be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28.8_o ephes_n 4_o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v â—…ee_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n iâ—…_n its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o objâ—…cted_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o person_n as_o his_o master_n have_v name_v thereunto_o and_o he_o instal_v they_o into_o the_o same_o the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o yet_o here_o he_o must_v have_v some_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v these_o office_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o master_n will_n he_o shall_v choose_v what_o person_n he_o see_v fit_a according_a to_o rule_n give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o than_o he_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n reply_n three_o if_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n and_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o make_v officer_n out_o of_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v into_o herself_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o true_a lordlike_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n reply_n answ_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o hold_v the_o church_n have_v so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o herself_o as_o that_o she_o may_v derive_v from_o herself_o authority_n to_o the_o officer_n let_v such_o look_v unto_o the_o
grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28.20_o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2.47_o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6_o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2.41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5.13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o maâ—…thias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1.15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 9.1_o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1.4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o
they_o vers_n 27._o what_o he_o speak_v vers_fw-la 28._o of_o apostle_n and_o other_o gift_n set_v in_o the_o church_n he_o apply_v also_o to_o they_o chap._n 14._o whereas_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o divers_a gift_n in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o vers_n 23_o so_o he_o speak_v the_o same_o of_o himself_o a_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 6._o when_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n we_o take_v notice_n of_o divers_a reason_n allege_v from_o the_o chapter_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enforce_v it_o for_o grant_v such_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o sense_n viz._n that_o in_o it_o god_n work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o all_o be_v true_o applyable_a unto_o it_o this_o church_n come_v behind_o in_o no_o good_a gift_n chap._n 1.7_o this_o church_n be_v one_o body_n vers_fw-la 27._o and_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n need_v the_o help_n one_o of_o another_o must_v not_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o body_n must_v care_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n yea_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o other_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 1_o cor._n 14.6_o so_o that_o from_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o office_n and_o gift_n may_v be_v and_o be_v set_v in_o corinth_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n will_v not_o evince_v a_o catholic_n organical_a body_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o apostle_n be_v wedge_v in_o here_o but_o they_o be_v set_v also_o in_o every_o church_n as_o also_o teacher_n be_v in_o every_o church_n but_o each_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n the_o one_o limit_v the_o other_o not_o second_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o this_o discourse_n the_o apostle_n also_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o intend_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o christ_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o these_o gift_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o organical_a church_n for_o what_o be_v this_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o one_o christ_n into_o who_o all_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v proper_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o all_o age_n and_o so_o contain_v the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o catholic_n body_n of_o all_o age_n can_v proper_o make_v a_o organical_a body_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o body_n be_v visible_a have_v visible_a ordinance_n baptize_v and_o drink_v into_o one_o body_n yet_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o â—…eall_a union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o 〈…〉_z understand_v spiritual_a and_o effectual_a baptism_n contain_v the_o inward_a virtue_n with_o the_o outward_a sign_n again_o the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o gather_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o elect_a among_o all_o the_o heathen_a and_o 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o prove_v not_o all_o those_o elect_v who_o also_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n sheep_n john_n in_o â—â—_o be_v a_o organical_a church_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o till_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n have_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a they_o be_v intentional_o ordain_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o set_v in_o it_o as_o one_o organical_a body_n for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a administration_n of_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o it_o but_o thus_o 〈…〉_z as_o gather_v into_o such_o church_n society_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o end_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o agree_v with_o 〈◊〉_d mr._n 〈…〉_z of_o the_o right_n 〈…〉_z pag._n 2â—…1_n aâ—â—_n say_v he_o to_o what_o â—…nd_n and_o to_o what_o first_o principal_a subject_n have_v the_o lord_n give_v reason_n and_o the_o faâ—…ulty_n to_o discoâ—…_n as_o it_o be_v peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o to_o they_o as_o for_o their_o good_a no_o no_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n the_o case_n be_v just_a so_o here_o 1._o cor._n 12._o â—…8_n god_n have_v set_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n we_o say_v also_o it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o as_o god_n have_v give_v reason_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n to_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o individuâ—â—_n so_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o mystical_a church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o as_o chief_o intend_v by_o christ_n apostles_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o as_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d all_o dispense_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n reason_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o such_o body_n as_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o descend_v to_o john_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o john_n peter_n and_o all_o the_o individuall_n that_o so_o by_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a kind_n of_o reasonable_a man_n may_v be_v make_v up_o and_o the_o end_n attain_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n in_o give_v officer_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n first_o yet_o in_o execution_n give_v these_o officer_n and_o set_v they_o in_o particular_a church_n that_o by_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v attain_v three_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o all_o gift_n and_o office_n in_o general_a and_o indefinite_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n indefinite_o consider_v but_o particular_a officer_n paul_n cephas_n apollo_n titus_n arabippus_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v or_o set_v in_o particular_a church_n we_o mean_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o office_n as_o unto_o bee_n in_o general_a ingiver_n a_o power_n to_o gather_v honey_n and_o order_n themselves_o in_o their_o hive_n but_o in_o their_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o several_a swarm_n in_o the_o hive_n who_o have_v their_o queen_n etc._n etc._n to_o order_n themselves_o but_o as_o this_o power_n in_o general_n make_v not_o a_o universal_a organical_a body_n of_o bee_n no_o more_o here_o a_o universal_a organical_a church_n last_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o place_n in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n of_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n that_o one_o body_n into_o which_o all_o be_v baptize_v vers_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v one_o political_a church_n where_o some_o organ_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o common_a and_o every_o part_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o whole_a for_o although_o the_o mystical_a church_n have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v one_o political_a body_n for_o the_o invisible_a church_n conjoin_v with_o the_o visible_a have_v political_a officer_n set_v in_o it_o and_o give_v to_o it_o as_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n general_a designation_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o to_o this_o whole_a church_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v one_o political_a body_n by_o actual_a combination_n thereunto_o actual_a combination_n we_o say_v for_o although_o christ_n institution_n must_v warrant_v and_o prescribe_v all_o form_n of_o political_a body_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o political_a society_n without_o actual_a combination_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a whether_o national_a or_o more_o particular_a the_o mystical_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v organical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n among_o they_o in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o every_o part_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a spiritual_o though_o not_o political_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v one_o political_a body_n but_o mystical_a political_a officer_n may_v and_o must_v suppose_v some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v visible_a but_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v political_a for_o the_o apostle_n by_o extraordinary_a commission_n for_o their_o time_n be_v officer_n of_o visible_a believer_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o combination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a combination_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o visible_a believer_n exist_v out_o of_o combination_n be_v a_o political_a society_n that_o
their_o baptise_v he_o record_v withal_o their_o add_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o the_o same_o day_n as_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o convert_n public_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_o do_v to_o reâ—…eive_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o into_o the_o catholic_n before_o baptism_n but_o first_o to_o baptize_v they_o and_o then_o the_o same_o day_n to_o add_v or_o join_v they_o to_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o unprobable_a and_o that_o this_o add_v be_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o the_o next_o place_n you_o may_v note_v be_v act_n 5.14_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n omit_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o believer_n yet_o speak_v of_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o one_o employ_v the_o other_o and_o that_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o opposition_n between_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n 3_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o samaria_n although_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v declare_v in_o so_o few_o word_n in_o one_o verse_n act._n 8.12_o yet_o the_o text_n put_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n of_o philip_n doctrine_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o plain_o enough_o show_v that_o they_o teach_v the_o observe_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v now_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v that_o so_o they_o practise_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o like_a practice_n in_o other_o example_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v that_o contradict_v the_o same_o as_o act_v 10._o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n where_o so_o many_o be_v meet_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n peter_n baptize_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o and_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o those_o believer_n act_n 4.4_o &_o 9.35_o &_o vers_fw-la 42._o whether_o any_o of_o these_o confess_v their_o faith_n or_o be_v baptize_v for_o nothing_o be_v say_v thereof_o so_o likewise_o act_v 11._o where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believe_a turn_v to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 21._o of_o the_o add_v other_o to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 24._o but_o nothing_o of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v a_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o express_v their_o baptism_n without_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o join_v without_o baptism_n and_o sometime_o he_o express_v both_o acts._n 2.41_o and_o therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o like_a of_o the_o case_n of_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n consider_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o express_o of_o a_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 4._o at_o which_o time_n we_o have_v no_o more_o conversion_n express_v but_o of_o those_o two_o family_n at_o least_o they_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a fruit_n of_o paul_n ministry_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o lydia_n house_n see_v paul_n go_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o her_o house_n he_o be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o brethren_n and_o comfort_v they_o so_o depart_v verse_n 40._o beside_o why_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o into_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o all_o church_n as_o some_o say_v they_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o church_n he_o have_v there_o constitute_v the_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v great_a matter_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n though_o no_o rule_n for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o be_v it_o strange_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n in_o a_o family_n see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o three_o several_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o which_o though_o many_o understand_v to_o be_v call_v church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o those_o family_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o many_o eminent_a saint_n the_o apostle_n salute_v who_o no_o doubt_n have_v godly_a family_n not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v their_o household_n much_o less_o give_v they_o such_o a_o title_n but_o only_o to_o these_o three_o name_v second_o how_o distinct_a his_o salutation_n be_v first_o the_o governor_n and_o then_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o send_v his_o salutation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16.5_o but_o also_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o all_o which_o do_v strong_o argue_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a family_n and_o therefore_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o constitute_v church_n in_o those_o family_n though_o other_o christian_n also_o may_v join_v with_o they_o reply_n thus_o have_v clear_v our_o meaning_n and_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o extraordinary_a case_n if_o any_o of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n when_o baptize_v as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n which_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a immediate_a call_n of_o philip_n so_o to_o do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n thereof_o the_o lord_n intend_v thereby_o rather_o by_o he_o to_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o ethiopia_n then_o to_o retain_v he_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o join_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o immediate_a call_n of_o ananias_n so_o to_o do_v now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o further_o be_v reply_v answ_n the_o seal_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a but_o also_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o in_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n than_o also_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o 1_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n baptize_v private_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o second_o if_o because_o the_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a church_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n three_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v that_o seal_n belong_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la to_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o first_o as_o to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o and_o thus_o never_o out_o of_o it_o as_o be_v token_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n both_o in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o actual_a fruition_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o which_o the_o question_n be_v state_v may_v ordinary_o be_v have_v or_o give_v to_o such_o as_o set_v loose_a from_o all_o society_n the_o apostle_n have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v general_a pastor_n over_o all_o person_n
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appear_v by_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o any_o such_o universal_a church_n as_o institute_v and_o political_a wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v which_o reason_n you_o answer_v not_o but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n in_o our_o sense_n pag._n 21._o and_o if_o no_o such_o church_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v administer_v as_o we_o prove_v than_o the_o cause_n itself_o be_v yield_v and_o the_o seal_n must_v belong_v to_o particular_a church_n 2_o see_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o this_o question_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n to_o what_o church_n the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o open_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o because_o we_o affect_v and_o study_v peace_n with_o truth_n we_o shall_v free_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a effectual_o call_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o visible_a believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o one_o body_n to_o he_o he_o govern_v protect_a instruct_v all_o as_o his_o visible_a body_n second_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v appear_v the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o three_o we_o grant_v that_o all_o true_a believer_n wherever_o they_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o here_o we_o must_v first_o distinguish_v of_o these_o benefit_n of_o christ_n whereof_o some_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a inward_a and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o christ_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o justification_n sanctification_n adoption_n access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n some_o be_v outward_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n be_v outward_a and_o visible_a mean_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v also_o extend_v to_o hypocrite_n be_v visible_a believer_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o can_v be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n immediate_o nor_o ordinary_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 2._o we_o distinguish_v of_o right_a to_o these_o outward_a benefit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v either_o remote_a call_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o near_o and_o immediate_a call_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi right_a to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o now_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o grant_v all_o visible_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o seal_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la visibili_fw-la now_o here_o lie_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o all_o these_o outward_a visible_a privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o immediate_o enjoy_v of_o the_o faithful_a or_o whether_o not_o the_o remote_a right_n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o sure_o to_o who_o one_o of_o these_o be_v give_v all_o be_v give_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n reason_n and_o use_v of_o all_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n discipline_n all_o be_v outward_a ordinance_n privilege_n mean_n of_o grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o christ_n have_v give_v one_o he_o have_v give_v all_o but_o we_o must_v confess_v however_o you_o call_v this_o a_o new_a church_n way_n it_o be_v new_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o much_o of_o late_a of_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o administration_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n belong_v we_o be_v yet_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o baynes_n parker_n and_o cartwright_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v against_o papist_n and_o prelate_n maintain_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o institute_v catholic_n national_n or_o provincial_n church_n but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n both_o for_o the_o reason_n allege_v in_o our_o answer_n as_o also_o for_o the_o impossibility_n thereof_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o the_o world_n
therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o â—…ord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o amongst-god_o reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n proposition_n 1_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1.23_o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5.26_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n proposition_n 2_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n proposition_n 3_o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n proposition_n 4_o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n proposition_n 5_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n
etc._n as_o flow_v from_o his_o spiritual_a relation_n unto_o they_o yea_o and_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o all_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o manner_n yet_o we_o say_v institute_v privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v not_o immediate_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n but_o be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n mediate_o and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n ordain_v and_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_o require_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o the_o church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n yet_o both_o the_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o also_o the_o institute_v form_n and_o order_n of_o church-society_n have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o order_n government_n form_n of_o visible_a church-society_n to_o which_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n do_v belong_v can_v just_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n cathoilck_n or_o any_o respect_n of_o reason_n or_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o only_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n institute_v the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o such_o society_n to_o who_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o hence_o the_o argument_n for_o a_o national_a form_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a draw_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n profession_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n falls_z flat_a to_o the_o ground_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v then_o be_v in_o family_n only_o now_o as_o it_o be_v about_o abraham_n time_n proposition_n 6_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o great_a dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o to_o what_o church_n the_o actual_a administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n belong_v do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n unity_n visibility_n or_o any_o other_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o the_o true_a state_n lie_v here_o concern_v the_o nature_n order_n form_n of_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o christ_n jesus_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v reduce_v his_o visible_a member_n unto_o for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n and_o therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly-learned_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o conceive_v many_o large_a dispute_n in_o this_o question_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o issue_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o intend_v for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n as_o mr._n ball_n say_v be_v one_o that_o have_v part_v visibiles_fw-la be_v a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la 2_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o totum_fw-la genericum_fw-la in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n as_o species_n specialissimae_fw-la of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o general_a which_o respect_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o sense_n we_o free_o consent_v unto_o but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la as_o some_o contend_v though_o we_o conceive_v in_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o entangle_v in_o their_o own_o logical_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o can_v get_v out_o without_o break_v they_o and_o fly_v to_o theological_a consideration_n yet_o we_o say_v what_o if_o that_o also_o be_v attain_v 3_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n also_o the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la 4_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v also_o by_o such_o dispute_n that_o the_o key_n and_o officer_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v first_o to_o this_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_v we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o what_o our_o brethren_n contend_v for_o be_v by_o all_o this_o obtain_v for_o first_o if_o the_o universal_a number_n of_o visible_a believer_n be_v one_o totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v one_o institute_v and_o political_a society_n that_o can_v enjoy_v visible_a communion_n together_o in_o visible_a worship_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o more_o hard_a to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o govern_v as_o one_o totum_fw-la second_o what_o though_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o they_o and_o constitute_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o one_o political_a body_n before_o they_o combine_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n three_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v first_o give_v the_o key_n ordinance_n promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o christ_n first_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o what_o else_o soever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o christ_n look_v at_o this_o catholic_n church_n first_o as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a he_o ordain_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o cause_n for_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n so_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o priority_n the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a as_o visible_a for_o christ_n no_o doubt_n first_o intend_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v all_o ordain_v rather_o then_o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o contain_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o key_n and_o institute_v ordinance_n belong_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o invisible_a church_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la can_v be_v that_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n belong_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n quâ_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la catholic_n can_v be_v this_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o intention_n be_v last_o in_o execution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o christ_n propound_v this_o end_n to_o himself_o to_o gather_v edify_v perfect_a sanctify_v save_v his_o catholic_n church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o &_o 5.26_o and_o therefore_o institute_n all_o ordinance_n as_o mean_n to_o far_o and_o attain_v this_o great_a design_n but_o in_o execution_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o give_v the_o key_n and_o ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n to_o any_o form_n of_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o institute_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o will_v prove_v the_o least_o society_n soon_o than_o a_o great_a and_o see_v our_o brethren_n otherwise_o mind_v make_v much_o use_n of_o simile_n in_o this_o dispute_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o illustrate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o a_o similitude_n â—…tly_o to_o make_v our_o conceiving_n the_o more_o plain_a to_o all_o who_o edification_n we_o seek_v and_o partly_o to_o discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o many_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o because_o similia_fw-la arguunt_fw-la fidemque_fw-la faciunt_fw-la as_o he_o say_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o right_o apply_v we_o will_v therefore_o propound_v it_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n the_o similitude_n be_v this_o genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o as_o the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n and_o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o catholic_n number_n of_o
all_o mankind_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o power_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o such_o consequence_n will_v follow_v as_o our_o brethren_n deduce_v from_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholich_n church_n now_o we_o reduce_v what_o we_o intend_v into_o a_o argument_n thus_o if_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n concern_v the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v as_o true_o be_v affirm_v upon_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n than_o á_o pari_fw-la it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o one_o catholic_n visible_a institute_v totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o actual_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v as_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 15.47_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ergo._fw-la and_o it_o be_v prove_v per_fw-la part_n thus_o 1_o for_o the_o unity_n be_v not_o all_o mankind_n oft_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o so_o frequent_o all_o mankind_n be_v call_v man_n gen._n 6.5_o 6_o 7._o i_o will_v not_o strive_v with_o man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v one_o kingdom_n psal_n 145.11_o 12_o 13._o which_o if_o we_o view_v the_o whole_a psalm_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o mankind_n therein_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17.26_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n all_o be_v one_o blood_n all_o have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v seek_v he_o and_o feel_v after_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v for_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v one_o for_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v a_o like_a unity_n here_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o mankind_n have_v one_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o all_o god_n who_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v a_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o yea_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.22_o all_o have_v one_o law_n the_o moral_a law_n the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o this_o writ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o have_v all_o one_o spirit_n of_o reason_n dispose_v they_o to_o society_n and_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n one_o faculty_n of_o speak_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o communion_n one_o end_n to_o feel_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o and_o seek_v you_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o one_o another_o isaiah_n 58.7_o yea_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o common_a head_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n and_o out_o of_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o common_a and_o constant_a influence_n into_o all_o giving_z not_o only_a life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n act_n 17._o but_o also_o all_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n art_n skill_n for_o government_n etc._n etc._n to_o king_n judges_z father_n master_n and_o all_o officer_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o may_v here_o be_v apply_v and_o as_o for_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v fall_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o genus_fw-la homo_fw-la whereof_o the_o individua_fw-la be_v species_n specialissimae_fw-la or_o in_o another_o respect_n all_o person_n all_o family_n city_n kingdom_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n make_v one_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la or_o aggregatum_fw-la second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o this_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v one_o visibile_fw-la totum_fw-la by_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o which_o have_v visible_a part_n be_v a_o visible_a totum_fw-la it_o hold_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n yea_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o have_v organ_n and_o visible_a officer_n in_o it_o it_o will_v hold_v here_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v but_o one_o army_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v army_n of_o heaven_n and_o army_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o body_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v and_o by_o his_o ordinance_n have_v ordain_v father_n master_n husband_n judge_n king_n etc._n etc._n to_o govern_v in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a rule_v and_o subjection_n by_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o why_o be_v not_o this_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la three_o for_o priority_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o god_n have_v first_o in_o nature_n and_o intention_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a believer_n and_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o govern_v by_o shepherd_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o sheep_n second_o to_o this_o or_o that_o flock_n so_o in_o nature_n and_o god_n intention_n he_o have_v first_o give_v to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n power_n of_o be_v govern_v with_o government_n and_o governor_n before_o they_o be_v give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o family_n city_n kingdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o what_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n give_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n first_o be_v it_o not_o as_o true_a here_o those_o promise_n and_o blessing_n increase_v and_o multiply_v subdue_v the_o earth_n and_o inhabit_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o you_o shall_v be_v on_o all_o beast_n and_o all_o like_a promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o marriage_n of_o liberty_n to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n mention_v gen._n 2._o &_o 9_o and_o all_o over_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o in_o nature_n first_o give_v to_o mankind_n and_o then_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n family_n city_n so_o if_o church_n power_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n rom._n 13._o by_o i_o say_v god_n king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n and_o such_o like_a scripture_n do_v this_o first_o belong_v to_o this_o or_o that_o kingdom_n city_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v first_o set_v up_o and_o ordain_v civil_a power_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v obey_v of_o all_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o in_o this_o or_o that_o state_n be_v foederall_a holiness_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o in_o a_o sense_n we_o will_v not_o now_o contradict_v so_o be_v legitimation_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o marry_a society_n in_o general_a in_o all_o mankind_n and_o then_o of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n be_v the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o here_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n city_n etc._n etc._n first_o and_o last_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o when_o the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v they_o be_v still_o of_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o all_o society_n spring_v of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o additament_n and_o increase_n to_o it_o the_o one_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v over_o tedious_a to_o follow_v this_o parallel_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a instance_n to_o guide_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v whatever_o else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a
may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n object_n 1_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o first_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a object_n 2_o if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o ephes_n 1.22_o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o
rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2.41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1.4_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la objection_n 1_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n objection_n 2_o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n objection_n 3_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n not_o have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o
concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la mar._n faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v tertullian_n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2.41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16.40_o &_o 17.5_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2.41_o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v
believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz._n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v send_v and_o give_v to_o the_o world_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o disciple_n servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n answ_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a scope_n first_o to_o prove_v the_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o which_o be_v answer_v afore_o second_o that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o confess_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o there_o be_v a_o covenâ—…nting_n between_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v personal_a and_o so_o whosoever_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o faith_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherâ—…in_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n
of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o assertion_n seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a to_o fall_v from_o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absuâ—…dities_n and_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o man_n may_v set_v up_o as_o many_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o please_v if_o the_o people_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n visible_o at_o least_o the_o archdeacon_n with_o his_o commissary_n priest_n churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o his_o cathedral_n with_o his_o clergy_n or_o any_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o other_o form-soev_a man_n will_v devise_v may_v go_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v discipline_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n second_o upon_o this_o ground_n every_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v in_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o as_o such_o the_o sealâ—…_n belong_v and_o send_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o may_v have_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n administer_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n discipline_n also_o yea_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o as_o you_o say_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v together_o in_o their_o travail_n at_o a_o inn_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o every_o christian_a family_n iâ—…_n the_o church_n for_o they_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n join_v daily_o in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n obedient_a unto_o the_o commandâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n why_o not_o call_v for_o a_o minister_n and_o have_v seal_n ordinary_o dispense_v to_o they_o three_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o company_n of_o christian_a woman_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_n â—…_n belong_v and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o all_o orderly_a dispensation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v overturn_v by_o this_o assertion_n we_o very_o believe_v this_o author_n be_v far_o from_o admit_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o position_n itself_o will_v unavoidable_o enforce_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o impute_v this_o assertion_n to_o any_o inconsiderateness_n through_o heat_n of_o disputation_n for_o if_o any_o shall_v maintain_v the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o people_n with_o god_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v visible_a church_n and_o not_o admit_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o public_a or_o general_a covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christianâ—…_n be_v make_v one_o people_n join_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o walk_v together_o in_o his_o wayâ—…_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o here_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o admit_v all_o form_n of_o church_n and_o all_o family_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v church_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o the_o confution_n object_v which_o we_o desire_v may_v well_o be_v consider_v all_o your_o argument_n stand_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o that_o conclusion_n to_o make_v all_o such_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_v belong_v as_o the_o absurd_a consequence_n thereof_o show_v these_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n some_o of_o they_o will_v prove_v they_o fit_a matter_n for_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o they_o will_v not_o prove_v every_o society_n of_o such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n have_v immediate_a right_n to_o have_v the_o seal_v dispense_v unto_o they_o reply_n five_o if_o it_o be_v graâ—…ted_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o be_v member_n of_o such_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o every_o visible_a believer_n profess_v the_o pure_a entire_a faith_n admit_v to_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v the_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v to_o new-england_n shall_v desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o themselves_o admit_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n among_o you_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o here_o express_v for_o the_o substance_n however_o some_o reason_n speak_v unto_o before_o intermix_v we_o pass_v over_o and_o to_o your_o question_n we_o frame_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o your_o own_o word_n for_o first_o you_o grant_v that_o if_o such_o member_n have_v renounce_v that_o society_n wherein_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o all_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o renounce_v the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o and_o give_v they_o suck_v as_o no_o true_a church_n yet_o see_v they_o be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a many_o way_n as_o they_o can_v neither_o enjoy_v some_o needful_a ordinance_n nor_o partake_v in_o those_o they_o have_v without_o sin_n they_o have_v therefore_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o membership_n in_o they_o and_o so_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n here_o can_v take_v they_o as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o under_o that_o respect_n second_o if_o any_o yet_o have_v not_o so_o far_o renounce_v those_o church_n they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o orderly_o recommend_v unto_o we_o which_o also_o you_o grant_v aught_o to_o be_v and_o indeed_o otherwise_o we_o may_v oft_o receive_v person_n just_o excommunicate_a or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o church_n any_o where_o or_o otherwise_o under_o great_a offence_n as_o frequent_a example_n among_o ourselves_o do_v sheâ—…e_v though_o the_o church_n may_v think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o what_o else_o follow_v in_o this_o paragraph_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o much_o of_o it_o in_o word_n also_o that_o we_o have_v answer_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o and_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o after_o as_o for_o that_o you_o desire_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o that_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o distinct_a church_n name_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v congregationall_a society_n we_o shall_v consider_v as_o follow_v reply_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n as_o in_o samaria_n jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n answ_n although_o we_o expect_v not_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n against_o the_o currant_n tenent_n of_o our_o godly_a reformer_n baine_n parker_n etc._n etc._n with_o who_o we_o join_v and_o we_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o beat_a objection_n of_o the_o prelate_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o digression_n the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n to_o edification_n then_o there_o be_v some_o other_o form_n of_o a_o church_n beside_o congregationall_a but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n answ_n
ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o such_o a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o same_o and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o hold_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appearâ—…_n first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v not_o learned_a answ_n the_o proposition_n we_o see_v be_v grant_v yet_o it_o be_v obscure_v divers_a way_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v these_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n true_o but_o where_o not_o in_o any_o place_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n second_o what_o faith_n not_o only_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o withal_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o
have_v and_o answer_v oft_o before_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v the_o like_a reason_n no_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o other_o church_n who_o may_v in_o a_o due_a order_n of_o christ_n persecute_v the_o censure_n against_o they_o though_o not_o complete_o among_o themselves_o which_o can_v beâ—…_n say_v of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v tâ—…at_v the_o apostle_n reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v without_o to_o corinth_n but_o without_o to_o all_o church_n reply_n three_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o verse_n the_o 10.11_o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n answ_n we_o nâ—…ver_v think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o heathen_a be_v most_o proper_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o if_o our_o word_n be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o certain_a respect_n or_o as_o our_o word_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o church_n society_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o what_o great_a offence_n have_v we_o give_v for_o first_o be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n if_o just_o eâ—…communicate_v without_o in_o this_o sense_n second_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o call_v they_o without_o that_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2.19_o say_v they_o wâ—…nt_v out_o three_o be_v not_o the_o catechumâ—…ni_n of_o old_a in_o this_o respect_n without_o and_o the_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o likeâ—…_n who_o in_o those_o zealous_a and_o severe_a time_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v without_o but_o stand_v without_o though_o weep_v and_o pray_v as_o penitent_n at_o the_o church_n door_n sometime_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n and_o after_o this_o degree_n of_o preparation_n for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v three_o more_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o severity_n though_o we_o approve_v not_o yet_o it_o may_v mollify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o word_n from_o we_o four_o our_o saviour_n himself_o express_o say_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o those_o of_o no_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinary_a hearer_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o man_n without_o and_o therefore_o this_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o need_v not_o be_v call_v insolent_a or_o raise_v such_o a_o hubbub_n abroad_o as_o we_o perceive_v it_o do_v reply_n four_o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n this_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o public_a order_n we_o know_v not_o or_o where_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v necessary_a can_v be_v find_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v neither_o be_v it_o anywhere_o teach_v in_o this_o reply_n and_o we_o will_v glad_o learn_v how_o that_o church_n shall_v orderly_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o man_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n reply_n five_o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v without_o we_o read_v not_o in_o any_o scripture_n but_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n heretic_n themselves_o be_v within_o 1_o john_n 2.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o answ_n all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n except_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v but_o a_o repeat_v denial_n of_o the_o conclusion_n in_o other_o word_n to_o the_o objection_n about_o heretic_n within_o we_o grant_v they_o be_v within_o till_o cast_v out_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2.19_o and_o if_o go_v out_o how_o be_v they_o within_o and_o so_o if_o a_o orthodox_n professor_n will_v froward_o forsake_v all_o church_n and_o live_v alone_o or_o among_o the_o heathen_a how_o be_v he_o within_o we_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n reply_n six_o this_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n and_o what_o we_o have_v say_v before_o may_v satisfy_v here_o reply_n seven_o without_o be_v dog_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 22.15_o not_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a holy_a etc._n etc._n answ_n true_o proper_o such_o be_v without_o not_o these_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o have_v be_v say_v other_o also_o may_v be_v without_o as_o such_o as_o forsake_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v before_o say_v more_o full_o reply_n eight_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o the_o society_n as_o set_v member_n answ_n to_o say_v some_o believer_n may_v be_v without_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v far_a from_o such_o a_o censure_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o israel_n in_o their_o corrupâ—…_n estate_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o long_a time_n without_o god_n without_o law_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n yet_o that_o hard_a expression_n do_v not_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o heathen_a much_o less_o to_o say_v some_o believer_n be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n and_o we_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o such_o then_o of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n reply_n nine_o 〈…〉_z shall_v â—…ee_v without_o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o particular_a combination_n 〈…〉_z reform_a church_n that_o ascribe_v the_o 〈…〉_z and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o 〈…〉_z also_o and_o therefore_o we_o 〈…〉_z approve_a christ_n 〈…〉_z be_v either_o without_o or_o not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n if_o they_o offenâ—…_n though_o no_o set_a member_n for_o 〈…〉_z themselves_o 〈…〉_z ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o 〈…〉_z â—…ffending_a 〈◊〉_d answ_n this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n without_o extreme_a strain_n of_o our_o application_n oâ—…_n 1_o cor_n 5_o 1â—…_n see_v 〈◊〉_d never_o limit_v the_o position_n to_o church_n of_o the_o same_o judgemenâ—…_n or_o in_o like_a degree_n of_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o a_o force_a 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o can_v 〈…〉_z our_o brethren_n â—…andâ—…_n neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o church_n oâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classiâ—…_n exclude_v the_o community_n among_o we_o second_o for_o that_o objection_n that_o such_o puâ—…_n themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n if_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o desire_v seal_n it_o be_v something_o but_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d deâ—…iâ—…ing_v of_o seal_n do_v include_v such_o a_o subjection_n in_o itself_o be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o or_o that_o act_n of_o administration_n we_o can_v understand_v but_o let_v this_o be_v real_o make_v good_a that_o defit_v seal_v it_o be_v a_o way_n that_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n and_o the_o case_n will_v be_v issue_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o approve_a christian_n as_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o last_o to_o proceed_v against_o such_o as_o aâ—…_n not_o member_n or_o of_o another_o church_n as_o with_o a_o offend_a member_n of_o our_o own_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o the_o proceed_n of_o victor_n in_o his_o contentious_a time_n or_o may_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o such_o usurpation_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v of_o reply_n ten_o if_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v clear_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v never_o allege_v by_o any_o writer_n we_o be_v not_o to_o except_v against_o it_o for_o want_v of_o man_n testimony_n only_o in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v convince_a but_o for_o the_o
exposition_n of_o this_o text_n we_o have_v not_o observe_v one_o substantial_a ground_n or_o approve_a author_n to_o be_v allege_v dr._n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o peculiar_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quin_fw-la conturbentur_fw-la signa_fw-la illa_fw-la quibus_fw-la fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n though_o of_o no_o settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o unless_o christian_n make_v themselves_o actual_a member_n of_o a_o church_n the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o reason_n how_o can_v that_o text_n be_v allege_v unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v answ_n first_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o respect_v declare_v may_v appear_v by_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o objection_n second_o that_o we_o have_v one_o approve_a author_n so_o allege_v it_o viz._n doctor_n ames_n shall_v appear_v in_o clear_n his_o meaning_n from_o your_o objection_n 1._o grant_v that_o by_o man_n without_o according_a to_o doctor_n ames_n his_o reason_n infidel_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o how_o shall_v the_o sign_n discern_v believer_n from_o unbeliever_n be_v confound_v by_o such_o as_o join_v not_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n if_o those_o believer_n do_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n stand_v without_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o consequence_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o own_o syllogism_n whereinto_o you_o cast_v his_o argument_n will_v have_v conclude_v so_o much_o if_o it_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v out_o in_o the_o conclusion_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o say_v except_o such_o join_v to_o some_o church_n the_o sign_n will_v be_v darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o reason_n right_o conclude_v will_v have_v say_v fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o sign_n will_v be_v confound_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o judgement_n it_o be_v unavoidablâ—…_n that_o such_o mix_v themselves_o with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v without_o indeed_o proper_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n reply_n again_o doctor_n ames_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v say_v it_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o outward_a profession_n etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o you_o allege_v here_o out_o of_o doctor_n ames_n we_o confess_v show_v that_o he_o be_v very_o large_a in_o his_o charity_n about_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n extend_v the_o same_o to_o the_o child_n of_o a_o papist_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o some_o passage_n that_o he_o understand_v by_o profession_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o look_n at_o the_o child_n of_o a_o papist_n as_o one_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o substance_n though_o so_o exceed_o corrupt_a but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o disprove_v that_o he_o understand_v 1_o cor._n 5.12_o otherwise_o then_o have_v be_v say_v what_o you_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o second_o manuduction_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o consent_v unto_o neither_o do_v we_o deny_v seal_n to_o any_o if_o they_o demand_v they_o as_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n in_o england_n and_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n chap._n x._o consid_n 5._o reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v utter_o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a institution_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o still_o complain_v of_o this_o liberty_n which_o be_v take_v in_o change_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n first_o that_o clause_n member_n of_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o poâ—…ition_n nor_o be_v it_o maintain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o sense_n neither_o do_v we_o limit_v church-fellowship_n to_o our_o order_n as_o it_o be_v call_v but_o acknowledge_v church_n defective_a in_o matter_n of_o order_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o answer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a wrong_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o reader_n so_o oft_o to_o put_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n second_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a by_o divine_a institution_n may_v not_o evil_a consequence_n be_v add_v and_o if_o both_o hold_n be_v not_o our_o reason_n the_o more_o strong_a what_o need_v then_o such_o a_o reply_n three_o we_o have_v oft_o grant_v a_o remote_a right_n but_o next_o and_o immediate_a we_o still_o deny_v and_o we_o conceive_v no_o other_o order_n of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o prevent_v such_o evil_n then_o by_o join_v to_o the_o institute_v church_n of_o christ_n reply_n seal_n may_v be_v profane_v when_o the_o dispenser_n can_v help_v it_o but_o here_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o random_n but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n among_o we_o sufficient_o know_v to_o you_o or_o orderly_o recommend_v etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o fear_n and_o danger_n in_o this_o case_n be_v more_o than_o so_o far_o off_o can_v easy_o be_v discern_v though_o the_o limitation_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o description_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o will_v open_v a_o door_n wide_a than_o many_o can_v imagine_v for_o many_o such_o in_o the_o judgement_n even_o of_o the_o wise_a come_v into_o this_o state_n of_o temptation_n prove_v far_o otherwise_o even_o yourselves_o be_v judge_n if_o you_o be_v here_o we_o suppose_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v in_o these_o late_a trial_n of_o england_n among_o forward_a professor_n will_v teach_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v how_o many_o professor_n may_v prove_v here_o yet_o second_o if_o you_o add_v such_o as_o retain_v their_o membership_n in_o your_o church_n be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o by_o your_o church_n or_o by_o know_a godly_a minister_n we_o can_v then_o according_a to_o order_n receive_v they_o and_o avoid_v the_o confusion_n and_o inconvenience_n we_o object_v three_o if_o also_o it_o be_v take_v into_o the_o description_n know_v and_o sufficient_o approve_v of_o ourselves_o than_o the_o door_n be_v open_a to_o they_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o though_o they_o can_v settle_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n and_o this_o way_n of_o order_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n but_o if_o we_o come_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n any_o other_o way_n we_o can_v avoid_v it_o but_o great_a offence_n will_v be_v give_v to_o many_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n object_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o will_v follow_v here_o with_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v much_o more_o in_o some_o other_o place_n reply_n you_o profess_v high_a respect_n to_o your_o brethren_n in_o old_a england_n but_o it_o seem_v you_o judge_v they_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o orderly_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o approve_a christian_n well_o know_v and_o live_v among_o they_o which_o two_o can_v well_o agree_v answ_n this_o position_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o judgement_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o case_n neither_o have_v we_o show_v it_o by_o reject_v such_o orderly_a testimony_n that_o we_o know_v reply_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o join_v to_o some_o approve_a church_n etc._n etc._n answ_n neither_o do_v we_o impute_v that_o to_o all_o that_o join_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o under_o such_o a_o
description_n of_o approve_a christian_n we_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o admit_v of_o some_o if_o not_o many_o such_o reply_n no_o question_n but_o many_o have_v be_v admit_v by_o the_o church_n who_o in_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o light_a and_o some_o refuse_v who_o be_v better_a deserve_v than_o they_o that_o cast_v they_o off_o answ_n be_v it_o so_o that_o through_o personal_a fail_n and_o weakness_n of_o discern_v it_o may_v and_o do_v fall_v out_o sometime_o yet_o this_o no_o way_n hinder_v but_o that_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o same_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v and_o this_o we_o may_v before_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o well_o to_o embrace_v the_o weak_a humble_a christian_n as_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n and_o we_o have_v see_v a_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n bless_v our_o endeavour_n therein_o whatsoever_o any_o discontent_a person_n return_v back_o may_v clamour_v to_o the_o contrary_n chap._n xi_o consid_n 6._o reply_n to_o the_o six_o consideration_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 to_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 but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n or_o through_o their_o default_n that_o shall_v admit_v they_o but_o do_v not_o answ_n the_o learned_a author_n hâ—…re_o whole_o mistake_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o conclusion_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v with_o the_o ordinary_a note_n ergo_fw-la no_o christian_n can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v full_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v and_o we_o marvelâ—…_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o which_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a deduction_n from_o the_o former_a as_o a_o absurdity_n which_o may_v follow_v if_o the_o other_o be_v not_o grant_v and_o yet_o hence_o occasion_n be_v take_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o injurious_a and_o tyrannical_a deal_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v not_o admit_v which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o of_o we_o you_o say_v you_o accuse_v not_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o church_n but_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o rashness_n of_o the_o zealous_a multitude_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o practise_v as_o be_v conceive_v the_o church_n and_o their_o guide_n shall_v show_v little_a wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n reply_n when_o a_o reason_n be_v demand_v of_o your_o judgement_n why_o you_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o we_o dislike_v it_o you_o shall_v put_v this_o note_n upon_o they_o as_o if_o against_o light_n they_o refuse_v orderly_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o warrant_v you_o have_v thus_o to_o censure_n what_o use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o godly_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v answ_n we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o mere_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o dispute_n shall_v run_v out_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o so_o much_o câ—…nsoriousnesse_n of_o other_o without_o cause_n whether_o our_o manner_n of_o dispute_n be_v here_o so_o without_o use_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o judge_v and_o that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o such_o censure_n of_o godly_a approve_a christian_n among_o we_o we_o can_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o that_o live_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o join_v with_o we_o do_v refuse_v against_o light_n yet_o we_o find_v it_o true_a too_o oft_o that_o forward_a professor_n in_o england_n here_o discover_v evident_o a_o heart_n refuse_v against_o light_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a such_o shall_v have_v equal_a liberty_n with_o other_o reply_n in_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o be_v many_o proposition_n couch_v to_o be_v examine_v the_o first_o that_o none_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v seal_n but_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v free_o grant_v the_o second_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o call_v till_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v he_o need_v explication_n for_o by_o the_o church_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o be_v one_o body_n without_o officer_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n to_o call_v and_o admit_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n this_o consideration_n shine_v with_o such_o clearness_n that_o a_o impartial_a eye_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o truth_n by_o sundry_a diverticâ—…lâ—…_n iâ—…_n rather_o cloud_v than_o the_o argument_n fair_o answer_v this_o second_o proposition_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v interpretationâ—…_n be_v seek_v but_o they_o be_v rather_o objection_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o order_n first_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o lord_n ordinary_o gather_v church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o office_n as_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n etc._n etc._n yet_o not_o always_o so_o as_o be_v evident_a act_v 11.20_o 2â—…_n the_o story_n of_o waldus_n be_v well_o know_v and_o we_o suppose_v you_o will_v grant_v those_o waldenseâ—…_n the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n origen_n when_o he_o be_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o ministeâ—…_n yet_o convert_v many_o who_o die_v martyr_n the_o story_n also_o of_o frumentius_n be_v well_o know_v with_o divers_a other_o second_o minister_n by_o office_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v call_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o and_o extraordinary_o call_v be_v before_o church_n and_o be_v call_v together_o and_o begin_v church_n as_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28.20_o act._n 1.8_o but_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n that_o be_v to_o administer_v in_o a_o church_n do_v necessary_o presuppose_v a_o church_n to_o call_v they_o unless_o any_o will_v adventure_v to_o say_v in_o plain_a english_a that_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v without_o the_o antecedent_n election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o to_o reply_v reply_n the_o apostle_n â—…aptized_v not_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o those_o not_o call_v of_o the_o people_n to_o baptize_v 1_o cor._n 1.17_o answ_n be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o corinth_n paul_n baptize_v not_o many_o but_o by_o other_o yet_o first_o we_o demand_v by_o who_o do_v paul_n and_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v it_o be_v either_o by_o evangelist_n and_o so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a officer_n do_v it_o or_o by_o the_o pastor_n new_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n new_o gather_v who_o may_v baptize_v the_o rest_n and_o then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o such_o officer_n or_o else_o by_o private_a person_n which_o be_v deny_v express_o in_o the_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o proposition_n reply_n the_o apostle_n appoint_v by_o election_n elder_n in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o elder_n but_o this_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o believer_n by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v minister_n to_o baptize_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n for_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n can_v choose_v a_o minister_n to_o baptize_v they_o answ_n we_o see_v here_o still_o how_o unaware_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o position_n itself_o break_v forth_o for_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v full_o yield_v and_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o place_n allude_v to_o act_n 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o the_o position_n be_v yield_v also_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n admit_v believer_n into_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v former_o deny_v and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o choose_v elder_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v full_o yield_v reply_n a_o company_n of_o convert_v unbaptise_v aught_o to_o desire_v baptism_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o elect_v one_o among_o themselves_o to_o dispense_v the_o sâ—â—les_n unto_o the_o
english_a church_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o the_o same_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n as_o they_o also_o require_v testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n if_o any_o do_v but_o present_a a_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o their_o church_n we_o have_v often_o profess_v this_o and_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n most_o of_o the_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english_a church_n have_v renounce_v their_o right_n of_o membership_n and_o commuion_n with_o the_o church_n they_o be_v of_o there_o reply_n three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o english_a they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n &_o contra_fw-la answ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o order_n for_o his_o word_n be_v all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o that_o avoid_v all_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v they_o look_v further_a than_o such_o according_a to_o our_o practice_n even_o their_o own_o country_n man_n flee_v for_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v they_o yet_o receive_v they_o not_o till_o by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n they_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o congregationall_a church_n second_o this_o show_v what_o disorder_n and_o abuse_v of_o ordinance_n will_v follow_v from_o such_o a_o liberty_n to_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v many_o will_v neglect_v all_o order_n and_o discipline_n if_o they_o may_v but_o have_v the_o seal_n three_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o question_n that_o their_o practice_n and_o judgement_n in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n note_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v by_o they_o be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n chap._n xiii_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o the_o reply_v make_v to_o the_o consideration_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o 3._o and_o 4._o position_n now_o whereas_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o consideration_n and_o answer_v the_o same_o it_o please_v the_o learned_a author_n to_o take_v up_o only_o two_o of_o they_o and_o with_o much_o enlargement_n to_o urge_v the_o same_o as_o his_o reason_n against_o the_o position_n and_o to_o apply_v our_o answer_n thereunto_o by_o which_o mean_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n brief_o set_v down_o may_v seem_v not_o so_o apt_a and_o full_a here_o as_o they_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o somewhat_o in_o answer_v some_o passage_n at_o least_o in_o the_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v here_o propound_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o reply_n reply_n reason_n 1._o that_o sacred_a order_n god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n answ_n these_o word_n with_o all_o that_o follow_v whatever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v with_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n in_o variety_n of_o expression_n reply_n for_o first_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v true_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o never_o demand_v of_o those_o he_o receive_v whether_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o we_o have_v in_o substance_n before_o and_o be_v answer_v with_o all_o the_o other_o instance_n in_o this_o first_o reason_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o therefore_o in_o vain_a here_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o and_o we_o have_v observe_v more_o than_o once_o your_o plain_a confession_n that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n even_o such_o church_n as_o they_o set_v elder_n in_o by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n reply_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o substance_n be_v this_o because_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o learn_v that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o god_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o with_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v wrong_v if_o they_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o answ_n we_o grant_v the_o whole_a but_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v in_o due_a order_n they_o must_v receive_v it_o so_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o for_o we_o grant_v upon_o these_o common_a ground_n such_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi and_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o reply_n three_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o man_n have_v internal_a communion_n with_o christ_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o entire_a faith_n join_v with_o conformity_n of_o life_n in_o righteousness_n 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 independent_a society_n and_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n not_o ever_o more_o but_o by_o accident_n of_o our_o receive_n into_o a_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n this_o reason_n stand_v upon_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o can_v be_v find_v and_o it_o be_v before_o confess_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o all_o true_a particular_a church_n as_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v visible_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o belong_v to_o no_o part_n thereof_o second_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o such_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o to_o baptism_n and_o all_o ordinance_n but_o as_o by_o such_o profession_n they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o neither_o have_v they_o immediate_a right_n to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o without_o admittance_n into_o the_o same_o fit_a matter_n such_o be_v for_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v they_o actual_o thereunto_o and_o your_o own_o expression_n secret_o imply_v as_o much_o when_o you_o say_v baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n if_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n than_o there_o be_v a_o admission_n thereunto_o before_o baptism_n but_o who_o do_v admit_v and_o where_o and_o when_o be_v any_o admit_v to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a congregation_n can_v any_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n that_o whole_a church_n be_v ignorant_a thereof_o but_o a_o man_n may_v profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n and_o live_v according_o among_o the_o heathen_a where_o neither_o any_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o it_o take_v knowledge_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n do_v not_o admit_v man_n but_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n your_o four_o reason_n we_o have_v have_v twice_o before_o and_o answer_v the_o same_o reply_n to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o objection_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o centurion_n lydia_n the_o jailor_n and_o the_o eâ—…nuch_n first_o if_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v from_o be_v baptize_v scil_n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o then_o either_o such_o 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 baptism_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n answ_n it_o be_v free_o grant_v first_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o by_o church_n â—…ee_v mean_v the_o church_n mystical_a consider_v as_o visible_a though_o not_o always_o political_a three_o that_o these_o may_v receive_v baptism_n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o but_o immediate_o to_o baptize_v they_o none_o have_v power_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o it_o will_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n have_v such_o a_o power_n want_v such_o extraordinary_a call_n because_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a have_v right_o unto_o the_o seal_n yet_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v by_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o only_a
subject_n according_a to_o order_n of_o all_o such_o institution_n otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v private_a baptism_n if_o the_o extraordinary_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v press_v for_o our_o pattern_n reply_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n seal_v walk_v by_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o ground_n common_a to_o we_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n may_v dispense_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o have_v right_a to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v they_o though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n answ_n we_o grant_v the_o apostle_n ordinary_o and_o general_o baptize_v upon_o common_a ground_n but_o still_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o baptize_v they_o and_o in_o the_o like_o orderly_a way_n any_o pastor_n may_v do_v the_o same_o second_o we_o answer_v thing_n may_v be_v do_v sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la upon_o common_a and_o moral_a ground_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o gather_v in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o minister_n upon_o the_o same_o common_a ground_n must_v now_o preach_v the_o gospel_n also_o yet_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n on_o those_o ground_n preach_v to_o all_o nation_n this_o do_v not_o warrant_v minister_n now_o to_o do_v the_o like_a so_o here_o though_o we_o baptize_v believer_n as_o they_o do_v yet_o we_o may_v not_o do_v it_o to_o all_o in_o all_o case_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n hold_v only_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v alike_o as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a ground_n reply_n second_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o the_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 neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n proper_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n if_o philip_n ananias_n and_o other_o may_v baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o particular_a congregation_n then_o may_v ordinary_a pastor_n do_v the_o like_a answ_n you_o mistake_v here_o in_o the_o force_n of_o our_o answer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n to_o which_o this_o objection_n and_o answer_n belong_v for_o we_o do_v not_o make_v all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n extraordinary_a but_o general_o orderly_a in_o the_o way_n we_o profess_v second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o particular_n not_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o ghost_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o beside_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v the_o 3000._o act._n 2._o as_o for_o philip_n and_o ananias_n if_o they_o baptize_v do_v they_o baptize_v as_o private_a man_n or_o as_o church_n officer_n if_o the_o second_o what_o officer_n be_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a we_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v they_o be_v ordinary_a who_o be_v honour_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n but_o in_o what_o office_n soever_o they_o be_v those_o particular_a action_n in_o baptise_v the_o eunuch_n and_o paul_n be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a call_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o story_n reply_n three_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v in_o church_n 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 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 etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o grant_v that_o since_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o in_o visible_a christian_a church_n the_o seal_n belong_v proper_o and_o ordinary_o to_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n not_o jewish_a yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o if_o in_o any_o special_a case_n a_o believer_n be_v baptize_v by_o any_o that_o have_v a_o special_a call_v thereto_o where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n present_v actual_o to_o join_v unto_o yet_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v the_o case_n do_v not_o so_o much_o vary_v from_o the_o set_a order_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o time_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o intend_v reply_n if_o the_o eunuch_n and_o centurion_n be_v proselyte_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o samâ—…ritans_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 jailor_n be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v very_o strange_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v full_o answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 2._o to_o join_v man_n to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a reply_n in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n second_o the_o substance_n or_o quality_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 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 and_o they_o that_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o we_o suppose_v among_o such_o circumstance_n you_o will_v reckon_v that_o for_o one_o that_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v alone_o in_o the_o wilderness_n not_o in_o any_o visible_a assembly_n of_o saint_n wherein_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o imitate_v that_o act_n and_o this_o come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o say_v for_o the_o chief_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n lie_v in_o their_o absence_n from_o such_o a_o assembly_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o christian_a but_o he_o that_o baptize_v they_o why_o not_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o 2_o the_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o apostle_n extraordinary_a power_n and_o do_v thing_n upon_o common_a ground_n be_v so_o oft_o say_v for_o substance_n and_o answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n again_o with_o the_o same_o thing_n reply_n second_o a_o argument_n follow_v necessary_o from_o a_o particular_a example_n to_o a_o general_a when_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o be_v make_v 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 now_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o speak_v of_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v name_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n and_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o all_o case_n for_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o ordinary_o and_o therefore_o your_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a practice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o some_o few_o special_a case_n we_o retort_v the_o argument_n thus_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordinary_o upon_o common_a ground_n that_o pastor_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o ordinary_o they_o baptize_v disciple_n admit_v they_o first_o into_o particular_a church_n therefore_o in_o the_o three_o reason_n we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n general_o reply_n four_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n be_v back_v on_o divine_a precept_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v they_o baptize_v such_o without_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o before_o reply_n five_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o the_o apostle_n baptizâ—…d_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n answ_n although_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o our_o answer_n omit_v this_o proof_n whole_o and_o also_o rom._n 9.4_o yet_o in_o our_o true_a cypy_n we_o allege_v act_v 2_o 41_o 42.47_o wherein_o you_o will_v find_v not_o only_o this_o passage_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v
the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o seal_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la dâ—…num_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4.11_o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o 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 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 externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v errâ—…_n now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n be_v so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_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 what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o 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 and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_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 as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_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 which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n 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 and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_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 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 belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v as_o the_o separation_n as_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o from_o you_o in_o these_o consideration_n answ_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o concurrence_n 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that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_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 in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o 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that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_n be_v one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harsh_a and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_v upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v
of_o office_n and_o the_o power_n that_o a_o pastor_n have_v over_o other_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v he_o their_o officer_n who_o thereby_o become_v his_o proper_a flock_n hence_o he_o have_v no_o power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o flock_n unless_o he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n e._n g._n a_o minister_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la &_o as_o a_o pastor_n not_o bare_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o may_v preach_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o edificaon_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o convert_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o intend_v but_o to_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o preach_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o christ_n have_v sheep_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n proper_a flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o intend_v their_o gather_n in_o as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o flock_n again_o as_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o office_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o believer_n so_o also_o he_o may_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la shut_v it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n that_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 10.14_o jer._n 1.10_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n again_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o his_o his_o own_o congregation_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n last_o a_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n may_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n occasional_o to_o those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o poor_a of_o another_o church_n yet_o be_v no_o officer_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o captain_n of_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o over_o his_o own_o band_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o subdue_v enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o those_o that_o submit_v a_o steward_n be_v a_o officer_n over_o his_o master_n family_n not_o over_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o his_o lord_n table_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v clear_a but_o now_o whether_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o occasional_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o a_o state_v presbytery_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o in_o all_o such_o act_n the_o church_n still_o keep_v her_o power_n in_o she_o own_o hand_n while_o the_o minister_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o at_o her_o desire_n and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o necessity_n neither_o do_v this_o make_v a_o minister_n a_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o pastoral_a office_n consist_v in_o take_v charge_n of_o a_o people_n and_o have_v power_n of_o authority_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o towards_o his_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v include_v neither_o of_o these_o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o may_v set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n over_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o may_v combine_v &_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n the_o first_o be_v their_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n not_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o may_v ordinary_o feed_v teach_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o rule_v they_o the_o end_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o submit_v to_o other_o who_o may_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o look_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o join_v together_o to_o set_v one_o pastor_n over_o they_o successive_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o pluralist_n and_o the_o bramble_n the_o king_n of_o tree_n nor_o yet_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o as_o in_o the_o first_o ambitious_a time_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o power_n over_o all_o single_o but_o under_o all_o joint_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o many_o pastor_n who_o by_o their_o plurality_n of_o vote_n may_v whole_o drown_v that_o power_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o last_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v desire_v the_o benefit_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o other_o office_n occasional_o that_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v do_v it_o constant_o no_o more_o then_o because_o they_o may_v desire_v sundry_a minister_n to_o preach_v among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o live_v altogether_o without_o any_o of_o their_o own_o now_o for_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n although_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o sense_n explain_v may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o other_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n yet_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o congregation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o question_n reply_n now_o to_o remove_v those_o 2013_o objection_n of_o mr._n ball_n which_o only_o reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v reply_v the_o 8._o when_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o labour_v the_o come_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o god_n these_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o elder_n ordinary_o in_o the_o city_n though_o the_o number_n may_v be_v so_o great_a in_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o either_o the_o pastor_n must_v baptise_v they_o be_v no_o member_n or_o they_o must_v remain_v without_o baptism_n till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n and_o choose_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n which_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o will_v ease_v the_o difficulty_n viz._n the_o pastor_n may_v baptize_v they_o unto_o their_o own_o congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o number_n do_v not_o exceed_v beyond_o edification_n and_o then_o divide_v their_o number_n may_v make_v divers_a church_n of_o one_o and_o they_o call_v pastor_n over_o they_o and_o so_o we_o see_v act._n 2._o they_o add_v 3000._o and_o after_o more_o till_o they_o be_v scatter_v and_o when_o peace_n be_v restore_v act._n 9_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o edify_v but_o multiply_v verse_n 3._o and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o 9_o reply_n be_v also_o take_v away_o reply_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o seal_n in_o another_o more_o than_o the_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v answ_n we_o have_v before_o show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o which_o warrant_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n to_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16.1_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o