he_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o now_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o
passeover_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 2._o so_o all_o baptise_a person_n have_v true_a and_o entire_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v his_o name_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n for_o one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o other_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n join_v in_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o when_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o congregation_n and_o hereto_o he_o need_v no_o other_o call_v but_o that_o god_n offer_v a_o opportunity_n there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v or_o have_v leave_v from_o they_o in_o place_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o society_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n shall_v preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o contrary_a to_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o society_n and_o governor_n though_o the_o act_n be_v irregular_a it_o be_v never_o esteem_v a_o nullity_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n and_o approbation_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o who_o charge_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v it_o have_v be_v judge_v a_o mere_a nullity_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v four_o that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o godly_a conversation_n that_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n 12._o sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n in_o church-covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v 1._o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o the_o ignorance_n rashness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o congregation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a visible_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o not_o only_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o parent_n though_o not_o actual_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o present_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v without_o because_o no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a body_n or_o spiritual_a fellowship_n then_o all_o member_n which_o be_v of_o one_o society_n be_v without_o to_o another_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n or_o subject_n to_o the_o authority_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o not_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n to_o it_o they_o be_v without_o whereas_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n distinct_a society_n do_v communicate_v together_o admit_v and_o receive_v each_o other_o as_o brethren_n to_o testify_v their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o faith_n if_o the_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o not_o under_o their_o censure_n or_o judgement_n this_o hold_v true_a of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o another_o society_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o order_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n 5._o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o read_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n but_o in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n heretic_n themselves_o 19_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o believer_n not_o yet_o gather_v as_o the_o godly_a learn_v think_v into_o a_o certain_a distinct_a body_n be_v call_v believer_n brethren_n disciple_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o say_v the_o apostle_n whether_o allude_v to_o this_o place_n or_o not_o let_v other_o judge_v be_v dog_n enchanter_n whoremonger_n not_o such_o as_o be_v call_v 101._o faithful_a and_o holy_a walk_v in_o integrity_n believe_v in_o and_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o saviour_n 8._o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o aposte_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a censure_n upon_o your_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o your_o society_n as_o set_v member_n 9_o let_v the_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o be_v without_o not_o only_o who_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o some_o congregationall_a assembly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o that_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o with_o or_o without_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbitry_n or_o class_n and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o the_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v approve_v christian_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o sacrament_n either_o to_o be_v without_o or_o uncapable_a of_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o time_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v offend_v though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n or_o themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o time_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n so_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o they_o will_v proceed_v with_o a_o offend_a member_n 10._o if_o upon_o just_a and_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 any_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o it_o want_v man_n testimony_n only_o if_o we_o desire_v credit_n in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v weighty_a and_o convince_a but_o for_o your_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o yet_o 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 doctor_n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quâ—â—_n 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._o 12._o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n and_o godly_a man_n though_o of_o no_o particular_a 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 and_o evidence_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 society_n or_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 of_o scripture_n be_v allege_v for_o confirmation_n unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v again_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o same_o book_n lib._n 4._o ca._n 27._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v it_o be_v require_v he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o estimation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o that_o there_o be_v hope_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n 2._o that_o baptism_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o those_o infant_n who_o parent_n at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o without_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o that_o child_n that_o be_v cast_v forth_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o presume_v the_o contrary_a that_o in_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n a_o difference_n must_v be_v put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o open_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o holy_a thing_n between_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a see_v else_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o all_o pollution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o add_v touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n bear_v in_o fornication_n excommunication_n and_o papist_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o clear_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o former_a passage_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o particular_a society_n but_o as_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o his_o mind_n to_o censure_v they_o who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o church-covenant_n because_o they_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n as_o man_n without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n his_o judgement_n be_v further_o manifest_v in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n pa._n 33._o so_o many_o parish_n assembly_n of_o england_n say_v he_o as_o have_v any_o competent_a number_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o they_o unite_v to_o worship_n god_n ordinary_o in_o one_o society_n so_o many_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o integrall_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o they_o have_v entire_a right_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o how_o ever_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o combination_n and_o in_o the_o complete_a free_a exercise_v of_o their_o power_n whereupon_o a_o reverend_a 182._o elder_n now_o among_o you_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la to_o dischurch_n they_o whole_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o their_o know_a member_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v nor_o justify_v by_o any_o assertion_n or_o practice_n answ_n 5._o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o for_o a_o five_o consideration_n the_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o extend_v communion_n in_o church_n privilege_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n fellowship_n for_o thus_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v much_o confound_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o illimited_a as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n be_v abrogate_a if_o without_o membership_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o parent_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o baptism_n 3._o the_o church_n shall_v endanger_v the_o profane_v of_o the_o seal_n and_o want_v one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n of_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o make_v know_v for_o if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o you_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o without_o attestation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v such_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o approve_a piety_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o orderly_o join_v themselves_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o member_n thereof_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o see_v such_o fellowship_n be_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n require_v of_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o true_a piety_n frame_v man_n spirit_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o we_o have_v have_v much_o experience_n of_o it_o that_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o have_v be_v find_v too_o light_a not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o but_o even_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n in_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n have_v god_n follow_v this_o order_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o mean_n of_o discovery_n of_o man_n piety_n and_o sincerity_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o enter_v in_o church-fellowship_n reply_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 213._o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n 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 utter_o to_o be_v debar_v 23._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 invitation_n and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v profane_v many_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dispenser_n to_o put_v back_o or_o expel_v such_o as_o profane_v they_o if_o the_o congregation_n shall_v admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n the_o church_n privilege_n be_v profane_v and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v say_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o faulty_a in_o receive_v he_o when_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v unworthy_o if_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o office_n to_o keep_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n but_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v there_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 the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o randame_n but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o 80._o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o often_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n whether_o these_o either_o sufficient_o know_v unto_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v may_v upon_o desire_n and_o suit_n themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v what_o fear_n be_v there_o now_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o
or_o that_o the_o parent_n shall_v be_v actual_a visible_a set_a member_n of_o some_o particular_a distinct_a body_n before_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o walk_v therein_o they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o in_o their_o order_n the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n parent_n baptize_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n by_o divine_a grant_n they_o have_v interest_n to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o church_n in_o debar_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o grow_v into_o one_o distinct_a separate_a society_n of_o mutual_a covenant_n do_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o her_o commission_n for_o a_o ministerial_a power_n only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o admit_v or_o refuse_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o refuse_v by_o authority_n from_o god_n but_o the_o church_n if_o she_o thrust_v believe_v parent_n from_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n she_o deny_v these_o benefit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n have_v lawful_a right_n and_o title_n thereto_o 1._o for_o first_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o true_o administer_v by_o he_o and_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v esteem_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o john_n never_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n whether_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n by_o mutual_a covenant_n one_o with_o another_o 7._o this_o be_v not_o then_o know_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a point_n in_o the_o lawful_a due_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v and_o baptise_a disciple_n profess_v the_o faith_n but_o not_o combine_v into_o church-state_n or_o fellowship_n the_o apostle_n commission_n be_v first_o 20._o to_o teach_v the_o gentile_n and_o then_o to_o baptise_v they_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o this_o they_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n glad_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v their_o name_n to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v forthwith_o they_o accept_v they_o never_o except_v that_o they_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o distinct_a visible_a congregation_n when_o the_o first_o 3000._o convert_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o conscience_n come_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v peter_n return_v this_o answer_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v 38._o every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o you_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o etc._n etc._n as_o soon_o as_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v philip_n who_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o the_o eunuch_n ask_v of_o philip_n see_v 37._o here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o if_o thou_o be_v first_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n into_o a_o visible_a congregation_n thou_o may_v but_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n say_v peter_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n upon_o who_o be_v pour_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o hold_v a_o bar_n 17._o sufficient_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o distinct_a society_n which_o have_v it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n questionless_a it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o annanias_n baptise_a paul_n before_o he_o be_v any_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n be_v baptize_v 33._o without_o regard_n to_o their_o church-estate_n for_o in_o the_o same_o night_n which_o he_o be_v convert_v he_o be_v baptize_v with_o all_o his_o household_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n only_o upon_o special_a dispensation_n but_o by_o other_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a 23._o to_o they_o and_o all_o age_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v disciple_n believe_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n even_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n upon_o common_a ground_n it_o be_v not_o etc._n essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n that_o all_o partaker_n shall_v be_v under_o such_o a_o covenant_n if_o the_o baptise_a disciple_n believer_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v unto_o such_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o those_o privilege_n 2._o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o god_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o must_v we_o learn_v from_o he_o how_o and_o to_o who_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o holy_a seal_n who_o best_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n pass_v with_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o such_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o desire_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o baptifme_n and_o be_v great_o wrong_v if_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o unspeakable_a benefit_n 3._o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o live_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v internal_a communion_n with_o he_o by_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n join_v with_o conformity_n of_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o fellowship_n of_o love_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n though_o no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o free_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o evermore_o of_o our_o receive_n into_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a society_n as_o set_v member_n thereof_o this_o latter_a be_v accidental_a to_o baptism_n not_o essential_a it_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ever_o necessary_a nor_o be_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v deny_v nor_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v imperfect_o administer_v where_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n make_v up_o by_o the_o collection_n and_o agregation_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a unto_o the_o unity_n thereof_o from_o which_o union_n there_o arise_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o they_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o dependence_n upon_o that_o church_n catholic_n as_o part_n use_v to_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o hold_v true_a not_o only_o of_o sound_a believer_n in_o respect_n of_o internal_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o so_o one_o with_o another_o but_o of_o all_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o neither_o particular_a person_n nor_o particular_a guide_n nor_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o work_v as_o several_a divide_a body_n by_o themselves_o but_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o duty_n as_o part_n conjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o member_n of_o the_o
he_o to_o baptize_v they_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v et_fw-la jussit_fw-la eos_fw-la baptizari_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la syr._n &_o arab._n praecepit_fw-la eye_v ut_fw-la baptizarentur_fw-la 17._o the_o interlineary_a gloss_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a associis_fw-la suis_fw-la vel_fw-la a_o scipso_fw-la other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o peter_n do_v baptize_v they_o himself_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o philip_n and_o ananias_n be_v both_o evangelist_n when_o the_o one_o baptize_v the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o eunuch_n the_o other_o paul_n paul_n himself_o baptize_v but_o a_o few_o as_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o and_o reason_n to_o convince_v that_o other_o convert_v by_o his_o preach_n be_v baptize_v by_o evangelist_n we_o know_v not_o any_o and_o if_o philip_n ananias_n and_o other_o may_v baptize_v such_o as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n be_v as_o yet_o no_o set_n member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n destitute_a of_o their_o proper_a pastor_n may_v desire_v another_o to_o baptize_v their_o infant_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n to_o they_o in_o that_o their_o necessity_n and_o if_o the_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n may_v lawful_o communicate_v in_o another_o then_o may_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n upon_o occasion_n admit_v to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n thereunto_o and_o due_o and_o orderly_o require_v the_o same_o for_o of_o all_o these_o the_o reason_n be_v like_a and_o perpetual_a three_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v in_o church-state_n or_o order_n if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o man_n have_v not_o right_a to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o because_o disciple_n and_o as_o you_o say_v join_v together_o in_o covenant_n and_o have_v fellowship_n and_o call_n of_o their_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o and_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n not_o into_o the_o jewish_a but_o the_o christian_a church_n second_o when_o you_o say_v the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n but_o of_o particular_a church_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n no_o society_n may_v lawful_o desire_v the_o seal_n unless_o they_o have_v join_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o call_n of_o their_o minister_n believer_n not_o yet_o join_v in_o church-order_n be_v without_o do_v you_o not_o in_o all_o these_o understand_v a_o christian_a society_n unite_v in_o a_o churchway_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v agree_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v three_o 88_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n say_v mr._n robin_n be_v the_o orderly_a collection_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o saint_n into_o and_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o member_n of_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v not_o in_o such_o constitution_n if_o the_o eunuch_n and_o centurion_n be_v proselyte_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o samaritan_n who_o philip_n baptize_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o any_o gentile_n or_o the_o gailor_n who_o paul_n baptize_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n before_o baptize_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o philippi_n yet_o the_o gailor_n who_o be_v baptize_v and_o convert_v the_o same_o night_n can_v not_o be_v a_o set_a member_n by_o solemn_a admission_n before_o baptism_n it_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n baptize_v these_o person_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o in_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n 2._o the_o quality_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o act_n in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o baptise_v of_o some_o of_o these_o person_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a but_o the_o substance_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v ground_v upon_o rule_n perpetual_a and_o common_a to_o we_o with_o they_o 1._o that_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n which_o by_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o dispensation_n be_v make_v lawful_a to_o some_o one_o or_o few_o man_n which_o be_v unlawful_a to_o all_o other_o not_o have_v the_o same_o dispensation_n but_o where_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o action_n be_v common_a we_o must_v not_o conceive_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o special_a dispensation_n what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n upon_o special_a revelation_n and_o immediate_a direction_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a rule_n in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v or_o follow_v they_o because_o we_o have_v not_o their_o warrant_n but_o what_o they_o do_v upon_o reason_n and_o ground_n reach_v unto_o we_o no_o less_o than_o unto_o they_o in_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n allowance_n or_o commandment_n that_o they_o do_v walk_v by_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o action_n there_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v something_o ordinary_a something_o extraordinary_a or_o peculiar_a to_o special_a time_n or_o person_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n administration_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v by_o illimited_a power_n as_o you_o speak_v they_o do_v baptize_v disciple_n if_o they_o do_v baptize_v this_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o and_o can_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o any_o other_o by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o teach_v this_o that_o one_o officer_n may_v communicate_v his_o power_n to_o another_o or_o do_v that_o which_o particular_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n by_o a_o deputy_n but_o that_o they_o baptize_v believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n such_o as_o have_v glad_o embrace_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o power_n illimited_a or_o special_a dispensation_n but_o upon_o this_o stand_a perpetual_a reason_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o if_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o practice_n be_v common_a reach_v to_o we_o no_o less_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o practice_n itself_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o this_o answer_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o former_a for_o if_o the_o party_n baptize_v be_v set_v member_n of_o particular_a society_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o baptize_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v true_a but_o not_o by_o guidance_n of_o dispensation_n or_o prerogative_n whereby_o that_o be_v make_v lawful_a without_o such_o inspiration_n have_v be_v unlawful_a but_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o may_v stand_v for_o our_o direction_n that_o in_o case_n it_o be_v orderly_o desire_v a_o pastor_n have_v authority_n in_o his_o own_o congregation_n to_o receive_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v prove_v before_o if_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o church_n disciple_n faithful_a who_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n with_o gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o they_o dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o such_o have_v title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o seal_n by_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o every_o pastor_n by_o his_o office_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o such_o within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o his_o call_n but_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o church_n disciple_n faithful_a etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o argument_n follow_v necessary_o from_o particular_a example_n to_o a_o general_a when_o one_o particular_a be_v prove_v by_o another_o particular_a by_o force_n of_o the_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n under_o which_o those_o particular_n be_v contain_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o baptise_v disciple_n and_o faithful_a by_o force_n of_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n agree_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o minister_n receive_v to_o
a_o word_n of_o church-covenant_n either_o in_o the_o institution_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o they_o that_o christian_n be_v solemn_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o into_o particular_a society_n by_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o truth_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n but_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v deem_v necessary_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n or_o that_o by_o divine_a institution_n any_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v as_o necessary_a thereunto_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v we_o deny_v and_o can_v account_v it_o less_o than_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o institution_n for_o if_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o baptism_n by_o divine_a institution_n belong_v to_o disciple_n faithful_a saint_n who_o have_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o to_o debar_v such_o from_o the_o seal_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o speak_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n and_o many_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n v._o position_n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n answer_n if_o the_o question_n have_v be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n etc._n lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n our_o answer_n shall_v be_v affirmative_a and_o according_a hereunto_o be_v also_o our_o practice_n and_o we_o hope_v your_o judgement_n and_o we_o be_v not_o different_a herein_o but_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n do_v allow_v that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v dissent_n upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n our_o answer_n be_v negative_a viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o seal_v in_o the_o congregation_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o ought_v not_o to_o carry_v matter_n by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o do_v thing_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8_o and_o not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o church_n among_o we_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n therein_o reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externoforo_n according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o whether_o power_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n do_v so_o reside_v in_o the_o community_n as_o that_o they_o must_v be_v refuse_v who_o the_o major_a part_n refuse_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v of_o another_o judgement_n and_o he_o admit_v who_o the_o major_a part_n do_v approve_v and_o though_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n no_o doubt_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n wherein_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o do_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o the_o question_n hereupon_o move_v be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o that_o in_o external_a court_n that_o act_n or_o sentence_n must_v stand_v and_o be_v in_o force_n which_o the_o great_a part_n shall_v determine_v among_o they_o which_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o 240._o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n 124-126_a other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n by_o church_n also_o some_o understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a together_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o guide_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n with_o your_o reason_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o different_a judgement_n from_o mr._n parker_n in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o separation_n which_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o can_v but_o dissent_v from_o you_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o no_o power_n agree_v to_o the_o multitude_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o positive_a law_n for_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a power_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v derive_v from_o 239._o and_o communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o necessity_n it_o must_v draw_v its_o original_n from_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o can_v agree_v to_o none_o but_o as_o it_o be_v communicate_v but_o the_o communicate_v power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v immediate_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o to_o some_o person_n and_o officer_n design_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o peruse_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o distinct_a several_a person_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a community_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v 16._o etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n be_v these_o thing_n speak_v to_o the_o whole_a community_n or_o to_o special_a person_n 2._o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n and_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o they_o do_v not_o but_o from_o christ_n immediate_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o gift_n 3._o and_o grace_n their_o calling_n itself_o and_o the_o designation_n of_o their_o person_n it_o be_v say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o tuitu_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la tanquam_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o power_n they_o receive_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o power_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o
judge_v many_o time_n if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o power_n unto_o themselves_o we_o allow_v not_o rashness_n or_o precipitancy_n pride_n or_o self-conceitedness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o weighty_a matter_n shall_v be_v manage_v by_o council_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o bring_v every_o particular_a thing_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v peace_n but_o over_o many_o councillor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o describe_v it_o infer_v not_o a_o necessitle_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o in_o love_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v in_o well-doing_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o say_v in_o your_o covenant_n you_o promise_v to_o perform_v no_o new_a duty_n to_o your_o brethren_n which_o be_v not_o before_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o only_o revive_v and_o renew_v your_o purpose_n afresh_o of_o perform_v such_o duty_n to_o that_o particular_a body_n into_o which_o you_o be_v then_o to_o be_v incorporate_v as_o be_v before_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o command_v either_o express_o or_o by_o consequent_a that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n and_o whether_o the_o place_n be_v dangerous_a where_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v infect_v or_o safe_a where_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v these_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o weight_n and_o to_o be_v undertake_v with_o advice_n but_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o belong_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o society_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_v herself_o above_o measure_n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n neither_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o commit_v the_o determination_n of_o such_o matter_n ever_o to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n or_o weight_n of_o reason_n as_o they_o shall_v apprehend_v the_o matter_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o alm_n lest_o the_o holy_a thing_n be_v pollute_v by_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n we_o 230._o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v profane_v with_o unseasonable_a dispute_n instance_n may_v be_v allege_v if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o which_o you_o mutual_o enter_v into_o if_o therein_o you_o exact_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n require_v both_o for_o trial_n and_o stipulation_n far_o be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v disallow_v it_o 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 that_o you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v in_o this_o branch_n a_o godly_a and_o sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o promise_n all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o if_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o it_o be_v expedient_a to_o have_v the_o consent_n not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n but_o of_o neighbour_a society_n minister_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o draw_v this_o to_o the_o removal_n or_o abode_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v 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 to_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 may_v you_o not_o expect_v to_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 preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n will_v hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n rite_n and_o custom_n expedient_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n for_o the_o time_n let_v they_o be_v observe_v as_o custom_n expedient_a and_o what_o god_n require_v in_o the_o examination_n or_o admission_n of_o member_n let_v that_o take_v place_n according_a to_o the_o precedent_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n but_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_v rule_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o for_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 intermeddle_v further_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n than_o the_o word_n do_v warrant_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o and_o to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v and_o stay_v in_o the_o society_n unless_o they_o shall_v obtain_v leave_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n to_o be_v man_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o here_o we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o schil_fw-la that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n either_o express_o or_o implicit_o to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o 7._o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v 12._o all_o of_o you_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o think_v that_o among_o that_o great_a multitude_n there_o be_v not_o one_o who_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n we_o read_v often_o time_n that_o israel_n after_o some_o grievous_a fall_n and_o revolt_n renew_v their_o covenant_n 30_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o judge_n david_n samuel_n also_o joash_n josiah_n and_o nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o particular_a enquiry_n be_v make_v what_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n be_v take_v when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o to_o baptism_n but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o unto_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n
the_o many_o rich_a precious_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v sundry_n of_o you_o above_o your_o brethren_n which_o cause_v we_o with_o great_a reverence_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o but_o as_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v we_o hitherto_o practise_v and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o we_o speak_v this_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_n most_o of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v because_o there_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o we_o who_o proceed_v further_o even_o to_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o man_n of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o as_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n so_o do_v we_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o all_o go_v in_o bear_v witness_n against_o any_o set_a form_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o they_o in_o dispatch_v whereof_o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o slow_a because_o it_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n among_o ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v well_o attend_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n about_o foreign_a question_n which_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o practice_n beside_o your_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o we_o dwell_v far_o asunder_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n for_o all_o of_o we_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o question_n much_o less_o to_o resolve_v upon_o one_o just_a answer_n but_o have_v at_o length_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n bring_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o issue_n we_o 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in_o one_o congregation_n as_o now_o we_o call_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o small_a at_o ephesus_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o when_o paul_n have_v be_v there_o but_o two_o year_n all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o jew_n and_o 19_o grecian_n that_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v to_o he_o at_o ephesus_n that_o the_o art_n for_o make_v shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o and_o that_o those_o that_o have_v use_v curious_a art_n come_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n unto_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v where_o a_o church_n do_v comprehend_v a_o city_n with_o its_o suburb_n and_o the_o country_n circumjacent_a i._n e._n the_o believer_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n 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god_n to_o make_v they_o disciple_n 15._o and_o not_o to_o preach_v unto_o disciple_n only_o or_o member_n of_o the_o household_n 9_o the_o apostle_n certain_o have_v authority_n and_o preach_v by_o authority_n but_o they_o preach_v not_o to_o infidel_n and_o heathen_n as_o to_o disciple_n or_o etc._n member_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o do_v they_o give_v a_o portion_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o household_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n by_o office_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n the_o seal_n cast_v out_o and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n ever_o grant_v such_o power_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o faithful_a join_v together_o in_o covenant_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v 224._o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v but_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o if_o the_o dispensation_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n do_v it_o hold_v in_o all_o thing_n or_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o preach_v by_o office_n do_v they_o dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o or_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 if_o in_o 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execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_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 ordain_v and_o 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 you_o know_v what_o corruption_n soon_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n office_n and_o entrance_n thereunto_o and_o how_o ready_a and_o apt_a be_v the_o conclusion_n from_o your_o word_n that_o 79._o christ_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n but_o of_o this_o before_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a see_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v his_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o yourselves_o when_o you_o stand_v as_o visible_a minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o old_a england_n you_o must_v confess_v do_v approve_v both_o your_o stand_n and_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o 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 charge_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flock_n be_v not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o band_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 or_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 for_o first_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n a_o act_n of_o office_n and_o not_o a_o exercise_n of_o gift_n only_o but_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o assembly_n may_v dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o set_a member_n of_o another_o society_n upon_o occasion_n as_o you_o confess_v in_o this_o and_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n and_o if_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o upon_o occasion_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o society_n from_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o then_o may_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o congregation_n perform_v a_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o and_o if_o to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o then_o in_o another_o congregation_n with_o consent_n and_o upon_o occasion_n second_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o feed_v their_o fleek_n so_o be_v every_o christian_n and_o minister_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o conclusion_n i_o must_v examine_v myself_o ergo_fw-la 5._o no_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o his_o unworthiness_n or_o to_o be_v try_v or_o examine_v by_o other_o to_o be_v observe_v admonish_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n for_o notorious_a sin_n no_o more_o can_v it_o be_v right_o gather_v from_o the_o former_a passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o upon_o occasion_n to_o perform_v 252._o any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o people_n or_o society_n because_o ordinary_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v his_o own_o flock_n three_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v peculiar_a relation_n to_o their_o particular_a flock_n so_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o particular_a minister_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v tie_v in_o special_a manner_n as_o to_o their_o overseer_n who_o must_v give_v account_n for_o theirscul_n and_o if_o this_o peculiar_a relation_n betwixt_o the_o people_n &_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n from_o perform_v the_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o congregation_n neither_o do_v his_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o his_o own_o flock_n hinder_v he_o from_o administer_a unto_o other_o upon_o just_a occasion_n be_v entreat_v thereunto_o as_o the_o combine_a of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o peculiar_a minister_n do_v not_o quite_o cut_v off_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o minister_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o restrain_v of_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o peculiar_a flock_n quite_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o administer_a upon_o occasion_n unto_o another_o people_n paul_n appoint_v the_o ephesian_a elder_n unto_o the_o care_n &_o charge_n only_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n but_o so_o to_o attend_v they_o 13._o ordinary_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n the_o take_a heed_n unto_o their_o flock_n which_o paul_n require_v in_o this_o place_n do_v comprehend_v under_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v restrain_v 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w._n b._n tell_v we_o the_o learned_a bring_v these_o allegation_n 298._o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o author_n in_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v very_o careless_a or_o much_o abuse_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n i._o d._n disclaim_v that_o position_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n notorious_a they_o be_v never_o think_v to_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o if_o any_o can_v be_v name_v to_o free_v this_o allegation_n from_o suspicion_n of_o novelty_n you_o will_v have_v cite_v one_o or_o more_o as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o that_o which_o follow_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n say_v peter_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o those_o disperse_a church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v which_o he_o call_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n under_o which_o we_o may_v apprehend_v they_o be_v one_o flock_n but_o not_o 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pastor_n and_o teacher_n shall_v be_v much_o or_o little_a confound_v be_v this_o to_o take_v as_o illimited_a power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n how_o shall_v this_o tend_v to_o abrogate_v the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n or_o how_o be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o seal_n thereby_o endanger_v you_o ask_v if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o we_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o you_o say_v the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a person_n and_o of_o approve_a piety_n among_o we_o who_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o unless_o you_o will_v take_v their_o wisdom_n faith_n patience_n courage_n constancy_n and_o holiness_n 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a_o church_n and_o a_o minister_n call_v by_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n it_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o some_o christian_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o become_v a_o church_n and_o to_o call_v a_o minister_n that_o so_o the_o seal_n may_v be_v dispense_v and_o other_o man_n when_o this_o be_v do_v have_v equal_a liberty_n to_o the_o seal_n who_o refuse_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n reply_n this_o conclusion_n be_v not_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o join_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n or_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o desire_v of_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n or_o through_o their_o fault_n that_o shall_v admit_v they_o but_o do_v not_o for_o if_o in_o any_o of_o 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may_v easy_o see_v that_o baptism_n do_v neither_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o they_o for_o so_o they_o profess_v yet_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v open_o show_v that_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n though_o we_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o they_o both_o in_o language_n and_o ceremony_n we_o do_v not_o refuse_v that_o the_o english_a may_v as_o public_a witness_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v the_o infant_n of_o our_o member_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o have_v both_o the_o use_n of_o our_o language_n and_o a_o certain_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o member_n be_v accustom_v to_o offer_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o english_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o english_a church_n if_o 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church_n and_o as_o your_o practice_n be_v without_o example_n so_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o we_o thus_o propound_v 1_o reason_n that_o sacred_a order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o all_o his_o saint_n to_o keep_v and_o walk_v by_o that_o be_v religious_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o that_o as_o a_o necessary_a order_n which_o god_n never_o allow_v approve_a or_o command_v be_v great_a presumption_n now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o faithful_a people_n join_v together_o in_o spiritual_a church-fellowship_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n
same_o flock_n or_o society_n in_o general_a and_o so_o believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holiness_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n as_o actual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o one_o congregationall_a church_n 4._o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o here_o that_o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o ignorance_n hasty-greediness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o be_v account_v man_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n then_o be_v they_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n holy_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n thus_o mr._n rob._n frame_v the_o argument_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 39_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o apostle_n example_n only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v external_o and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v teach_v and_o make_v disciple_n do_v receive_v the_o word_n glad_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o profess_v have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n 19_o day_n understand_v the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o their_o practice_n in_o receive_v believer_n and_o their_o seed_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v answerable_a as_o may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n confess_v hereunto_o you_o answer_v answer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o rest_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v baptism_n be_v administer_v either_o by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n not_o ordinary_a pastor_n the_o person_n baptize_v if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o baptism_n in_o their_o state_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v officer_n of_o all_o church_n may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v which_o yet_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n to_o do_v the_o same_o nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o church-order_n art_n on_o act._n 18._o 1._o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o centurion_n have_v a_o constitute_v church_n in_o his_o house_n the_o eunuch_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n 27._o argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o proselyte_n and_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n at_o that_o time_n as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o philippâ—_n which_o communicate_v with_o paul_n as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v as_o he_o express_o say_v before_o his_o departure_n be_v from_o macedonia_n which_o departure_n 15._o be_v immediate_o upon_o the_o gaylors_n conversion_n in_o which_o respect_n what_o shall_v hinder_v that_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailer_n shall_v first_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o to_o be_v baptize_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o that_o story_n as_o neither_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n which_o paul_n mention_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n at_o least_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o lydia_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o that_o worship_v god_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o church_n yet_o baptize_v though_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v prove_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o object_n do_v no_o whit_n weaken_v the_o argument_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n so_o that_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o case_n allege_v baptism_n dispense_v to_o some_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n yet_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o so_o do_v will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a pastor_n to_o do_v the_o like_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n why_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n may_v administer_v baptism_n out_o of_o church-order_n whereas_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v not_o be_v double_a 1._o because_o their_o call_n give_v they_o illimited_a power_n over_o all_o man_n especial_o christian_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o only_o over_o their_o own_o church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v assist_v with_o a_o immediate_a direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o administration_n in_o the_o case_n allege_v but_o ordinary_a church-officer_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o not_o to_o expect_v immediate_a inspiration_n and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o their_o help_n in_o such_o case_n this_o difference_n between_o apostle_n and_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v from_o their_o example_n justify_v baptism_n in_o private_a house_n reply_n this_o answer_n stand_v of_o many_o part_n wherein_o thing_n doubtful_a be_v affirm_v and_o that_o which_o more_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n before_o allege_v and_o the_o answer_n itself_o then_o of_o the_o reason_n whereunto_o it_o be_v apply_v for_o first_o if_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o where_o faith_n be_v profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v baptize_v viz._n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o then_o either_o man_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o baptism_n be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n or_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n the_o seal_n unto_o such_o or_o command_v they_o to_o be_v dispense_v do_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o upon_o ground_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o viz._n they_o admit_v they_o unto_o the_o sacrament_n who_o have_v right_a and_o interest_n to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o institutor_n not_o extraordinary_o reveal_v beside_o the_o common_a rule_n or_o by_o special_a dispensation_n and_o prerogative_n except_v from_o the_o common_a rule_n but_o make_v know_v in_o the_o institution_n itself_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o one_o who_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v that_o benefit_n because_o he_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n which_o your_o practice_n in_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n unto_o the_o seal_n do_v manifest_o convince_v for_o if_o both_o have_v equal_a interest_n unto_o the_o seal_n the_o pastor_n upon_o lawful_a suit_n and_o request_n have_v equal_a authority_n to_o receive_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o second_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n for_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o disciple_n baptize_v when_o they_o be_v proper_o neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o insist_v 27._o upon_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o baptise_v of_o the_o first_o three_o thousand_o convert_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n or_o command_v other_o then_o present_a with_o 48._o
nor_o mention_v every_o particular_a benefit_n or_o prerogative_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o he_o show_v sufficient_o to_o who_o the_o sacrament_n in_o due_a order_n do_v appertain_v even_o to_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o thus_o we_o argue_v from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n but_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n if_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o circumcision_n seal_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v seal_v in_o baptism_n but_o you_o confess_v in_o your_o answer_n immediate_o go_v before_o that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o baptism_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o of_o justification_n beside_o if_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v one_o principal_a thing_n which_o do_v infer_v the_o rest_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n be_v inseparable_a where_o one_o be_v name_v other_o be_v employ_v and_o where_o one_o be_v give_v no_o one_o be_v absolute_o want_v christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o god_n do_v justify_v 30._o they_o he_o do_v sanctify_v and_o they_o he_o will_v glorify_v 2._o the_o second_o thing_n you_o affirm_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o church-covenant_n also_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n this_o sense_n your_o word_n must_v bear_v or_o else_o they_o reach_v not_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v prove_v substantial_o and_o not_o bare_o affirm_v and_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o lawful_a practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v record_v lawful_o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n in_o gen._n 17._o we_o find_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n record_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o his_o money_n but_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church_n covenant_n beside_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o church-order_n into_o which_o abraham_n family_n be_v now_o gather_v more_o than_o former_o god_n give_v circumcision_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o this_o family_n be_v first_o gather_v into_o church-order_n as_o you_o speak_v we_o can_v believe_v because_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o not_o whether_o lot_n job_n melchizedech_n be_v circumcise_v or_o not_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o if_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o seal_n we_o can_v think_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-order_n as_o those_o time_n require_v if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v require_v we_o can_v think_v that_o either_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o that_o they_o walk_v against_o their_o light_n but_o accordiug_v to_o the_o dispense_n of_o those_o time_n we_o judge_v as_o they_o be_v visible_a believer_n so_o they_o walk_v in_o that_o church_n fellowship_n which_o god_n prescribe_v and_o therefore_o if_o circumcision_n have_v be_v the_o seal_n of_o such_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o conceive_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o no_o less_o than_o to_o abraham_n family_n but_o of_o this_o sufficient_a be_v say_v before_o as_o for_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n which_o the_o passage_n quote_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o fellowship_n which_o christ_n in_o affliction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o seal_n of_o a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n that_o to_o we_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o it_o be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n though_o in_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v understand_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v digest_v the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o god_n for_o what_o end_n and_o use_v they_o be_v ordain_v but_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n record_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v learn_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o disciple_n to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o covenant_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a participation_n of_o the_o seal_n there_o be_v deep_a silence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o institution_n in_o the_o lawful_a and_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n already_o but_o we_o will_v conclude_v it_o with_o the_o word_n of_o that_o reverend_a author_n who_o we_o have_v cite_v many_o time_n before_o upon_o occasion_n afterward_o say_v he_o john_n the_o baptist_n walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n administer_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n require_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n 16._o of_o life_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o this_o order_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n establish_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v a_o commission_n to_o 16._o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o gather_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v through_o the_o world_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o according_o the_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v careful_a to_o observe_v this_o rule_n in_o their_o administer_a baptism_n thus_o peter_n when_o he_o see_v those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n prick_v in_o their_o heart_n preach_v unto_o they_o concern_v repentance_n remission_n of_o sin_n christ_n the_o promise_n baptism_n faith_n amendment_n of_o life_n baptize_v those_o that_o glad_o receive_v 47._o his_o word_n and_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o procession_n thereof_o the_o same_o course_n philip_n take_v with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n where_o many_o be_v baptize_v but_o none_o till_o they_o 14._o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v express_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o ananias_n be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o baptise_v paul_n he_o object_v against_o it_o at_o first_o till_o the_o lord_n assure_v 11-17_a he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v and_o then_o he_o go_v and_o do_v it_o when_o peter_n and_o those_o that_o come_v with_o he_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v at_o that_o time_n in_o his_o house_n 43-48_a while_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n peter_n demand_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o in_o this_o catalogue_n we_o see_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n but_o there_o be_v not_o
be_v subject_a to_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o people_n only_o they_o have_v it_o from_o they_o and_o not_o from_o god_n but_o they_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n rule_n or_o feed_v and_o if_o they_o depend_v immediate_o upon_o the_o faithful_a viz._n two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o covenant_n they_o must_v draw_v what_o in_o order_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o from_o he_o must_v the_o ambassador_n learn_v his_o errand_n from_o indelebili_fw-la who_o he_o receive_v his_o commission_n we_o forbear_v to_o press_v the_o 227._o confession_n and_o reason_n of_o such_o as_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o of_o and_o for_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o relation_n as_o the_o officer_n be_v call_v servant_n the_o church_n may_v be_v call_v lord_n 4._o moreover_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v first_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o in_o defect_n of_o officer_n the_o church_n may_v not_o rule_v govern_v feed_v bind_v loose_a preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o if_o any_o fail_v in_o any_o office_n why_o she_o may_v not_o supply_v that_o want_n by_o her_o power_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v contain_v both_o authority_n and_o exercise_n power_n be_v give_v to_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v as_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v but_o the_o church_n when_o she_o be_v destitute_a of_o officer_n can_v exercise_v those_o act_n of_o rule_n nor_o by_o her_o power_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o any_o officer_n only_o she_o have_v a_o ministry_n of_o call_v one_o who_o christ_n have_v describe_v that_o from_o christ_n he_o may_v have_v power_n of_o office_n give_v he_o in_o the_o vacant_a place_n for_o these_o reason_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o we_o judge_v the_o multitude_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o to_o belong_v to_o they_o if_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v ask_v in_o this_o point_n to_o omit_v other_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n speak_v full_o and_o express_o for_o we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o disci_fw-la cap._n 1._o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v by_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n exercise_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n power_n be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n grant_v by_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_fw-mi gather_v and_o have_v its_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o lawful_a call_n be_v commit_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi flow_v from_o this_o power_n be_v a_o order_n or_o spiritual_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o office-bearer_n by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v to_o the_o weal_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n ut_fw-la universam_fw-la scripturam_fw-la evolvat_fw-la d._n erastus_n nunquam_fw-la tamen_fw-la inventurum_fw-la verba_fw-la ligandi_fw-la &_o solvendi_fw-la aliis_fw-la quam_fw-la publico_fw-la ministerio_fw-la fungentibus_fw-la &_o quidem_fw-la meet_v aphoricè_fw-la divinae_fw-la videlicet_fw-la &_o spiritualis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la respectu_fw-la tribui_fw-la sunt_fw-la enim_fw-la judicialia_fw-la haec_fw-la verba_fw-la etc._n etc._n beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n p_o 60._o see_v helvet_n conf_n ca._n 18._o sect._n nunc_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n belgic_a confess_v art_n 3._o argentinens_fw-la conf_n art_n 13._o bohem._n confess_v art_n 14._o vi_o position_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n answer_n our_o answer_n hereto_o be_v brief_o this_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o such_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n and_o we_o as_o fellow-member_n and_o have_v commit_v their_o soul_n to_o our_o charge_n as_o minister_n shall_v not_o forsake_v our_o fellowship_n nor_o obrupt_o break_v away_o from_o we_o when_o and_o whither_o they_o please_v but_o first_o approve_v themselves_o therein_o to_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n and_o take_v their_o counsel_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o propound_v to_o confider_v these_o two_o reason_n follow_v the_o former_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church-covenant_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o every_o member_n at_o his_o admission_n do_v open_o profess_v and_o solemn_o promise_v that_o by_o christ_n help_n assist_v he_o will_v not_o only_o in_o general_n give_v up_o himself_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o so_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n do_v in_o a_o parallel_n case_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o but_o also_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o will_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o of_o diligent_a watchfulness_n over_o all_o his_o brethren_n thereby_o to_o prevent_v sin_n so_o of_o faithful_a admonition_n after_o their_o fall_n to_o regain_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n from_o their_o sin_n the_o former_a be_v enjoin_v hebr._n 3._o 13._o and_o the_o want_n thereof_o deep_o condemn_v in_o cain_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o duty_n of_o be_v his_o brother_n keeper_n gen._n 4._o 9_o the_o latter_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o church-member_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n levit._n 19_o 17._o and_o so_o by_o christ_n himself_o matth._n 18._o 15._o and_o by_o paul_n also_o to_o the_o galat._n c._n 6._o 1_o 2._o second_o the_o engagement_n be_v not_o make_v only_o by_o the_o member_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n back_o again_o to_o the_o member_n so_o that_o thereby_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o particular_a stand_v as_o well_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o and_o this_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o golden_a rule_n of_o love_n and_o equity_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 7._o 12._o fear_v that_o contrary_a practice_n of_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n so_o much_o condemn_v by_o christ_n of_o lay_v great_a burden_n upon_o other_o than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v matth._n 23._o 4._o 3._o these_o promise_n thus_o lawful_o and_o mutual_o make_v that_o member_n as_o also_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o every_o one_o for_o himself_o active_o to_o perform_v they_o but_o passive_o also_o to_o suffer_v his_o brethren_n to_o do_v those_o office_n upon_o and_o towards_o himself_o if_o he_o neglect_v the_o former_a he_o shall_v falsify_v his_o covenant_n so_o solemn_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n make_v and_o so_o not_o only_o break_v promise_n to_o his_o brother_n contrary_a to_o psal_n 15._o 4._o but_o also_o in_o some_o sort_n commit_v the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n in_o lie_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n condemn_v and_o punish_v severe_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n act._n 5._o 3._o 5._o 10._o if_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o latter_a he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o in_o the_o former_a but_o shall_v also_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o folly_n of_o despise_a counsel_n so_o much_o condemn_v prov._n 12._o 15._o and_o 1._o 7._o and_o shall_v also_o proclaim_v this_o his_o folly_n and_o pride_n by_o show_v to_o all_o the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o lean_v to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n both_o reprove_v prov._n 3._o 7._o and_o 23._o 4._o see_v need_n of_o no_o further_a light_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o his_o brethren_n than_o what_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a property_n of_o folly_n 4._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n premise_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o can_v do_v no_o less_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v no_o more_o then_o require_v a_o member_n before_o he_o depart_v according_a to_o our_o covenant_n thus_o lawful_o
or_o repel_v any_o that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o upon_o that_o pretence_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v 19_o church_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a in_o quirie_n what_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o after_o age_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n be_v first_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o baptize_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o 37._o confession_n of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v of_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o sum_n of_o faith_n the_o body_n of_o faith_n the_o persuasion_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o creed_n they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v then_o give_v when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o after_o time_n as_o occasion_n require_v some_o other_o article_n be_v add_v as_o explanation_n of_o the_o former_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o time_n which_o begin_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n but_o for_o substance_n of_o matter_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o admit_v into_o her_o communion_n and_o for_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o the_o practical_a part_n she_o require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n a_o abrenuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n the_o first_o principle_n then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v and_o the_o foresay_a profession_n be_v make_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n never_o deny_v baptism_n unto_o such_o as_o seek_v or_o desire_v it_o if_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o member_n admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n do_v enter_v into_o and_o this_o be_v all_o you_o require_v of_o they_o who_o you_o receive_v you_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o after_o age_n for_o your_o precedent_n but_o if_o you_o proceed_v further_o than_o thus_o and_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v what_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v but_o we_o will_v enter_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o position_n and_o to_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o private_a letter_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o ground_n of_o another_o dispute_n we_o may_v not_o vii_o position_n that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o unjust_o or_o leave_v he_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n answer_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o consist_v in_o two_o branch_n 1._o in_o case_n a_o minister_n be_v set_v aside_o by_o the_o church_n mere_o through_o his_o own_o default_n 2._o by_o the_o church_n default_n without_o any_o desert_n of_o he_o in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o any_o long_o as_o appear_v in_o four_o conclusion_n 1._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o these_o day_n have_v no_o apostolical_a power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o only_o limit_v to_o that_o one_o church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v he_o paul_n give_v not_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n a_o general_a commission_n to_o go_v teach_v all_o church_n but_o to_o go_v feed_v that_o one_o flock_v over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 28._o so_o peter_n give_v direction_n to_o elder_n to_o feed_v that_o flock_n of_o god_n only_o which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o 2._o it_o be_v as_o clear_v that_o all_o this_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v in_o that_o church_n be_v next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n who_o have_v solemn_o call_v he_o to_o the_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o obey_v he_o therein_o for_o if_o he_o have_v it_o elsewhere_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o christ_n immediate_o or_o from_o some_o other_o man_n depute_v by_o christ_n to_o confer_v it_o on_o he_o or_o he_o must_v take_v it_o up_o of_o himself_o not_o the_o first_o for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n therefore_o paul_n prove_v his_o apostleship_n say_v he_o be_v call_v not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o gal._n 1._o 1._o not_o the_o second_o for_o we_o never_o read_v in_o god_n word_n that_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o other_o beside_o the_o church_n that_o have_v any_o commission_n give_v they_o from_o christ_n to_o call_v minister_n unto_o church_n not_o the_o three_o for_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n viz._n of_o a_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n or_o of_o a_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n hebr._n 5._o 4._o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o a_o minister_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v what_o he_o do_v among_o they_o when_o such_o a_o minister_n shall_v make_v and_o manifest_v himself_o apparent_o unworthy_a and_o unfit_a to_o discharge_v the_o place_n which_o they_o thus_o call_v he_o unto_o so_o that_o they_o may_v discern_v that_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v refuse_v he_o from_o be_v a_o minister_n unto_o he_o they_o may_v then_o upon_o as_o good_a ground_n depose_v he_o from_o it_o as_o they_o call_v he_o to_o it_o 4._o when_o a_o church_n have_v thus_o in_o christ_n name_n put_v forth_o this_o power_n of_o shut_v as_o before_o it_o do_v of_o open_v to_o a_o minister_n than_o he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o indelible_a character_n 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obstinate_a therein_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o they_o and_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v see_v it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o church_n without_o christ_n yea_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o do_v yet_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n notwithstanding_o such_o deposition_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o that_o people_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n and_o
right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o wrongsul_o they_o depose_v he_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o his_o ministry_n 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 seed_n their_o cast_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o former_o they_o give_v he_o and_o his_o ministry_n cease_v he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n if_o he_o stand_v as_o minister_v only_o to_o that_o congregation_n in_o every_o respect_n whit._n depont_o q._n 4._o sec._n 10._o pa._n 559._o certain_o lex_fw-la naturae_fw-la &_o ratio_fw-la clamitat_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destruere_fw-la sive_fw-la destituere_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la institutio_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la eundem_fw-la destitationem_fw-la seu_fw-la destructionem_fw-la pertinere_fw-la rob._n aga_fw-la b._n p._n 214._o if_o the_o congregation_n may_v choose_v and_o elect_v their_o governor_n than_o they_o may_v refuse_v and_o reprobate_v they_o viii_o position_n that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n answer_n if_o you_o take_v ministerial_a act_n improper_o as_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v by_o some_o only_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n do_v exercise_v his_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v in_o another_o church_n be_v by_o themselves_o so_o desire_v then_o we_o answer_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n may_v do_v a_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o which_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n and_o thus_o upon_o any_o occasion_n we_o mutual_o perform_v those_o act_n one_o in_o another_o church_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o ministerial_a act_n such_o a_o 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 the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n then_o we_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v so_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o church_n but_o his_o own_o because_o his_o office_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o his_o call_n for_o that_o solemn_a charge_n act._n 20._o 28._o be_v not_o to_o feed_v all_o flock_n but_o that_o one_o flock_n only_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n if_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o a_o other_o church_n which_o be_v once_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n by_o what_o power_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o give_v thou_o this_o authority_n let_v that_o minister_n whosoever_o he_o be_v study_v how_o to_o make_v a_o answer_n reply_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v act_n proper_o ministerial_a if_o any_o other_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n as_o you_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o preach_n 287._o of_o the_o word_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n in_o your_o second_o consideration_n but_o these_o act_n one_o minister_n may_v perform_v in_o another_o congregation_n or_o towards_o the_o member_n of_o another_o church_n you_o know_v by_o who_o your_o question_n have_v be_v propound_v touch_v one_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o minister_n church_n and_o how_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v and_o if_o you_o see_v more_o light_n and_o truth_n then_o former_o we_o will_v desire_v you_o substantial_o to_o confute_v what_o answer_v some_o of_o you_o have_v return_v to_o that_o demand_n to_o admit_v say_v mr._n j._n d._n those_o that_o be_v know_v member_n of_o another_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o fit_a occasion_n 290._o i_o hold_v lawful_a and_o do_v professemy_n readiness_n to_o practice_v according_o again_o i_o conceive_v that_o beside_o my_o membership_n else_o where_o and_o the_o 288._o right_n which_o those_o church_n give_v to_o know_v passant_n of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n for_o a_o short_a time_n both_o himself_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n acknowledge_v i_o for_o a_o member_n with_o they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o my_o abode_n in_o that_o service_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o my_o public_a labour_n and_o their_o cheerful_a admittance_n of_o i_o to_o that_o ordinance_n during_o that_o time_n without_o the_o least_o scruple_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n may_v pray_v prithee_o bless_v the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o be_v thereunto_o request_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o congregation_n he_o may_v lawful_o dispense_v the_o seal_n among_o they_o also_o as_o need_v and_o occasion_n require_v that_o distinction_n of_o preach_v by_o office_n and_o exercise_v his_o gift_n only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o minister_n and_o desire_v of_o none_o but_o minister_n and_o that_o in_o solemn_a set_v constant_a church-assembly_n we_o can_v find_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o receive_v it_o finis_fw-la it_o be_v true_o observe_v by_o master_n davenport_n out_o of_o ambros_n offic._n l_o 1._o c._n 1._o et_fw-la quantum_fw-la libet_fw-la cuique_fw-la profecerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la doceri_fw-la non_fw-la indigeni_fw-la dum_fw-la visit_n appoll_n preface_n to_o the_o reader_n wrence_n these_o man_n say_v cann_n against_o robi_n superstitious_o addict_v to_o their_o new_a devise_n that_o beware_v how_o to_o reject_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o true_a church_n stay_v against_o stray_v pag._n 47._o i_o be_o and_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n to_o those_o good_a custom_n of_o church_n which_o be_v take_v upon_o good_a warrant_n and_o ground_n and_o long_o continue_v among_o god_n people_n i._o d._n apol._n p._n 31._o good_a custom_n take_v up_o by_o the_o church_n upon_o good_a ground_n shall_v not_o light_o be_v break_v or_o lay_v down_o wherein_o i_o do_v full_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o that_o elaborate_a commentary_n upon_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o john_n i._n d._n apol._n sect._n 12._o examina_fw-la p._n 251._o this_o argument_n be_v use_v by_o the_o abridgement_n against_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o this_o liturgy_n whereas_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o position_n refer_v the_o reader_n to_o mr._n cotton_v answer_v unto_o mr._n ball_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n concern_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o reader_n be_v earnest_o entreat_v to_o compare_v master_n ball_n treatise_n and_o mr_n cotton_v answer_v with_o seriousness_n and_o indifferency_n because_o mr_n ball_n have_v receive_v that_o answer_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v much_o enlarge_v whereof_o mr_n cotton_n be_v ignorant_a be_v confident_a that_o with_o addition_n of_o some_o marginal_a noâ—es_n which_o in_o reference_n thereto_o he_o add_v his_o treatise_n will_v sufficient_o defend_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o assault_n which_o that_o answer_n make_v against_o it_o we_o may_v not_o communicate_v at_o all_o in_o that_o ministry_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o a_o unlawful_a person_n or_o in_o a_o unlawful_a place_n robinson_n against_o bern._n counsel_n debate_v p_o 17_o ibid._n pag_n 79_o esa_n 56._o 10._o ezech_v 4â—_n 7_o 8._o mic_n 3._o 11_o 12._o jer._n 5._o 31._o esa_n 9_o 15_o 6._o joh._n 2._o 16._o math_n 5._o 20_o 21._o &_o 15._o 4_o 5._o &_o 23_o 1_o 3._o 14._o math._n 16_o 6._o 12._o &_o 15._o 14._o see_v whitak_n de_fw-fr pontiff_a q_o 4._o f_z 10._o pag._n 557._o phil._n 1._o 15._o hos_fw-la 4_o 6_o 7._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 17_o 14._o jer._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mic_n 3._o 11_o 12._o phil_n 1._o 15._o helv_n conf_n cap_n 18_o §_o 11._o &_o 19_o §._o 9_o gal._n conf_n art_n 28_o arg._n conf_n art_n 13._o saxon._n conf_n art_n 12_o zep._n de_fw-fr sac_n l._n 2._o c._n 6._o art_n of_o religion_n hybera_n art_n 70_o carlton_n praelect_a de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la cap._n 20._o we_o see_v no_o warrant_n why_o for_o every_o particular_a act_n that_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v idolatrous_a adjoin_v to_o god_n true_a worship_n we_o shall_v forbear_v our_o presence_n at_o the_o true_a worship_n itself_o unreason_n of_o separation_n answ_o to_o 6._o argument_n compare_v what_o '_o master_n i._o d._n have_v write_v in_o defence_n or_o excuse_n in_o resort_v to_o the_o assemb_v of_o the_o separatist_n call_v brownist_n apol._n sect._n 5._o exam_n p._n 6â—_n &_o apol._n sect._n 28_o exam_n pag._n 246._o rome_n 16_o
it_o just_a and_o right_o altogether_o to_o debar_v they_o as_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o those_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v your_o opinion_n whereto_o we_o have_v respect_n not_o simple_o your_o practice_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o we_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o a_o set_a liturgy_n much_o less_o to_o complain_v that_o you_o have_v not_o accept_v we_o but_o that_o all_o stint_a liturgy_n shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o devise_v worship_n and_o so_o condemn_v as_o that_o none_o may_v lawful_o be_v present_a at_o or_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o a_o stint_a or_o devise_v form_n this_o we_o call_v a_o new_a opinion_n neither_o do_v we_o mention_v it_o because_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o brethren_n among_o you_o who_o we_o have_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n so_o far_o as_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a call_n do_v not_o engage_v we_o but_o because_o it_o be_v cry_v up_o and_o advance_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o endeavour_v of_o some_o among_o we_o stand_v affect_v england-ward_n as_o if_o a_o chief_a point_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o separation_n you_o know_v how_o great_a a_o fire_n a_o little_a sparkle_n kindle_v and_o see_v this_o distraction_n and_o rent_n have_v its_o original_n growth_n and_o continuance_n from_o some_o brethren_n in_o those_o part_n or_o affect_v to_o that_o way_n when_o in_o love_v and_o friendly_a manner_n we_o can_v neither_o receive_v ground_n at_o home_n for_o our_o conviction_n nor_o procure_v just_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o call_v upon_o you_o joint_o to_o know_v your_o judgement_n and_o either_o by_o sound_a proof_n to_o be_v by_o you_o convince_v if_o happy_o you_o shall_v approve_v their_o separation_n which_o we_o esteem_v groundless_a rash_a unlawful_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o outward_a peace_n or_o be_v back_v by_o a_o 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question_n your_o expression_n be_v beyond_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v as_o also_o what_o we_o dare_v own_o but_o we_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o direct_v uphold_v and_o guide_v we_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o vocation_n and_o approv_v ourselves_o faithful_a to_o your_o conscience_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o our_o writing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o you_o approve_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n whereof_o we_o complain_v and_o their_o course_n who_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n when_o they_o conceive_v hope_n to_o be_v hear_v to_o persuade_v thereunto_o against_o which_o if_o we_o know_v your_o judgement_n you_o testify_v among_o we_o you_o know_v they_o that_o separate_v be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o strain_n and_o temper_n some_o deny_v all_o communion_n with_o we_o public_a and_o private_a some_o admit_v of_o private_a but_o deny_v all_o public_a and_o some_o join_v in_o prayer_n before_o and_o after_o 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cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancer_n thereof_o to_o have_v pass_v the_o limit_n prescribe_v by_o god_n so_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o inestimable_a blessing_n if_o now_o what_o hinder_v be_v remove_v we_o may_v join_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o one_o way_n of_o god_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v not_o draw_v back_o in_o any_o course_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o we_o nor_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o any_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n way_n we_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o we_o defend_v we_o plead_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o further_o than_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n still_o desire_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n with_o yourselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o comfort_n how_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o or_o dispose_v of_o we_o we_o know_v not_o his_o bless_a will_n be_v do_v but_o of_o this_o we_o be_v resolve_v through_o his_o grace_n not_o willing_o to_o raise_v trouble_n or_o dissension_n among_o you_o if_o through_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o fall_v in_o as_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o you_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o here_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o these_o particular_n you_o dissent_v as_o much_o one_o from_o another_o as_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o and_o that_o wherein_o we_o dissent_v from_o you_o and_o perhaps_o from_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o you_o you_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n this_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v your_o 251._o cause_n but_o to_o entreat_v your_o serious_a re-examination_n of_o what_o you_o have_v send_v we_o and_o this_o trial_n thereof_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o test_n you_o have_v write_v in_o great_a love_n and_o tenderness_n that_o your_o position_n may_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o such_o affection_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o now_o beseech_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o your_o leave_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deal_v full_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n require_v entreat_v you_o impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o we_o go_v and_o weigh_v what_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o rich_a mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n direct_v we_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v right_a and_o please_a in_o his_o sight_n cast_v offence_n out_o of_o the_o church_n close_o up_o rent_n and_o division_n reveal_v his_o truth_n more_o and_o more_o 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