transgression_n of_o those_o church_n and_o member_n thereof_o where_o now_o they_o be_v or_o where_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o thus_o have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o like_a in_o bear_v reproach_n and_o calumniation_n to_o his_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o old_a who_o feel_v the_o burden_n thereof_o to_o be_v heavy_a and_o grievous_a complain_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v how_o long_o shall_v the_o adversary_n reproach_n shall_v the_o enemy_n blaspheme_v thy_o name_n for_o ever_o psal_n 74.10_o and_o again_o they_o utter_v forth_o their_o complaint_n say_v we_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o scorn_n and_o derision_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o psal_n 79.4_o and_o even_o this_o be_v our_o case_n who_o also_o be_v make_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o neighbour_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o laugh_a stock_n to_o they_o that_o be_v round_o about_o we_o have_v our_o soul_n also_o as_o they_o have_v they_o fill_v too_o full_a of_o the_o mock_n of_o the_o wealthy_a and_o dispitefulnes_n of_o the_o proud_a psal_n 44.13_o and_o 123.4_o so_o that_o in_o respect_n hereof_o we_o may_v complain_v with_o david_n who_o say_v i_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o all_o my_o enemy_n but_o special_o among_o my_o neighbour_n and_o a_o fear_n to_o my_o acquaintance_n who_o see_v i_o in_o the_o street_n flee_v from_o i_o and_o again_o i_o be_o become_v a_o stranger_n unto_o my_o brother_n even_o a_o alien_n unto_o my_o mother_n son_n i_o become_v a_o proverb_n unto_o they_o and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o gatespake_v against_o i_o and_o the_o drunkard_n song_n of_o i_o psal_n 31.11_o and_o 69.7.8.11.12_o and_o although_o our_o love_a father_n do_v thus_o humble_a &_o chastise_v we_o just_o for_o our_o sin_n yet_o do_v he_o also_o in_o mercy_n cover_v they_o and_o give_v we_o now_o to_o bear_v these_o sclanderous_a report_n of_o schismatic_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o truth_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o lord_n indeed_o honour_v we_o for_o our_o church_n estate_n and_o our_o conscience_n do_v witness_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o to_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o have_v not_o willing_o leave_v any_o truth_n or_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v former_o receive_v with_o other_o in_o our_o apostate_n stand_v but_o be_v careful_a to_o retain_v they_o all_o what_o in_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o in_o our_o former_a corrupt_a receive_n of_o they_o neither_o have_v we_o make_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o ancient_a way_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n keep_v the_o ordinance_n worship_n and_o order_n of_o government_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o antichristian_a or_o other_o humane_a addition_n and_o therefore_o unjust_o be_v we_o term_v schismatic_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v otherwise_o in_o any_o thing_n let_v the_o witness_n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v bring_v forth_o against_o we_o and_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yield_v thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v be_v careful_a hitherto_o to_o show_v it_o forth_o in_o the_o redress_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v among_o we_o to_o swarve_v any_o way_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n great_a be_v our_o trial_n by_o man_n on_o all_o hand_n which_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o witness_n bear_v of_o jesus_n while_o beside_o our_o exile_n &_o other_o affliction_n some_o be_v speak_v bitter_a and_o sclanderous_a word_n against_o we_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o neighbour_n spare_v we_o not_o and_o other_o also_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n to_o reproach_n we_o and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v reproachful_a book_n against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o israel_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a psal_n 124._o 13_a yet_o if_o these_o reproach_n &_o hard_a deal_n touch_v ourselves_o only_o and_o do_v not_o with_o all_o reach_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o witness_v we_o can_v and_o will_v rest_v patient_o wait_v until_o the_o lord_n avenge_v our_o cause_n &_o will_v not_o once_o open_v our_o mouth_n or_o set_v our_o pen_n to_o paper_n to_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o porsonall_a injury_n but_o see_v thus_o together_o with_o detract_n of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n come_v to_o be_v reproach_v and_o despise_v in_o this_o respect_n if_o we_o shall_v pass_v over_o these_o thing_n altogether_o with_o silence_n and_o not_o stand_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o lord_n cause_n we_o may_v be_v arraign_v just_o as_o guyltie_n of_o betray_v his_o truth_n &_o as_o man_n ashamed_a of_o christ_n before_o man_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o herein_o be_v want_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n when_o man_n thus_o labour_v the_o darken_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n do_v set_v themselves_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v against_o the_o same_o of_o late_o there_o be_v come_v forth_o a_o pamphlet_n and_o sclanderous_a book_n full_a of_o reproach_n publish_v by_o one_o christopher_n lawn_n and_o other_o his_o companion_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v sundry_a thing_n of_o divers_a sort_n some_o touch_v our_o general_a cause_n about_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o concern_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o some_o about_o personal_a matter_n concern_v divers_a of_o we_o &_o other_o some_o touch_v a_o divisio_fw-la make_v late_o by_o divers_a among_o we_o etc._n etc._n concern_v our_o general_a cause_n although_o we_o have_v write_v often_o and_o many_o treatise_n thereabouts_o which_o remain_v yet_o unanswer_v yet_o see_v we_o be_v here_o again_o thus_o abuse_v about_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a which_o we_o may_v better_o pass_v by_o but_o by_o one_o m._n robert_n parker_n who_o testimony_n be_v here_o insert_v we_o purpose_v therefore_o godwilling_a to_o write_v in_o particular_a about_o his_o testimony_n &c_n &c_n so_o again_o by_o this_o occasion_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o more_o about_o that_o our_o general_a cause_n aforesaid_a although_o for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v both_o some_o occasion_n to_o deal_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o stay_v we_o yet_o a_o while_n from_o publish_v of_o that_o which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o purpose_v to_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v this_o be_v note_v concern_v m._n parker_n and_o his_o testimony_n how_o he_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o large_a book_n plead_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n &_o other_o ceremony_n retain_v among_o they_o they_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n as_o also_o of_o communion_n with_o antichrist_n &_o slavery_n under_o he_o etc._n etc._n now_o we_o purpose_v to_o try_v how_o he_o can_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n approve_v the_o state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v and_o as_o it_o be_v witness_v against_o by_o we_o &_o how_o he_o can_v warrant_v we_o communion_n with_o the_o same_o in_o that_o their_o estate_n or_o whether_o it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o give_v he_o &_o other_o better_o to_o observe_v and_o regard_v their_o halt_a between_n two_o opinion_n than_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v we_o find_v that_o for_o the_o former_a plea_n handle_v in_o his_o book_n he_o have_v allege_v the_o scripture_n plentiful_o as_o throughout_o the_o book_n may_v be_v see_v but_o whether_o he_o can_v so_o do_v for_o this_o latter_a speak_v of_o in_o his_o testimony_n against_o we_o time_n and_o further_a occasion_n will_v manifest_v yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o may_v see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a do_v against_o our_o cause_n either_o in_o his_o testimony_n publish_v or_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n wherewith_o his_o testimony_n be_v join_v which_o be_v as_o barren_a of_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n call_v into_o question_n as_o m._n parker_n former_a book_n against_o it_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o which_o let_v the_o reader_n well_o observe_v touch_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n use_v among_o we_o whereof_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a speak_v also_o their_o pleasure_n in_o their_o book_n we_o be_v purpose_v ere_o long_o if_o god_n willto_fw-mi publish_v they_o whatsoever_o those_o man_n say_v or_o will_v insinuate_v to_o the_o contrary_a or_o in_o any_o other_o respect_n thereabouts_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o
power_n right_a and_o liberty_n that_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n out_o of_o office_n have_v and_o shall_v use_v in_o election_n not_o only_o at_o first_o when_o they_o have_v no_o officer_n but_o always_o after_o in_o other_o election_n also_o even_o when_o they_o have_v officer_n over_o they_o last_o see_v our_o doctrine_n overthrow_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n afore_o christ_n nor_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o christ_n it_o can_v not_o therefore_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v according_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n corner_n stone_n ephess_n 2_o 19_o 20._o by_o all_o which_o you_o may_v see_v how_o vain_a &_o frivolous_a this_o their_o exception_n be_v to_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v the_o first_o sixth_o and_o seven_o of_o the_o objection_n in_o the_o print_a copy_n and_o so_o touch_v they_o observe_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o here_o and_o in_o the_o foresay_a treatise_n upon_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o the_o three_o it_o be_v of_o much_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o second_o before_o the_o same_o answer_n that_o be_v there_o give_v may_v suffice_v for_o it_o yet_o thus_o much_o i_o will_v acquaint_v you_o with_o further_a that_o the_o like_a thing_n be_v object_v here_o against_o i_o and_o write_v of_o unto_o we_o from_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n i_o give_v this_o answer_n unto_o it_o viz_o that_o the_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v any_o officer_n deserve_v it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o member_n also_o that_o if_o all_o the_o officer_n do_v joint_o transgress_v and_o so_o persist_v than_o the_o church_n which_o do_v choose_v they_o may_v also_o depose_v and_o refuse_v they_o for_o be_v their_o officer_n any_o long_o &_o may_v separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o that_o the_o people_n may_v excommunicate_v all_o their_o officer_n or_o whole_a eldership_n together_o i_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o show_v and_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o answer_v &_o send_v from_o hence_o in_o a_o general_a letter_n to_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v by_o mr._n ainsw_n himself_o also_o subscribe_v at_o that_o time_n for_o my_o answer_n hereunto_o howsoever_o now_o they_o speak_v not_o of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o choose_v reach_v which_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o government_n may_v be_v do_v by_o people_n out_o of_o office_n so_o far_o also_o may_v the_o refuse_v go_v and_o whatsoever_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v attempt_v further_o must_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o now_o for_o the_o exception_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o the_o three_o but_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n be_v the_o first_o note_v these_o thing_n moreover_o concern_v it_o that_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o 23_o article_n of_o our_o confession_n here_o allege_v be_v find_v true_a in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n before_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n since_o christ_n the_o exception_n make_v hereabout_o can_v not_o be_v of_o weight_n against_o this_o or_o any_o other_o church_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o those_o be_v but_o must_v be_v also_o against_o those_o church_n withal_o for_o which_o see_v &_o consider_v the_o scripture_n allege_v in_o the_o confession_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o and_o observe_v here_o also_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v show_v by_o those_o or_o any_o other_o scripture_n that_o any_o in_o israel_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v ordain_v officer_n or_o depose_v or_o excomunicate_v either_o they_o or_o any_o wicked_a person_n deserve_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v governor_n and_o officer_n among_o they_o heretofore_o which_o scripture_n we_o have_v indeed_o thus_o allege_v heretofore_o if_o any_o insist_v upon_o numb_a 8.9.10_o which_o of_o all_o other_o place_n be_v the_o like_a or_o only_o like_a to_o be_v object_v because_o there_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v put_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n then_o note_v also_o further_o that_o by_o this_o phrase_n of_o speech_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o other_o such_o speech_n of_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n often_o mean_v &_o understand_v as_o for_o example_n in_o another_o the_o like_a case_n they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n lev._n 9.1_o be_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n call_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n lev._n 9.3_o where_o the_o septuagint_n have_v in_o both_o place_n alike_o the_o senate_n or_o eldership_n of_o israel_n as_o also_o josh_o 7.23_o where_o the_o hebrew_n have_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o greek_a translation_n have_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o very_a reason_n itself_o teach_v so_o to_o understand_v it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o israel_n as_o then_o be_v of_o the_o people_n either_o at_o once_o hear_v or_o do_v the_o thing_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v some_o do_v it_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o israel_n than_o i_o ask_v first_o who_o those_o some_o be_v but_o the_o elder_n who_o israel_n now_o have_v exo._n 3.16_o and_o 4.29_o lev._n 9.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o second_o under_o who_o they_o do_v it_o but_o under_o the_o lord_n who_o set_v they_o over_o the_o people_n to_o minister_v &_o govern_v in_o his_o stead_n exod._n 20_o 12._o num._n 11_o 16-30_a deu._n 1_o 9-18_a and_o 16.18_o and_o 17_o 12._o and_o 19_o 12.17_o etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n jos_n 9_o 6_o 7_o 14._o be_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o congregation_n jos_n 9_o 15_o 18_o 19_o 21._o and_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n 2_o sam._n 7.7_o be_v otherwhere_o call_v the_o judge_n of_o israel_n 1_o chron._n 17.6_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n exod._n 20.18_o 19_o 1_o sam._n 8.7_o 10_o 19_o 21._o be_v otherwhere_o say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n deut._n 5.23_o 1_o sam._n 8_o 4._o in_o which_o place_n &_o action_n common_a reason_n also_o teach_v so_o to_o understand_v the_o speech_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n may_v be_v observe_v how_o the_o word_n church_n or_o congregation_n be_v divers_a time_n use_v for_o the_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o elder_n num._n 35_o 12_o 24_o 25_o 29._o with_o deut._n 19_o 11.13.16.17_o and_o 31.28.30_o josh_n 20.4.5.6_o psal_n 82.1_o 1_o chron._n 29.1.6_o with_o 28.1_o etc._n etc._n as_o be_v note_v in_o the_o other_o treatise_n on_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o many_o such_o synechdochicall_a speech_n where_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v give_v to_o a_o part_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o while_n man_n will_v needs_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n they_o grow_v into_o many_o error_n some_o one_o way_v some_o another_o as_o other_o also_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n mistake_v figurative_a speech_n as_o if_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o shall_v be_v understand_v literal_o and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v to_o write_v further_o hereabout_o and_o this_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v better_o observe_v the_o clause_n particular_o express_v in_o the_o article_n speak_v of_o 23._o conf._n art_n 23._o as_o namely_o that_o the_o elect_n and_o ordain_v of_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o god_n word_n prescribe_v that_o deposition_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v by_o due_a order_n and_o that_o the_o cut_n off_o by_o excommunication_n must_v be_v do_v orderly_o which_o clause_n as_o they_o bound_v we_o to_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n not_o be_v in_o office_n may_v choose_v their_o officer_n as_o be_v prove_v both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o apology_n here_o cite_v pag._n 46.47_o so_o do_v they_o also_o bind_v these_o person_n thus_o make_v exception_n to_o show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n like_a rule_n practice_n or_o warrant_v of_o ordination_n deposition_n and_o excommunication_n minister_v and_o perform_v by_o people_n out_o of_o office_n which_o till_o they_o do_v what_o weight_n or_o use_n be_v there_o of_o their_o exception_n save_v that_o it_o turn_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v better_o find_v out_o and_o more_o clear_v from_o time_n to_o tyme._n for_o the_o four_o it_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o second_o and_o three_o herebefore_n where_o therefore_o see_v the_o answer_n and_o if_o they_o will_v here_o imply_v a_o
&_o not_o to_o any_o one_o or_o more_o member_n sequester_v from_o the_o whole_a now_o we_o have_v be_v late_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n send_v to_o for_o the_o redress_n of_o sin_n mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o of_o the_o church_n of_o elder_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o that_o with_o the_o church_n be_v the_o power_n the_o elder_n be_v the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o congregation_n together_o 2_o we_o have_v learn_v 63._o 2._o treâ—â—_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o eng._n pag._n 63._o apol._n pag._n 63._o that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o among_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_a when_o it_o have_v officer_n but_o also_o when_o it_o want_v they_o but_o wow_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v not_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n which_o doctrine_n among_o other_o evil_n overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o so_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v by_o christian_n without_o officer_n receive_v in_o the_o repentant_a and_o cast_v out_o the_o disobedient_a whereas_o by_o this_o opinion_n they_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o do_v neither_o for_o they_o that_o can_v not_o cast_v out_o can_v not_o receive_v in_o one_o power_n be_v for_o both_o 3_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n and_o commandment_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n 46._o 3._o confess_v art_n 23._o &_o 35._o apol._n pag._n 46._o and_o upon_o such_o default_n in_o life_n doctrine_n or_o administration_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o ministry_n by_o due_a order_n to_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o ministry_n they_o exercise_v yea_o if_o the_o case_n so_o require_v orderly_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o excommunication_n but_o now_o it_o be_v by_o some_o maintain_v that_o the_o congregation_n can_v neither_o put_v into_o office_n nor_o put_v out_o of_o office_n unless_o they_o have_v officer_n to_o do_v both_o and_o can_v neither_o for_o heresy_n nor_o other_o wickedness_n excommunicate_a or_o depose_v their_o eldership_n 4_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o none_o may_v execute_v a_o ministry_n 21._o 4._o confess_v art_n 21._o but_o such_o as_o be_v right_o call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n unto_o such_o office_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n but_o now_o those_o will_v execute_v a_o ministry_n which_o have_v not_o right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n according_a to_o their_o own_o account_n and_o doctrine_n which_o hold_v as_o before_o that_o a_o people_n without_o officer_n have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o make_v or_o depose_v minister_n 5_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o it_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o notorious_a absurdity_n 112._o 5._o apol._n p._n 113._o &_o 116_o n._n 112._o either_o to_o hold_v the_o popish_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n have_v a_o true_a ministry_n and_o true_a sacrament_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v admit_v of_o rebaptise_v but_o now_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v true_a baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communion_n or_o else_o that_o man_n must_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o antichrist_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 6_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v convenient_a to_o have_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o 38._o 6._o conf._n art_n 38._o another_o in_o all_o needful_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n yet_o here_o when_o difference_n have_v arisen_a about_o our_o common_a faith_n and_o can_v not_o among_o ourselves_o be_v compose_v they_o will_v not_o desire_v nor_o consent_n to_o have_v desire_v the_o help_n of_o our_o sister_n church_n at_o leyden_n although_o it_o be_v instant_o urge_v by_o many_o member_n that_o their_o assistance_n shall_v be_v have_v and_o when_o without_o their_o consent_n the_o help_n of_o that_o church_n be_v obtain_v &_o they_o labour_v our_o peace_n &_o a_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v agree_v off_o between_o the_o church_n this_o agreement_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o stand_v unto_o but_o reverse_v by_o they_o contrary_a to_o our_o will_n &_o to_o the_o will_n and_o like_n of_o the_o church_n at_o leyden_n as_o the_o same_o church_n can_v testify_v for_o we_o wherefore_o after_o long_o dispute_v these_o matter_n when_o no_o way_n of_o peace_n can_v by_o we_o be_v find_v to_o continue_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n &_o holiness_n but_o lamentable_a dissipation_n of_o the_o church_n &_o member_n begin_v to_o grow_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n name_n &_o wound_v of_o our_o heart_n we_o follow_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o say_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o diligent_o which_o cause_n division_n &_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o have_v since_o labour_v to_o build_v up_o ourselves_o in_o the_o holy_a faith_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o in_o love_n &_o peace_n mourn_v for_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n which_o satan_n have_v wrought_v by_o this_o breach_n among_o we_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o sorrow_n which_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o mercy_n &_o pity_v the_o dispersion_n of_o zion_n and_o you_o as_o you_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v seal_v to_o your_o conscience_n so_o abide_v therein_o faithful_a unto_o the_o end_n know_v it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n people_n thus_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o trouble_n in_o itself_o which_o if_o we_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o constansie_n &_o do_v overcome_v our_o portion_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n h._n a._n the_o article_n and_o objection_n about_o the_o division_n which_o be_v publish_v in_o lawn_n discovery_n of_o schism_n page_n 79._o etc._n etc._n the_o 23_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n whereto_o also_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n 46.47_o profess_v that_o every_o christian_a congregation_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v &_o ordain_v their_o own_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n &_o upon_o desert_n again_o to_o depose_v yea_o &_o excommunicate_v they_o these_o have_v defend_v that_o a_o congregation_n without_o minister_n can_v not_o ordain_v officer_n and_o that_o if_o the_o eldership_n fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o wickedness_n the_o whole_a congregation_n can_v depose_v nor_o excommunicate_v they_o and_o that_o a_o congregation_n without_o a_o eldership_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o wicked_a person_n whatsoever_o 2._o the_o 24_o article_n confirm_v in_o our_o apology_n page_n 60.62.63_o profess_v that_o the_o power_n to_o receive_v in_o or_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n together_o of_o every_o christian_a congregation_n mat._n 18.17_o etc._n etc._n these_o have_v plead_v for_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o &_o to_o have_v both_o rightful_a power_n and_o able_a power_n to_o excommunicate_v though_o without_o &_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n 3._o the_o 29_o article_n as_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 51.52_o profess_v that_o the_o hierarchy_n of_o archbishop_n lordbishoppe_n priest_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o strange_a and_o antichristian_a ministry_n &_o officer_n not_o institute_v by_o christ_n testament_n nor_o place_v in_o or_o over_o his_o church_n these_o have_v place_v over_o they_o one_o that_o be_v make_v priest_n by_o a_o lordbishops_n ordination_n so_o as_o because_o of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o ordain_v or_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o ordain_v and_o impose_v hand_n on_o other_o who_o together_o with_o he_o they_o set_v over_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o 31_o article_n and_o also_o our_o apology_n page_n 109._o profess_v that_o such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o remain_v so_o in_o confusion_n &_o bondage_n under_o that_o antichristian_a ministry_n court_n canon_n &c._n &c._n can_v be_v esteem_v true_a visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o now_o plead_v not_o only_o for_o they_o but_o for_o rome_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o 32_o article_n whereto_o our_o apology_n agree_v page_n
hand_n &_o may_v decide_v stay_v determine_v and_o conclude_v all_o matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o elder_n &_o other_o brethren_n be_v against_o they_o 177._o cons_n art_n 34._o plea_n for_o infant_n p._n 180._o to_o 185._o contempt_n pag._n 177._o 4_o we_o profess_v heretofore_o that_o no_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v minister_v until_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v into_o their_o office_n now_o it_o be_v hield_n by_o some_o that_o see_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n without_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n therefore_o they_o may_v without_o officer_n have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n &_o consequent_o may_v receive_v in_o by_o baptism_n confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n supper_n cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o writing_n send_v unto_o you_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v how_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n without_o officer_n may_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o may_v receive_v in_o there_o be_v one_o power_n for_o both_o 176.177_o conf._n art_n 21._o conterp_v pag._n 176.177_o 5_o we_o have_v learned_a that_o none_o may_v usurp_v or_o execute_v a_o ministry_n but_o such_o as_o be_v right_o call_v by_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o stand_v minister_n unto_o such_o office_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n now_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o some_o that_o people_n out_o of_o office_n may_v execute_v all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o baptism_n lord_n supper_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o man_n in_o their_o second_o exception_n here_o write_v there_o be_v one_o power_n for_o receive_v in_o &_o cast_v out_o &_o that_o people_n without_o officer_n may_v do_v both_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o etc._n conf._n art_n 1.10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 21_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27.34_o 36._o &_o throughout_o the_o conf._n apol_n &_o other_o of_o our_o treatise_n as_o defence_n against_o mr._n sm._n pag._n 10_o 13_o 88_o etc._n etc._n 6_o we_o learn_v and_o use_v heretofore_o to_o apply_v to_o our_o estate_n and_o use_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v concern_v the_o governor_n and_o people_n in_o israel_n now_o we_o be_v except_v &_o oppose_v against_o if_o we_o do_v so_o with_o these_o exception_n and_o the_o like_a viz._n that_o they_o have_v civil_a authority_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n have_v not_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o israel_n forgive_v one_o another_o sin_n as_o we_o can_v now_o that_o the_o people_n now_o have_v more_o power_n then_o in_o israel_n because_o now_o we_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n be_v typical_o carry_v in_o by_o the_o hyepriest_n in_o the_o precious_a stone_n on_o his_o shoulder_n &_o breast_n as_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n itself_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o people_n may_v not_o follow_v the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o if_o any_o other_o will_v say_v that_o by_o like_a reason_n the_o elder_n now_o shall_v have_v more_o power_n than_o the_o elder_n in_o israel_n because_o the_o elder_n now_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o elder_n than_o may_v not_o follow_v the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n and_o that_o king_n shall_v have_v more_o power_n nov_fw-mi in_o religion_n than_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n because_o king_n now_o follow_v christ_n into_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o king_n than_o may_v not_o follow_v the_o hiepriest_n into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o holy_a place_n to_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o offer_v incense_n 2_o chron._n 26._o and_o note_v here_o also_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o civil_a estate_n of_o the_o governor_n &_o people_n of_o israel_n &_o apply_v the_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o the_o governor_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n now_o shall_v by_o this_o new_a learning_n of_o these_o man_n be_v think_v to_o misapply_v those_o scripture_n and_o place_n so_o allege_v by_o they_o as_o mat._n 21.24_o john_n 10.34_o act._n 1.20_o ephes_n 12.13.19.20.21_o and_o in_o a_o number_n the_o like_a place_n etc._n plea_n for_o infant_n p._n 166.167_o 268_o etc._n etc._n treat_n against_o the_o anabap._n p_o 16._o etc._n etc._n &_o some_o ground_n tend_v this_o way_n in_o the_o apol_n p._n 108_o etc._n etc._n &_o in_o answer_n to_o m._n jacob_n p._n 7_o &_o 13_o etc._n etc._n 7_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o true_a baptism_n as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o israel_n be_v true_a circumcision_n and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v renounce_v and_o repeat_v now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o baptism_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o idol_n and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o idol_n yea_o and_o all_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v and_o reject_v esa_n 30.22_o and_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o wood_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8_o 4._o so_o as_o then_o such_o baptism_n be_v nothing_o &_o such_o people_n be_v a_o unbaptised_a people_n &_o aught_o therefore_o with_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o get_v themselves_o baptize_v thus_o if_o i_o will_v follow_v their_o course_n you_o may_v see_v i_o can_v note_v down_o some_o doctrine_n and_o assertion_n not_o all_o of_o the_o sound_a which_o our_o opposite_n have_v of_o late_o deliver_v and_o give_v forth_o although_o i_o have_v hitherto_o hold_v my_o peace_n there_o about_o neither_o will_v i_o yet_o publish_v they_o if_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o for_o your_o better_a information_n concern_v they_o &_o their_o deal_n i_o have_v thus_o imparâ—ed_v they_o unto_o you_o by_o which_o any_o may_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o to_o look_v to_o these_o person_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n when_o they_o veer_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n &_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n among_o we_o now_o next_o for_o answer_n of_o their_o exception_n send_v unto_o you_o against_o we_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o private_a letter_n see_v we_o have_v publish_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o division_n they_o make_v whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o give_v answer_n yet_o have_v i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o unto_o you_o as_o your_o case_n stand_v to_o write_v somewhat_o thereabouts_o for_o the_o first_o therefore_o which_o be_v make_v by_o compare_v together_o the_o understanding_n of_o mat._n 18_o 17._o with_o the_o confession_n art_n 24._o and_o the_o apol._n pag._n 62.63_o i_o have_v already_o write_v and_o publish_v a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o exposition_n of_o that_o scripture_n where_o also_o the_o reason_n allege_v in_o the_o apology_n be_v purposely_o and_o particular_o treat_v of_o to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o thereabouts_o and_o what_o deal_n be_v this_o of_o they_o that_o have_v make_v such_o a_o division_n as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o leave_v the_o treatise_n unanswer_v which_o be_v purposely_o write_v upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o argument_n and_o yet_o cease_v not_o private_o thus_o to_o insinuate_v as_o they_o do_v beside_o if_o for_o their_o wont_a phrase_n the_o church_n of_o elder_n they_o will_v use_v such_o term_n as_o otherwhere_o the_o scripture_n in_o our_o translation_n have_v and_o as_o the_o word_n itself_o do_v signify_v namely_o the_o congregation_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o like_a then_o both_o themselves_o &_o other_o might_n soon_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o they_o neither_o shall_v they_o forget_v how_o m._n ainsworth_n himself_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n show_v that_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o so_o use_v for_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o governor_n mr._n ainsw_n conterpoys_n pag._n 113._o last_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o article_n of_o our_o confession_n here_o allege_v 24._o conf._n art_n 24._o that_o for_o the_o declaration_n and_o proof_n thereof_o these_o scripture_n among_o other_o be_v cite_v psal_n 122.3_o lev._n 20.4_o 5._o &_o 24.14_o numb_a 5.2.3_o deut._n 13.9_o all_o which_o do_v direct_o carry_v we_o for_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o which_o now_o through_o love_n of_o their_o error_n they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v unto_o for_o the_o consideration_n and_o decide_n of_o the_o matter_n between_v we_o observe_v also_o hereabout_o that_o the_o power_n of_o receive_v in_o and_o cut_v off_o give_v