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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 show_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
without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
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 &c_n &c_n answ_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o more_o congregationall_a church_n and_o so_o no_o other_o form_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n but_o we_o suppose_v you_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o answer_v to_o your_o assumption_n we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v here_o call_v a_o church_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v not_o meet_v to_o edification_n and_o first_o concern_v samaria_n reply_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o samaria_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v answ_n we_o grant_v a_o church_n or_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n and_o we_o accept_v your_o reason_n as_o good_a because_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v where_o by_o the_o way_n you_o grant_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o before_o that_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n lie_v not_o in_o we_o to_o prove_v until_o you_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o church_n or_o one_o church_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n act_v 8._o nor_o any_o other_o where_o that_o we_o can_v find_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o as_o philip_n convert_v and_o baptize_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n at_o several_a time_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o he_o baptize_v they_o so_o he_o may_v gather_v several_a church_n as_o well_o as_o one_o see_v that_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o congregationall_a church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o man_n contend_v for_o beside_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o samaria_n as_o great_a as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o it_o prove_v nothing_o reply_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a yet_o increase_v to_o 3000_o then_o to_o 5000_o etc._n etc._n answ_n be_v it_o so_o the_o increase_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v call_v one_o distinct_a church_n it_o be_v one_o congregation_n viz._n until_o they_o scatter_v by_o the_o persecution_n about_o stephen_n act_v 7._o 8._o which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o act_v 2_o 41_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v the_o 3000_o add_v to_o the_o 120._o they_o have_v their_o communion_n together_o describe_v 1_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n verse_n 42._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n they_o bid_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 44_o &_o 45_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v describe_v verse_n 46._o viz._n in_o their_o spiritual_a duty_n they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o their_o state_n they_o eat_v their_o meat_n from_o house_n to_o house_n this_o latter_a require_v many_o table_n and_o many_o house_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o so_o that_o although_o in_o their_o outward_a communion_n it_o be_v in_o private_a house_n yet_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n viz._n the_o temple_n where_o they_o have_v room_n enough_o be_v the_o place_n erect_v for_o a_o national_n church_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o interrupt_v therein_o by_o any_o persecution_n we_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o reply_v to_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o note_v that_o they_o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v not_o answer_v by_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o this_o appear_v act_v 6._o 1_o 5._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o election_n of_o deacon_n be_v before_o and_o by_o the_o multitude_n verse_n 1._o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n verse_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o church-meeting_n and_o church-act_n we_o read_v of_o before_o their_o scatter_n neither_o can_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n and_o grecian_n who_o widow_n murmur_v be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v choose_v all_o by_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o whole_a not_o distinct_o so_o many_o for_o this_o and_o so_o many_o for_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v needful_a if_o they_o be_v two_o church_n these_o proof_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o inconvenience_n object_v be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o many_o example_n of_o as_o great_a assembly_n meet_v ordinary_o to_o edification_n as_o beside_o the_o auditory_a of_o chrysostome_n cite_v by_o other_o the_o assembly_n of_o stepney_n in_o london_n yâ—rmouth_n in_o norfolk_n and_o other_o in_o our_o experience_n beza_n a_o man_n not_o love_v to_o hyperbolise_v say_v that_o be_v in_o paris_n there_o meet_v at_o a_o sermon_n 332._o 24000._o and_o of_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n no_o less_o than_o 10000_o beza_n epist._n 65._o reply_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v the_o church_n rise_v to_o such_o a_o bigness_n as_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n act_v 11._o 21._o &_o 14._o 27._o answ_n 1_o in_o that_o place_n act_v 11._o 21._o the_o great_a number_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o the_o scatter_a christian_n at_o phenice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o all_o and_o their_o whole_a success_n be_v sum_v up_o together_o nothing_o say_v before_o of_o the_o other_o place_n 2_o though_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n teach_v much_o people_n yet_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o this_o much_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n 3_o though_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o if_o first_o disciple_n be_v there_o call_v christian_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o their_o number_n and_o not_o rather_o for_o eminent_a likeness_n to_o christ_n with_o other_o specialty_n of_o providence_n 4_o it_o be_v express_o say_v the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o act_v 14._o 27._o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o elder_n only_o as_o if_o they_o only_o can_v meet_v for_o chap._n 15._o 30._o they_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o number_n but_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n reply_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v great_a at_o ephesus_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o year_n all_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a way_n open_v to_o he_o where_o the_o shrine_n of_o diana_n her_o temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o where_o those_o that_o use_v curious_a art_n burn_v their_o book_n open_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v act_v 19_o 10_o 19_o 27._o answ_n 1_o be_v it_o so_o that_o many_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o word_n grow_v mighty_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o all_o who_o hear_v paul_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o then_o all_o asia_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o church_n act_n 19_o 10._o who_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o a_o little_a spark_n may_v kindle_v such_o fear_n and_o raise_v such_o outcry_n in_o the_o covetous_a craftsman_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v set_v in_o a_o superstitious_a uproar_n our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v how_o soon_o a_o profane_a people_n will_v cry_v out_o against_o a_o faithful_a minister_n before_o he_o have_v convert_v
ten_o man_n in_o a_o city_n 2_o that_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v their_o book_n open_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o church_n except_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n believe_v seem_v a_o strange_a reason_n as_o if_o believer_n dare_v not_o profess_v open_o except_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n to_o maintain_v they_o with_o club-law_n open_a profession_n in_o those_o time_n even_o among_o a_o few_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o grim_a look_n of_o persecution_n 3_o and_o last_o we_o grant_v ephesus_n may_v be_v a_o numerous_a church_n yet_o neither_o there_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v from_o rev._n 2._o 7._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n can_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n for_o that_o argue_v no_o more_o that_o ephesus_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o many_o church_n then_o that_o it_o be_v compound_v with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n be_v speak_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o reply_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o nor_o be_v the_o society_n break_v off_o by_o persecution_n when_o their_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o place_n be_v interrupt_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a one_o church_n or_o society_n by_o persecution_n or_o otherwise_o may_v meet_v in_o several_a company_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o place_n or_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v proper_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a both_o necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la to_o be_v able_a at_o least_o so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o society_n thus_o to_o meet_v together_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n thereof_o in_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n thereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a when_o the_o papist_n to_o maintain_v their_o private_a mass_n say_v that_o place_n be_v but_o accidental_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n as_o hardin_n object_n any_o more_o then_o to_o observe_v day_n month_n time_n condemn_v as_o beggarly_a element_n by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v unite_v together_o by_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o the_o ancient_n note_n how_o do_v learned_a chamier_n answer_v they_o he_o tell_v 13._o they_o that_o although_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o a_o place_n indefinite_o take_v be_v and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o place_n because_o it_o can_v be_v administer_v but_o conventu_fw-la fidelium_fw-la and_o this_o conventus_fw-la must_v be_v in_o some_o place_n and_o he_o add_v that_o although_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n yet_o this_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o spiritual_a not_o sacramental_a communion_n nunquam_fw-la enim_fw-la auditum_fw-la qui_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la erant_fw-la sacramentaliter_fw-la communicasse_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la alexandria_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v communion_n in_o one_o place_n together_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n as_o we_o do_v reply_n seven_o see_v then_o both_o the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a reply_v make_v we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v our_o answer_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v the_o conclusion_n chap._n vii_o consid_n 2._o reply_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o answer_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o that_o you_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n some_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o that_o passage_n but_o confirm_v for_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v before_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o proof_n mat._n 28._o 19_o being_n we_o doubt_v not_o pertinent_a in_o the_o author_n own_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o brotherly_a love_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v over_o great_a mistake_n than_o the_o answer_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v into_o for_o by_o first_o institution_n here_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o institute_v in_o that_o first_o time_n of_o all_o divine_a ordinance_n we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o use_n and_o so_o no_o institution_n of_o baptism_n before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o confutation_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v reply_n second_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v apply_v that_o text_n matth._n 28_o 19_o to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o by_o your_o exposition_n be_v a_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n answ_n as_o if_o that_o commission_n matth._n 28._o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o also_o and_o require_v they_o to_o dispense_v fit_a portion_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v on_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o be_v not_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o other_o officer_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o therefore_o this_o note_n also_o may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v reply_n three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n seal_v etc._n etc._n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v answ_n this_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v only_o in_o the_o answer_n touch_v by_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o 1_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n and_o to_o allege_v matth._n 16._o &_o 18._o for_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v set_v in_o the_o margin_n many_o ancient_a divine_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a as_o fulke_n whittaker_n baine_n parker_n and_o other_o as_o robinson_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o possess_v people_n with_o that_o conceit_n that_o we_o go_v in_o new_a way_n with_o the_o separatist_n alone_o 2_o we_o distinguish_v between_o power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v a_o power_n right_a or_o privilege_n as_o joh._n 1._o 12._o which_o be_v not_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v officer_n act_n 6._o &_o 14._o receive_a member_n etc._n etc._n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v we_o ascribe_v only_o to_o the_o officer_n under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v who_o the_o church_n must_v obey_v now_o we_o grant_v that_o where_o authority_n be_v give_v there_o power_n to_o exercise_v it_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 28._o joh._n 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o where_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n there_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o orderly_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 10._o reply_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o reserve_v to_o himself_o that_o prerogative_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v immediate_o without_o the_o church_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v first_o call_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n mat._n 10._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 then_o à _fw-la pâ—ri_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_a oâ—_n 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 that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n 47â—_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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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 onâ—_n 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 iâ—_n 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 〈◊〉_d 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 &c_n &c_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 1_o object_n 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 firâ—â—_n 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 2_o object_n 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._o 11._o ephes_n 1._o 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 who_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o general_n may_v and_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o convene_v let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o all_o political_a
church_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o one_o political_a body_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o the_o similitude_n will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n three_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o army_n suppose_v they_o never_o meet_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o political_a union_n as_o full_o reach_v the_o political_a communion_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v combine_v viz._n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o a_o just_a government_n or_o by_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o army_n but_o if_o such_o a_o political_a body_n be_v combine_v to_o have_v such_o communion_n as_o a_o church-communion_n be_v than_o it_o will_v require_v convent_v together_o as_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_a for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o one_o to_o have_v political_a communion_n together_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o political_a combination_n but_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o helpfulnesse_n one_o to_o another_o as_o need_n require_v so_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o brotherly_a consociation_n of_o church_n together_o be_v union_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o communion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o judicious_a we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o come_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o knotty_a controversy_n as_o we_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v state_v and_o carry_v viz._n what_o be_v that_o form_n of_o a_o political_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o with_o another_o therein_o and_o here_o give_v we_o leave_v before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o question_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o little_a further_o use_v of_o our_o former_a similitude_n for_o illustration_n and_o then_o we_o will_v show_v where_o the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la as_o we_o conceive_v must_v stand_v it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n that_o although_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n thereof_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o no_o reason_n will_v enforce_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o so_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n we_o will_v now_o add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o such_o reason_n yet_o in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o least_o civil_a society_n yea_o a_o family_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o the_o least_o political_a church_n society_n may_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o of_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o we_o think_v that_o there_o by_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v seat_v and_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v best_o be_v attain_v thereby_o concern_v family_n we_o see_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n and_o noah_n of_o any_o sovereign_a or_o universal_a government_n further_o than_o in_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n after_o who_o as_o they_o increase_v family_n go_v out_o and_o combine_v make_v city_n and_o so_o commonwealth_n by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o in_o gen._n 10._o and_o other_o story_n appear_v except_o by_o the_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n of_o some_o as_o nimrod_n the_o rest_n be_v bring_v under_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n among_o any_o free_a people_n be_v still_o the_o most_o orderly_o just_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o erect_v all_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n family_n to_o combine_v into_o town_n city_n kingdom_n or_o aristocratical_a state_n but_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o similitude_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v the_o first_o church_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o church_n power_n and_o church_n communion_n then_o as_o family_n shall_v combine_v into_o town_n and_o city_n and_o they_o into_o great_a commonwealth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n so_o here_o these_o first_o church_n may_v not_o stand_v independent_o but_o aught_o to_o combine_v into_o great_a body_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o whole_a church_n to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o this_o evident_a reason_n because_o civil_a society_n and_o government_n thereof_o be_v herein_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o may_v admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n various_a law_n and_o constitution_n various_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o man_n shall_v conceive_v best_a for_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o common_a moral_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o those_o society_n but_o here_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o must_v attend_v what_o kind_n of_o church_n he_o have_v institute_v so_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o such_o rule_n privilege_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v one_o step_n beyond_o the_o same_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o alienate_v the_o power_n right_n or_o privilege_n christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o same_o or_o to_o mould_n up_o any_o other_o political_a church_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o here_o we_o conceive_v stand_v immovable_o the_o ne_fw-la plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o this_o similitude_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n well_o weigh_v to_o we_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v all_o such_o intermediate_v form_n of_o church_n or_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o mr._n ball_n call_v the_o same_o as_o classical_a provincial_n diocesan_n national_n patriarchicall_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o see_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v constitute_v either_o descendendo_fw-la from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o ascendendo_fw-la from_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_n except_o institution_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o same_o we_o find_v indeed_o that_o some_o endeavour_n to_o build_v such_o form_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o moral_a principle_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o god_n have_v give_v government_n to_o be_v over_o a_o multitude_n and_o that_o of_o many_o society_n as_o well_o as_o person_n that_o one_o society_n may_v not_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n and_o that_o therefore_o must_v be_v give_v of_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o little_a church_n power_n of_o external_a government_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o nature_n that_o general_o bind_v free_a society_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a government_n must_v many_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n by_o consequence_n all_o kingdom_n combine_v in_o government_n lest_o one_o kingdom_n be_v hurt_v â—_o must_v moab_n ammon_n edom_n tyre_n sydon_n judea_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o contiguous_a in_o near_a vicinity_n to_o each_o other_o combine_v in_o one_o government_n 2_o be_v it_o not_o as_o suitable_a to_o morality_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o combination_n that_o they_o set_v up_o one_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o when_o many_o grow_v ignorant_a evil_a or_o heady_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v wrong_a as_o to_o set_v up_o many_o 3_o do_v abraham_n lot_n melchisedeck_v and_o such_o family_n church_n walk_v against_o ground_n of_o morality_n and_o nature_n that_o do_v not_o so_o combine_v we_o may_v add_v more_o but_o forbear_v but_o we_o can_v desire_v our_o dear_a brethren_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o scatter_v such_o principle_n for_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o
and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o in_o the_o jewish_a policy_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o one_o political_a body_n so_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o yet_o be_v distinct_a church_n not_o one_o church_n as_o also_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n have_v sweet_a and_o bless_a communion_n yet_o be_v distinct_a and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a lump_n as_o be_v object_v yet_o be_v they_o thus_o by_o political_a combination_n or_o as_o dr._n downam_n to_o mould_n up_o a_o diocesan_n church_n compare_v the_o first_o church_n to_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n or_o batch_n of_o bread_n out_o of_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v form_v into_o many_o loaf_n or_o not_o rather_o call_v a_o lump_n by_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n common_a profession_n and_o fraternal_a communion_n be_v all_o the_o same_o countryman_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v church_n communion_n yet_o be_v not_o a_o political_a body_n kingdom_n so_o may_v have_v civil_a communion_n and_o commerce_n yet_o not_o be_v one_o kingdom_n object_n 6._o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o flock_n of_o redeem_a one_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o primary_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o secondary_o but_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v by_o such_o as_o deny_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n 1_o it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o of_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n house_n etc._n etc._n do_v agree_v primary_o to_o the_o church_n not_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o secondary_o to_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n colos_n 1._o 18._o ephes_n 5._o 25_o 26._o and_o 2._o 19_o 2_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exist_v in_o this_o age_n the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o it_o primary_o in_o comparison_n of_o particular_a church_n coexi_v with_o it_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n but_o not_o to_o it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o political_a dispensation_n the_o key_n belong_v first_o to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o redeem_v one_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o invisible_a rather_o than_o visible_a must_v have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o key_n primary_o 3_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o key_n be_v immediate_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n abstract_o as_o a_o number_n of_o redeem_v but_o as_o consociate_v and_o political_o combine_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o part_n a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o redeem_a one_o which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a ex._n gr_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v combine_v so_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o so_o can_v the_o whole_a so_o a_o man_n may_v tell_v the_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v convene_v together_o not_o so_o the_o whole_a thus_o far_o through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n propound_v concern_v a_o catholic_n institute_v church_n we_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o all_o institute_v worship_n do_v regular_o and_o ordinary_o belong_v and_o here_o we_o shall_v show_v 1_o what_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v 2_o how_o the_o dispensation_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n do_v belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o in_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1_o it_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n nor_o can_v many_o visible_a believer_n live_v several_o without_o society_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v one_o church_n 2_o it_o be_v not_o every_o society_n of_o visible_a professor_n that_o do_v make_v a_o church_n for_o then_o every_o family_n of_o such_o professor_n be_v a_o church_n then_o two_o or_o three_o which_o our_o brethren_n so_o much_o condemn_v be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o society_n of_o woman_n profess_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o political_a church_n then_o many_o member_n of_o several_a church_n meet_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o any_o like_a occasion_n make_v a_o church_n then_o a_o number_n of_o professor_n may_v constitute_v a_o diocesan_n church_n or_o any_o like_a form_n for_o out_o of_o this_o block_n that_o any_o number_n of_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n dr._n downam_n hew_v out_o his_o diocesan_n church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fit_a seat_n for_o his_o diocesan_n mercury_n last_o then_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o any_o set_a form_n prescribe_v then_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o humane_a wisdom_n see_v meet_v for_o hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o any_o form_n or_o mould_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o imagine_v a_o number_n of_o profess_v believer_n cohabit_v either_o in_o a_o city_n hundred_o wapentake_n shire_n province_n nation_n empire_n etc._n etc._n there_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o our_o best_a reformer_n who_o account_v it_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v mould_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n 3_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o society_n combine_v and_o that_o by_o a_o covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o combine_a society_n where_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o its_o member_n now_o whatever_o power_n one_o have_v over_o another_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o way_n of_o conquest_n or_o natural_a relation_n as_o the_o father_n over_o the_o child_n it_o be_v by_o covenant_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_z and_o people_n other_o power_n be_v but_o usurpation_n it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o profane_a speech_n in_o brennus_n who_o profess_v he_o know_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o justice_n then_o for_o the_o great_a to_o subdue_v the_o less_o again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v a_o ordinate_a power_n to_o subject_v itself_o to_o officer_n by_o elect_v of_o they_o to_o administer_v ordinance_n among_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o federall_a society_n again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o which_o be_v require_v something_o more_o than_o faith_n act_v 5._o 14._o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v first_o believer_n before_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o immediate_o scatter_v into_o many_o town_n or_o country_n now_o if_o faith_n profess_v alone_o make_v not_o a_o church_n but_o somewhat_o more_o be_v require_v what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o foederall_a combination_n last_o that_o the_o dissolution_n whereof_o do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o break_v the_o combination_n dissolve_v the_o church_n whether_o by_o consent_n schism_n or_o when_o god_n himself_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n ergo._fw-la 4_o though_o a_o church_n be_v such_o by_o combine_v and_o so_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v herein_o illimited_a but_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n express_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o they_o have_v this_o power_n to_o combine_v as_o many_o and_o as_o large_o as_o they_o will_v than_o a_o diocese_n province_n nation_n may_v combine_v and_o so_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_n national_n society_n which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v such_o a_o form_n as_o a_o man_n may_v ordinary_o bring_v offence_n unto_o it_o according_a to_o matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o diocese_n much_o less_o in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n where_o the_o member_n can_v neither_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o offence_n nor_o ordinary_o so_o much_o as_o consent_v unto_o any_o censure_n act_v by_o any_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o church_n nay_o further_o if_o their_o power_n be_v unlimited_a
they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilâ—e_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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 object_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 object_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 object_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 noâ—_n 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
forth_o a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o those_o in_o a_o other_o church_n over_o who_o he_o be_v no_o officer_n we_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v but_o then_o this_o act_n of_o power_n be_v not_o towards_o they_o as_o over_o his_o own_o flock_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a to_o we_o 1._o that_o a_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v no_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o church_n as_o not_o be_v his_o proper_a flock_n for_o there_o be_v no_o office_n of_o pastor_n at_o large_a without_o power_n 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._o 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._o 19_o matth._n 10._o 14._o jer._n 1._o 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 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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 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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 here_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 marveld_v 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 censoriousnesse_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 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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._o 20._o act._n 1._o 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 baptize_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._o 17._o answ_n be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o corinth_n paul_n baptize_v not_o 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