a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n wherein_o his_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a congregation_n be_v friendly_o examine_v and_o clear_o answer_v together_o with_o christian_a and_o love_a animadversion_n upon_o sundry_a other_o observable_a passage_n in_o the_o say_a book_n all_o tend_v to_o declare_v the_o true_a use_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o elect_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o censure_v their_o offender_n by_o richard_n mather_z teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o dorchester_n and_o william_n tompson_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o braintree_n in_o new-england_n send_v from_o thence_o after_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v dissolve_v that_o last_o meet_v at_o cambridg_n to_o debate_v matter_n about_o church-government_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1644._o reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n the_o right_a form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v more_o search_v into_o of_o late_a time_n then_o former_o and_o yourself_o among_o other_o have_v write_v for_o the_o govern_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a church_n we_o therefore_o know_v ourselves_o bind_v as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a have_v consider_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v holpen_v we_o those_o argument_n of_o you_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o your_o book_n against_o the_o indepency_n of_o church_n and_o not_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o your_o book_n be_v publish_v in_o print_n we_o have_v therefore_o think_v meet_v in_o like_o fort_n to_o publish_v our_o answer_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o show_v unto_o yourself_o and_o other_o what_o yet_o hinder_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v your_o argument_n to_o be_v convince_a in_o which_o attempt_n we_o have_v be_v 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tompson_n a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n chapt._n i._n contain_v observation_n upon_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o state_v the_o question_n the_o independent_n say_v you_o deny_v to_o a_o synod_n as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n so_o all_o manner_n of_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n either_o to_o determine_v or_o any_o way_n oblige_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v any_o way_n represent_v pag._n 2._o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o synod_n we_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v though_o we_o give_v not_o a_o synod_n that_o name_n sith_o we_o be_v command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o scripture_n as_o sufficient_a 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o though_o for_o this_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o for_o power_n to_o determine_v viz._n dogmatical_o or_o by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n this_o we_o deny_v not_o to_o a_o synod_n for_o that_o synod_n act._n 15._o do_v put_v forth_o such_o power_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v other_o synod_n may_v do_v the_o like_a upon_o like_o occasion_n and_o their_o determination_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n aught_o to_o bind_v all_o those_o who_o they_o represent_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o neighbour_n church_n may_v meet_v and_o consult_v and_o advise_v each_o other_o and_o withdraw_v all_o fellowship_n from_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v grow_v pertinacious_o scandalous_a pag._n 2._o and_o you_o may_v add_v further_o that_o by_o their_o messenger_n be_v meet_v in_o a_o synod_n they_o may_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n any_o matter_n of_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v but_o for_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n ordination_n or_o whatever_o censure_n they_o hold_v it_o be_v entire_o and_o only_o in_o every_o single_a congregation_n though_o but_o of_o 2_o or_o 3_o believer_n p._n 2._o if_o any_o hold_v so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o 2_o or_o 3_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o complete_a as_o to_o have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n and_o whatever_o censure_n they_o may_v if_o they_o see_v cause_n declare_v their_o ground_n for_o so_o hold_v but_o for_o our_o part_n for_o aught_o we_o yet_o see_v a_o church_n that_o have_v such_o power_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o even_o so_o many_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a for_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o church-work_n in_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n of_o one_o another_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n to_o be_v seven_o or_o more_o for_o a_o brother_n that_o sin_v must_v so_o be_v deal_v withal_o for_o his_o recovery_n that_o if_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v still_o to_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v against_o he_o the_o person_n before_o who_o he_o be_v call_v be_v in_o every_o latter_a step_n and_o degree_n more_o in_o number_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o last_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v three_o at_o the_o least_o that_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n viz._n the_o brother_n offend_v the_o brother_n offend_v and_o one_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o so_o that_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o those_o three_o or_o four_o that_o deal_n in_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o another_o number_n great_a than_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o to_o who_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v
therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o ordination_n belong_v only_o to_o a_o synod_n yet_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o one_o part_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a jurisdiction_n be_v not_o conclude_v thereby_o nevertheless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v about_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o our_o answer_n be_v distinct_o thus_o 1_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n have_v elder_n of_o it_o own_o than_o when_o other_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o that_o church_n such_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o elder_n this_o we_o never_o deny_v and_o a_o good_a deal_n of_o your_o proof_n do_v conclude_v no_o more_o for_o what_o if_o the_o presbytery_n at_o ephesus_n do_v lay_v hand_n upon_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o the_o presbytery_n at_o antioch_n upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2._o which_o be_v two_o of_o your_o proof_n this_o may_v evince_v that_o in_o 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other_o reason_n 1_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o allege_v numb._n 8._o 10._o which_o place_n show_v that_o though_o the_o levite_n be_v church_n officer_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v none_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n by_o which_o scripture_n thus_o much_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o elder_n but_o the_o first_o elder_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o this_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o place_n where_o elder_n can_v not_o convenient_o be_v borrow_v from_o any_o other_o church_n in_o such_o case_n imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o some_o principal_a man_n of_o the_o congregation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o elder_n by_o office_n for_o sith_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o this_o text_n do_v witness_v what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o like_a may_v be_v lawful_o do_v in_o these_o day_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v 600000_o shall_v all_o lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n at_o once_o answer_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o all_o do_v it_o but_o some_o instead_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o when_o some_o do_v impose_v hand_n in_o stead_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n that_o may_v be_v sufficient_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v these_o child_n of_o israel_n may_v be_v elder_n and_o so_o their_o example_n will_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o non-elder_n the_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v like_o they_o be_v elder_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o yet_o their_o example_n prove_v the_o point_n if_o two_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o this_o as_o a_o work_n peculiar_a to_o they_o as_o elder_n second_o that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o themselves_o only_o but_o for_o all_o the_o congregation_n the_o former_a of_o 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14._o 23._o tit._n 1._o 5._o second_o as_o these_o child_n of_o israel_n suppose_v they_o be_v the_o chief_a father_n of_o family_n impose_v hand_n on_o the_o levite_n not_o as_o elder_n and_o governor_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a but_o as_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o what_o be_v herein_o perform_v by_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o themselves_o only_o but_o for_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o appear_v first_o because_o these_o levite_n now_o to_o be_v ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v take_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o the_o first-born_a of_o israel_n and_o not_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o elder_n only_o numb._n 3._o 40_o 41._o second_o they_o be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n numb._n 8._o 11._o and_o not_o of_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o inasmuch_o as_o all_o offering_n be_v to_o be_v present_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o his_o hand_n who_o the_o offering_n be_v levit._n 1._o 3._o 4._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o they_o that_o impose_v hand_n on_o the_o levite_n do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o people_n who_o offering_n these_o levite_n be_v three_o it_o be_v usual_a that_o when_o all_o the_o multitude_n bring_v a_o oblation_n the_o elder_n put_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n levit._n 4._o 14_o 15._o viz._n in_o stead_n of_o all_o the_o multitude_n who_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o elder_n by_o office_n and_o so_o this_o demand_n of_o you_o where_o in_o scripture_n do_v we_o read_v of_o such_o a_o practice_n be_v answer_v but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o it_o may_v suffice_v which_o be_v our_o second_o particular_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o we_o do_v read_v so_o much_o as_o by_o good_a consequence_n infer_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n first_o we_o propound_v act._n 1._o act._n 6._o and_o act._n 14._o where_o we_o read_v of_o the_o people_n elect_v and_o choose_v officer_n of_o which_o place_n more_o may_v be_v speak_v afterward_o now_o if_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v officer_n then_o in_o some_o case_n they_o may_v ordain_v they_o also_o because_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o less_o than_o election_n but_o less_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o election_n or_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n into_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o office_n whereto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o if_o a_o single_a congregation_n may_v elect_v officer_n which_o be_v the_o great_a they_o may_v also_o in_o some_o case_n ordain_v they_o which_o be_v the_o lesser_a for_o yourself_o do_v grant_v that_o to_o argue_v affirmative_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a in_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v good_a consequence_n and_o such_o be_v this_o which_o kind_n of_o argue_v be_v also_o use_v by_o doctor_n whitaker_n concerning_o this_o very_a particular_a beside_o we_o read_v heb._n 6._o 2._o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o join_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o baptism_n resurrection_n and_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o a_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a use_n as_o all_o principle_n be_v and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v
therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o office_n because_o the_o case_n may_v so_o be_v that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v at_o all_o so_o that_o either_o no_o officer_n must_v be_v ordain_v nor_o any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n use_v at_o all_o or_o else_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o office_n now_o that_o it_o can_v always_o be_v perform_v by_o officer_n three_o instance_n make_v it_o manifest_a first_o when_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n of_o any_o other_o church_n to_o be_v have_v as_o at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o pagan_a country_n far_o remote_a from_o all_o church_n as_o here_o in_o america_n by_o the_o english_a and_o in_o the_o case_n which_o you_o put_v of_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n by_o shipwreck_n cast_v upon_o a_o island_n where_o no_o pastor_n be_v second_o when_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v so_o exceed_o corrupt_a and_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v convenient_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o very_o dangerous_a to_o fetch_v ordination_n only_o from_o they_o as_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n and_o priest_n from_o who_o to_o receive_v ordination_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o sure_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o have_v any_o minister_n unless_o ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n the_o case_n be_v as_o pitiful_a as_o if_o sheep_n may_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n three_o when_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o dispense_v ordination_n in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v the_o case_n when_o they_o be_v not_o request_v thereto_o for_o sith_o ordinary_a elder_n be_v not_o like_o apostle_n to_o feed_v all_o flock_n but_o that_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o that_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v assume_v authority_n and_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o other_o church_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v neither_o elder_n nor_o member_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereto_o by_o the_o request_n of_o that_o church_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o that_o by_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o sometime_o officer_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v sometime_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v as_o ill_a as_o none_o and_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o or_o desire_v and_o sometime_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o sith_o officer_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o non-officer_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o sundry_a place_n where_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v perform_v by_o elder_n and_o not_o one_o place_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o whereto_o we_o answer_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v say_v because_o which_o be_v our_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v clear_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o that_o be_v here_o allege_v be_v not_o as_o if_o ordination_n by_o non-elder_n be_v in_o every_o case_n unlawful_a but_o because_o in_o those_o time_n elder_n be_v not_o want_v for_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n and_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o so_o much_o the_o example_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v evince_v but_o we_o have_v also_o show_v from_o numb._n 8._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n as_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o any_o that_o can_v convenient_o be_v get_v from_o other_o church_n than_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o but_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o congregation_n with_o or_o without_o a_o pastor_n to_o ordain_v elder_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o write_v or_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n but_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n only_o as_o their_o inscription_n speak_v answ._n if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o in_o any_o case_n meddle_v with_o ordination_n then_o by_o as_o good_a a_o reason_n a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o ordination_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o to_o the_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o one_o man_n as_o the_o prelate_n will_v have_v it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v turn_v the_o reason_n against_o yourself_o and_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n at_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n or_o anywhere_o else_o but_o only_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o but_o only_o one_o man_n but_o look_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v this_o plea_n for_o episcopal_a ordination_n the_o same_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o you_o and_o for_o we_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o refuter_n of_o doctor_n downham_n sermon_n at_o lambeth_n who_o in_o his_o reply_n part_n 2._o pag._n 107._o do_v show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o church-government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o bishop_n alone_o nor_o elder_n alone_o but_o for_o a_o mix_a state_n wherein_o many_o presbyter_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o one_o pastor_n or_o precedent_n do_v administer_v and_o execute_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o people_n consent_n and_o approbation_n in_o which_o affirmation_n he_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o most_o and_o best_o divine_v of_o late_a time_n instance_v in_o calvin_n and_o beza_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n own_o warrant_n in_o the_o close_a of_o thoses_fw-fr epistle_n with_o these_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o or_o with_o you_o all_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 22._o tit._n 3._o 15._o and_o by_o this_o say_v he_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v write_v special_o by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n not_o only_o for_o other_o minister_n but_o also_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o converse_v in_o those_o place_n now_o if_o what_o be_v write_v by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n than_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o you_o shall_v appropriate_v those_o rule_n only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o more_o than_o other_o only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prelate_n especial_o this_o be_v consider_v withal_o that_o if_o once_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o rule_n they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o one_o man_n have_v a_o fair_a colour_n for_o their_o plea_n than_o they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n consist_v of_o many_o because_o timothy_n or_o titus_n to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v by_o name_n direct_v be_v not_o many_o person_n but_o either_o of_o they_o one_o only_a but_o it_o appear_v say_v you_o that_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o this_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o a_o consociate_a eldership_n pag._n 27._o answ._n that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n we_o willing_o grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o the_o eldership_n by_o which_o it_o be_v dispense_v be_v a_o consociate_a eldership_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o synod_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v appear_v at_o all_o nay_o we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o may_v appear_v for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a already_o and_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o will_v only_o
instance_n in_o that_o eldership_n at_o antioch_n act_n 13._o that_o lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n which_o eldership_n be_v not_o any_o synod_n but_o a_o eldership_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a out_o of_o act_n 14._o 27._o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yea_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o at_o the_o return_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o hear_v the_o epistle_n read_v which_o be_v send_v from_o that_o synod_n act_n 15._o 30._o 31._o and_o therefore_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n that_o eldership_n therein_o by_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v ordain_v can_v not_o be_v any_o synod_n but_o say_v you_o there_o must_v be_v trial_n of_o party_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o hand_n must_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o sudden_o on_o any_o and_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v before_o they_o be_v ordain_v and_o that_o this_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o consociate_v eldership_n not_o the_o whole_a pa._n 27._o answ._n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v ordain_v yea_o and_o afore_o they_o be_v choose_v we_o free_o grant_v but_o that_o this_o trial_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n alone_o have_v not_o appear_v by_o the_o former_a text_n nor_o by_o any_o of_o they_o we_o can_v perceive_v how_o any_o of_o they_o do_v in_o any_o sort_n look_v towards_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o for_o this_o which_o be_v here_o allege_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o discharge_v it_o by_o a_o single_a congregation_n with_o or_o without_o a_o pastor_n we_o answer_v thereto_o first_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n that_o be_v without_o a_o pastor_n can_v not_o discharge_v it_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n we_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o they_o may_v be_v able_a thereto_o a_o able_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o try_v other_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v pastor_n and_o therefore_o we_o marvel_v that_o you_o shall_v deny_v this_o ability_n to_o this_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v without_o a_o pastor_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v believer_n they_o be_v not_o altogether_o without_o ability_n of_o spiritual_a discern_a to_o discern_v whether_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n or_o otherwise_o witness_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o say_v that_o his_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n but_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v many_o thief_n and_o robber_n yet_o the_o sheep_n do_v not_o hear_v they_o joh._n 10._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n have_v some_o ability_n to_o try_v and_o discern_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n that_o man_n teach_v be_v the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n or_o otherwise_o which_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confirm_v by_o the_o promise_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n isa._n 54._o 13._o and_o by_o that_o of_o joh._n 7._o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n speak_v it_o of_o themselves_o there_o must_v be_v some_o ability_n to_o discern_v whether_o man_n be_v qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n afore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v into_o office_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v so_o much_o ability_n to_o discern_v this_o fitness_n as_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o make_v this_o election_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v hinder_v but_o they_o may_v have_v so_o much_o ability_n as_o be_v of_o necessity_n require_v afore_o there_o be_v proceed_n unto_o ordination_n as_o for_o that_o instance_n which_o you_o give_v about_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n whether_o the_o nature_n assume_v the_o nature_n or_o the_o person_n the_o person_n or_o the_o nature_n the_o person_n or_o the_o person_n the_o nature_n and_o again_o whether_o this_o assumption_n be_v by_o way_n of_o composition_n or_o conjunction_n or_o conversion_n or_o vision_n we_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v union_n wherein_o you_o think_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o these_o examiner_n in_o a_o congregation_n to_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_a judgement_n and_o of_o four_o preacher_n to_o ordain_v he_o that_o be_v orthodox_a in_o this_o matter_n we_o say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o instance_n but_o only_o thus_o much_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n who_o most_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n eccles._n 12._o and_o who_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o the_o understanding_n so_o as_o he_o may_v teach_v other_o and_o the_o hearer_n be_v edisy_v rather_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o uncouth_a term_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v admire_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 19_o so_o we_o know_v nothing_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o a_o congregation_n these_o term_n be_v explain_v unto_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o orthodox_a tenant_n of_o the_o four_o particular_n and_o according_o pitch_v upon_o he_o that_o hold_v it_o last_o you_o speak_v pag._n 29._o of_o four_o thing_n that_o be_v oppose_v about_o this_o matter_n of_o ordination_n where_o though_o we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o justify_v all_o those_o reason_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v so_o argue_v yet_o we_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o some_o passage_n in_o your_o answer_n to_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o of_o all_o to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n cast_v by_o shipwreck_n upon_o a_o island_n where_o be_v no_o pastor_n your_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o scripture-institution_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o ordination_n not_o what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o the_o case_n propose_v you_o grant_v ordination_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o non-elder_n and_o if_o so_o what_o then_o become_v of_o all_o you_o have_v say_v before_o of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n about_o ordination_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o these_o two_o evangelist_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o antioch_n that_o lay_v hand_n upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n of_o the_o inability_n of_o people_n to_o examine_v and_o try_v who_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n and_o the_o rest_n for_o grant_v what_o here_o you_o do_v you_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o your_o former_a reason_n amount_v but_o to_o this_o much_o that_o when_o pastor_n can_v be_v have_v than_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v best_a perform_v by_o those_o pastor_n otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o they_o wherein_o we_o for_o our_o part_n consent_v with_o you_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o synod_n for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v but_o say_v you_o independency_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n herein_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n answ._n what_o other_o claim_v they_o may_v declare_v their_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n for_o ourselves_o that_o which_o we_o hold_v with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o four_o proposition_n two_o of_o they_o concerning_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n a_o chhurch_n have_v elder_n of_o its_o own_o and_o two_o concerning_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o case_n it_o have_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n 1._o if_o a_o church_n have_v elder_n of_o its_o own_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o elder_n and_o not_o by_o the_o people_n proposition_n 2._o a_o church_n that_o have_v elder_n of_o its_o own_o need_v not_o to_o depend_v upon_o a_o synod_n or_o the_o presbytery_n of_o other_o church_n consociat_fw-la or_o single_a for_o the_o the_o ordain_n of_o its_o officer_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v perform_v lawful_o and_o sufficient_o by_o its_o own_o elder_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a 1._o in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordain_v of_o officer_n may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o some_o principal_a member_n in_o the_o congregation_n 2._o if_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n of_o its_o
own_o it_o may_v do_v well_o to_o crave_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o neighbour_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o first_o and_o three_o of_o these_o proposition_n have_v be_v declare_v already_o and_o for_o the_o second_o we_o thus_o argue_v arg._n 1._o if_o such_o a_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v officer_n to_o itself_o without_o any_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o synod_n then_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o also_o have_v so_o fit_a instrument_n as_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v it_o by_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v in_o this_o answer_n of_o we_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n be_v clear_a by_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o which_o can_v do_v the_o great_a can_v do_v the_o lesser_a also_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n arg._n 2._o if_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o ordain_v their_o officer_n without_o dependence_n on_o a_o synod_n or_o a_o classis_fw-la then_o neither_o may_v they_o administer_v seal_n without_o such_o dependence_n for_o the_o word_n make_v such_o dependence_n no_o more_o requisite_a in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o arg._n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v a_o classis_fw-la or_o a_o synod_n but_o a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o several_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o thing_n concerning_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n special_o such_o church_n whereto_o they_o do_v peculiar_o belong_v now_o this_o assemble_n of_o elder_n into_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n do_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v elder_n before_o there_o be_v any_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o elder_n sith_o they_o be_v elder_n before_o that_o synod_n have_v any_o be_v which_o do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o always_o require_v in_o the_o ordain_n of_o elder_n obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o synod_n do_v ordain_v timothy_n a_o evangelist_n a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o must_v ordain_v officer_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v first_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o strong_a because_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o ordain_v by_o their_o eldership_n the_o officer_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ordain_v such_o as_o must_v be_v officer_n in_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o the_o help_n of_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n where_o be_v a_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o elder_n of_o many_o church_n may_v be_v requisite_a for_o ordain_v a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o eldership_n of_o our_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o ordain_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v to_o be_v officer_o to_o no_o more_o but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n second_o the_o ground_n hence_o be_v not_o certain_a for_o though_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o so_o to_o travel_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o that_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o may_v be_v the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v apostle_n act._n 14._o 4._o and_o 14._o gal._n 2._o 9_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v ordain_v not_o by_o any_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o those_o say_v they_o that_o can_v do_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o say_v make_v a_o church_n can_v do_v the_o less_o make_v pastor_n of_o that_o church_n ans._n we_o will_v rather_o argue_v thus_o those_o that_o have_v power_n of_o elect_a officer_n they_o have_v power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n but_o the_o people_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n have_v the_o former_a therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n be_v prove_v because_o elect_v be_v great_a than_o ordain_v and_o great_a not_o in_o another_o kind_n but_o in_o the_o same_o viz._n about_o the_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o design_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n now_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n you_o confess_v will_v hold_v which_o visible_a ministry_n where_o it_o be_v this_o property_n or_o proper_a power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a ordinary_a concomitant_a thereof_o pag._n 31._o answ._n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o there_o may_v be_v officer_n ordain_v and_o not_o by_o a_o synod_n even_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o in_o such_o a_o one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a ministry_n although_o that_o which_o you_o have_v say_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o express_o against_o the_o congregation_n elect_v their_o officer_n but_o only_o against_o their_o ordain_n of_o they_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o in_o asmuch_o as_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o book_n and_o in_o this_o argument_n especial_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v as_o much_o against_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o we_o will_v also_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a direction_n give_v some_o ground_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o position_n about_o election_n viz._n election_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o party_n be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o this_o election_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n both_o choose_v a_o man_n fit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o choose_v he_o and_o carry_v their_o choice_n in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n reason_n 1_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o act._n 1._o where_o in_o the_o very_a choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a the_o express_a design_n of_o the_o particular_a person_n be_v determine_v by_o god_n by_o lot_n yet_o the_o church_n appoint_v two_o that_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v single_v out_o v._n 23._o and_o when_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v upon_o mathias_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n v._n 26._o that_o be_v he_o be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o churchchosen_a to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n for_o so_o do_v the_o word_n signify_v that_o be_v use_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o scapula_n omnium_fw-la calculis_fw-la allectus_fw-la and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o though_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o call_n and_o extraordinary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o immediate_o be_v now_o present_a yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o church_n have_v a_o stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o first_o appoint_v two_o and_o then_o approve_v by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n or_o consent_v he_o of_o the_o two_o on_o who_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v to_o be_v for_o instruction_n unto_o we_o in_o after_o time_n that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n it_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o exclude_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o their_o right_n and_o interest_n therein_o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o stroke_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o like_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v present_a will_v not_o abridge_v the_o people_n of_o this_o liberty_n much_o less_o may_v other_o do_v it_o doubtless_o they_o that_o engross_v the_o authority_n of_o choose_v minister_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n they_o arrogate_v more_o unto_o themselves_o then_o the_o apostle_n ever_o do_v so_o likewise_o in_o act._n 6._o when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o take_v all_o the_o business_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o if_o election_n of_o such_o officer_n appertain_v only_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o they_o call_v the_o whole_a multitude_n unto_o they_o ver._n
for_o a_o christian_a congregation_n to_o want_v neighbour_n congregation_n to_o who_o they_o may_v with_o convenience_n have_v recourse_n be_v not_o so_o unusual_a as_o some_o may_v imagine_v special_o if_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o general_a persecution_n of_o general_a profaneness_n and_o of_o new_a plantation_n in_o heathen_a country_n be_v consider_v for_o at_o those_o time_n and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v well_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o congregation_n at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v as_o there_o be_v one_o in_o london_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n but_o it_o be_v not_o like_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o that_o any_o one_o may_v have_v many_o neighbour_n one_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o and_o yourself_o do_v intimate_a in_o page_n 43_o of_o your_o book_n that_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o wales_n and_o of_o the_o north_n such_o congregation_n even_o at_o this_o day_n will_v be_v so_o rare_a that_o in_o all_o probability_n scarce_o one_o can_v be_v make_v up_o in_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o mile_n compass_n 2_o suppose_v the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o rare_a will_v you_o say_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o church_n administration_n and_o now_o lawful_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n entire_o within_o themselves_o which_o if_o they_o have_v neighbour_n be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v we_o suppose_v it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o far_o we_o yield_v it_o lawful_a in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o transgress_v and_o violate_v ordinary_a rule_n leave_v some_o body_n do_v thereupon_o infer_v that_o though_o according_a to_o ordinary_a rule_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n must_v be_v dispense_v only_o by_o man_n and_o by_o minister_n yet_o in_o the_o want_n of_o these_o the_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v by_o a_o woman_n suppose_v the_o midwife_n or_o some_o other_o and_o both_o of_o they_o by_o such_o as_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o as_o you_o excuse_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o single_a congregation_n even_o so_o may_v they_o excuse_v these_o dispensation_n here_o mention_v by_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v what_o person_n by_o ordinary_a rule_n may_v dispense_v sacrament_n wherefore_o for_o aught_o we_o yet_o see_v it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o hold_v that_o sith_o the_o dispensation_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o ordinary_a rule_n belong_v only_o to_o minister_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o whether_o woman_n or_o man_n and_o sith_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o a_o congregation_n that_o want_v neighbour_n therefore_o the_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o ordinary_a rule_n and_o so_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o other_o case_n also_o because_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n forementioned_a be_v not_o allowable_a by_o ordinary_a rule_n therefore_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o case_n will_v not_o make_v it_o lawful_a and_o because_o the_o independent_a jurisdiction_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v lawful_a in_o the_o case_n aforementioned_a which_o you_o call_v extraordinary_a therefore_o the_o same_o be_v allowable_a by_o ordinary_a rule_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n or_o assembly_n with_o large_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o make_v decree_n ordain_v pastor_n excommunicate_a member_n or_o congregation_n pag._n 2._o answ._n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v synod_n when_o occasion_n require_v we_o free_o grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o their_o be_v but_o about_o their_o power_n wherein_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v and_o excommunicate_v any_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v it_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v whole_a congregation_n as_o here_o be_v affirm_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o church_n it_o have_v communion_n within_o itself_o out_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v no_o more_o than_o cast_v out_o itself_o ames_n cas._n consc._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 29._o and_o 11._o yet_o so_o as_o in_o every_o single_a congregation_n there_o be_v leave_v a_o power_n of_o public_a reprehension_n and_o if_o need_v be_v of_o suspension_n of_o its_o own_o member_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o in_o case_n upon_o such_o appeal_n to_o the_o synod_n there_o appear_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o partiality_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o it_o be_v if_o between_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n rather_o to_o be_v remit_v to_o the_o congregation_n itself_o to_o be_v there_o censure_v and_o end_v pa._n 2._o and_o 3._o this_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o a_o clear_a grant_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n for_o here_o be_v express_o leave_v to_o the_o congregation_n not_o only_o power_n of_o public_a reprehension_n but_o also_o power_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o case_n power_n of_o censure_v and_o end_v matter_n within_o themselves_o have_v first_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o the_o synod_n which_o course_n in_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n and_o weight_n we_o for_o our_o part_n acknowledge_v very_o meet_a to_o be_v take_v when_o synod_n can_v be_v have_v and_o when_o they_o can_v yet_o in_o such_o case_n of_o weight_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consult_v with_o neighbour_n church_n church_n government_n ministerial_a independent_n say_v be_v equal_o and_o full_o in_o every_o congregation_n pa._n 3._o answ._n that_o it_o be_v equal_o in_o one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o another_o yourself_o do_v often_o grant_v though_o not_o equal_o in_o one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o and_o for_o fullness_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n within_o itself_o by_o who_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v than_o we_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o you_o may_v be_v own_v also_o above_o and_o beside_o which_o namely_o the_o single_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o ministerial_o govern_v church_n by_o any_o mean_n they_o say_v to_o be_v admit_v pag._n 3._o answ._n if_o the_o presbytery_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n then_o sith_o they_o do_v admit_v the_o govern_a power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n they_o do_v admit_v a_o govern_a church_n beside_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o congregation_n you_o mean_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o member_n and_o if_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o if_o power_n by_o disputation_n and_o disquisition_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o rule_n and_o then_o to_o command_v obedience_n thereto_o may_v be_v call_v government_n than_o they_o also_o admit_v a_o synod_n to_o be_v a_o govern_a church_n for_o the_o power_n here_o mention_v they_o do_v allow_v unto_o synod_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o that_o the_o power_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o a_o power_n of_o doctrine_n and_o so_o a_o synod_n be_v rather_o a_o teach_v then_o a_o govern_a church_n but_o that_o any_o other_o church_n be_v it_o synod_n or_o any_o other_o beside_o the_o congregation_n and_o its_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o govern_a power_n above_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o congregation_n nor_o its_o presbytery_n may_v ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v their_o own_o offender_n but_o both_o must_v be_v do_v by_o that_o other_o govern_v church_n this_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v indeed_o because_o hitherto_o we_o have_v see_v no_o convince_a proof_n for_o the_o same_o all_o and_o every_o member_n have_v say_v they_o a_o govern_a power_n as_o of_o ordain_v their_o pastor_n and_o officer_n so_o of_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v pa._n 3._o govern_v proper_o so_o call_v we_o acknowledge_v not_o in_o any_o but_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 8._o hebr._n 13._o 17._o if_o that_o word_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o improper_a sense_n for_o that_o which_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v more_o fit_o call_v liberty_n or_o privilege_n and_o yet_o the_o liberty_n when_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o ordination_n deposition_n excommunication_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n communiter_fw-la or_o in_o general_a but_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a as_o you_o conceive_v we_o to_o hold_v for_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v member_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o act_v in_o such_o matter_n the_o one_o be_v debar_v by_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o other_o for_o want_v of_o understanding_n and_o discretion_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o
be_v grant_v to_o general_n council_n but_o there_o must_v be_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o they_o also_o such_o consequence_n do_v inevitable_o follow_v upon_o that_o which_o you_o suggest_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a congregation_n and_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o particular_a congregation_n have_v no_o such_o superior_a judicatory_n above_o they_o but_o according_a to_o your_o ground_n there_o may_v be_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o the_o same_o and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n against_o their_o independency_n as_o against_o the_o independency_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o israel_n because_o those_o synagogue_n have_v a_o judicatory_a above_o they_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n those_o may_v be_v dependent_a which_o have_v other_o above_o they_o which_o be_v supreme_a whereas_o they_o which_o have_v no_o such_o above_o they_o may_v be_v supreme_a themselves_o and_o consequent_o be_v 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complete_a church_n which_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v not_o and_o sith_o the_o synagogue_n have_v a_o supreme_a judicatory_n above_o they_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n which_o our_o congregation_n have_v not_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o dependency_n of_o the_o synagogue_n upon_o that_o superior_a judicatory_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o our_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o a_o synod_n especial_o this_o be_v consider_v withal_o that_o the_o judicatory_n upon_o which_o the_o synagogue_n do_v depend_v be_v not_o any_o synod_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o supremacy_n must_v be_v somewhere_o even_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o particular_a congregation_n may_v show_v as_o much_o for_o that_o appointment_n as_o the_o synod_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o this_o first_o argument_n only_o we_o will_v add_v some_o observation_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o that_o which_o you_o write_v for_o removal_n of_o three_o exception_n which_o you_o say_v be_v give_v by_o some_o against_o this_o argument_n of_o you_o 1._o that_o that_o government_n be_v ccremoniall_a and_o typical_a 2._o that_o papist_n allege_v it_o against_o we_o for_o their_o hierarchy_n and_o appeal_n to_o the_o pope_n 3._o that_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v then_o judge_n in_o civil_a cause_n wherein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o government_n be_v then_o appealative_a and_o dependent_a pag._n 5._o if_o any_o do_v make_v such_o exception_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o make_v they_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o they_o or_o to_o clear_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o for_o we_o the_o answer_n we_o have_v give_v to_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o wherein_o we_o do_v rest_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o highpriest_n in_o who_o all_o appeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o determine_v pag._n 6._o though_o there_o be_v to_o be_v one_o highpriest_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o that_o all_o appeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o determine_v in_o he_o we_o suppose_v be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v sure_a mr._n paget_n pag._n 35_o 36._o who_o you_o seem_v in_o your_o discourse_n much_o to_o follow_v do_v say_v that_o the_o judgement_n speak_v of_o deut._n 17._o be_v not_o give_v by_o the_o highpriest_n alone_o but_o by_o a_o college_n or_o senate_n of_o priest_n note_v in_o the_o text_n and_o approve_v the_o judgement_n of_o doctor_n reynolds_n and_o doctor_n whitaker_n give_v this_o answer_n as_o a_o just_a refutation_n of_o the_o papist_n argue_v from_o this_o text_n to_o prove_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a judge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v gradual_a judicatory_n wherein_o the_o aggrieve_a party_n may_v appeal_v from_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o high_a there_o can_v be_v no_o ceremony_n or_o type_n in_o this_o this_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o 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necessity_n of_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o at_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v appeal_n till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o high_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o a_o synod_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a be_v another_o and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o different_a that_o though_o the_o first_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o thereby_o prove_v that_o renown_a martyr_n cranmer_n the_o form_n of_o his_o appeal_n to_o a_o council_n three_o time_n by_o he_o urge_v we_o have_v record_v by_o mr_n fox_n at_o large_a pag._n 6._o but_o how_o this_o example_n do_v suit_v the_o present_a question_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o his_o appeal_n be_v not_o from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o a_o synod_n but_o to_o the_o next_o general_a council_n which_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o have_v not_o yet_o assemble_v nor_o be_v call_v if_o we_o must_v hold_v a_o necessity_n of_o appeal_n to_o such_o a_o judicatory_n as_o cranmer_n appeal_v unto_o than_o the_o supremacy_n of_o synod_n provincial_n or_o national_a be_v utter_o take_v away_o general_o all_o that_o write_v against_o appeal_n to_o the_o pope_n acknowledge_v yet_o their_o necessary_a usefulness_n to_o a_o synod_n so_o do_v that_o reverend_a martyr_n cranmer_n so_o beside_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o antiquity_n ursin_n zepperus_n and_o to_o come_v near_o cartwright_n fenner_n nay_o barrow_n ainsworth_n johnson_n pag._n 6._o we_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o speech_n a_o good_a deal_n too_o large_a to_o say_v that_o all_o these_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o necessary_a usefulness_n of_o appeal_n to_o a_o synod_n especial_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o such_o appeal_n as_o you_o must_v needs_o mean_v or_o else_o you_o speak_v not_o to_o
place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o council_n with_o threaten_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n and_o report_v what_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o vers._n 23._o and_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n vers._n 24._o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o vers._n 31._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o company_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o all_o 5000._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o 5000._o beside_o the_o former_a number_n and_o so_o in_o all_o 8120._o yet_o still_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o after_o this_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 5._o 14._o yet_o all_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o salomon_n porch_n vers._n 12._o which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o all_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n furthermore_o when_o after_o this_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v more_o multiply_v act_n 6._o 1._o yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o together_o to_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n vers._n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o who_o be_v there_o name_v vers._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hear_v matter_n propose_v and_o to_o make_v election_n of_o officer_n after_o this_o indeed_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o scatter_a by_o persecution_n except_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v again_o by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n that_o church_n even_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v at_o antioch_n so_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v act_n 15._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v from_o antioch_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n vers._n 4._o and_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v messenger_n to_o antioch_n vers._n 22._o and_o to_o that_o church_n letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n vers._n 23._o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n alone_o as_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o of_o other_o also_o who_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o officer_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o church_n do_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n last_o for_o that_o place_n 21._o where_o you_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v collective_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o collective_a meeting_n be_v representative_a in_o their_o elder_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o elder_n may_v meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o verse_n 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o all_o the_o member_n can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o but_o in_o several_a congregation_n nay_o that_o very_a place_n though_o it_o speak_v of_o many_o thousand_o jew_n that_o do_v believe_v verse_n 20._o yet_o as_o it_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v good_a divine_n that_o do_v think_v they_o be_v not_o but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v tell_v he_o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o for_o they_o will_v hear_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v verse_n 22._o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o such_o but_o they_o may_v all_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o many_o thousand_o yea_o miriads_o be_v gather_v together_o luke_n 12._o 12._o and_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o all_o though_o unto_o his_o disciple_n first_o verse_n 1_o 14_o 15_o 54._o and_o that_o parish_n in_o england_n in_fw-la or_o about_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o stepney_n giles_n sepulcher_n and_o other_o have_v many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n in_o they_o all_o member_n of_o one_o parishional_a church_n and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n on_o matth._n 24._o who_o as_o mr._n bayn_n report_v dioe_fw-la trial_n pag._n 16._o do_v esteem_v the_o company_n that_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v about_o 5000._o person_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o scaffold_n and_o gallery_n a_o man_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n may_v so_o speak_v as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v do_v make_v it_o less_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o great_a multitude_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n next_o for_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n style_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n not_o church_n pag._n 13._o answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o remember_v in_o that_o epistle_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n but_o say_v you_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o city_n can_v be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 8._o and_o 16._o 19_o and_o yet_o but_o one_o single_a independent_a congregation_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o 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2._o and_o bid_v they_o choose_v out_o seven_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n ver._n 3._o and_o according_o the_o saying_n please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o that_o be_v there_o name_v ver._n 5._o and_o have_v so_o do_v they_o set_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o ver._n 6._o and_o in_o act._n 14._o 23._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n for_o so_o do_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v in_o every_o church_n obj._n the_o word_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n ans._n the_o word_n be_v never_o use_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o word_n use_v for_o that_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 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approbation_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o thing_n only_o to_o some_o which_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n can_v be_v say_v 3._o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o for_o 1._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infringe_v by_o thrust_v officer_n upon_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v also_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v due_a reverence_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n who_o themselves_o have_v choose_v whereas_o one_o thrust_v upon_o they_o against_o their_o will_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v much_o belove_v but_o rather_o contemn_v and_o hate_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o profit_v by_o his_o doctrine_n final_o the_o people_n have_v a_o right_n original_o to_o choose_v their_o civil_a officer_n as_o be_v also_o 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for_o christ_n jesus_n his_o sake_n to_o pour_v out_o his_o rich_a blessing_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n upon_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o to_o guide_v all_o his_o servant_n there_o and_o here_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o heart_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n till_o antichristianism_n be_v utter_o root_v out_o and_o zion_n be_v restore_v especial_o in_o england_n to_o her_o former_a beiuty_n and_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la