believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz._n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v send_v and_o give_v to_o the_o world_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o disciple_n servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n answ_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a scope_n first_o to_o prove_v the_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o which_o be_v answer_v afore_o second_o that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o confess_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o there_o be_v a_o covenâ—…nting_n between_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v personal_a and_o so_o whosoever_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o faith_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherâ—…in_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n
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 over_o look_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 and_o temptation_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o people_n be_v this_o from_o a_o stupid_a senselessness_n or_o desperate_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o we_o or_o we_o or_o want_v of_o natural_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n or_o near_a relation_n no_o sure_o with_o what_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n with_o what_o heart-breaking_a affection_n to_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o christian_a friend_n many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o come_v away_o the_o lord_n be_v witness_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n bring_v so_o many_o ship-loads_a of_o his_o people_n through_o so_o many_o danger_n as_o upon_o eagle's_n wing_n with_o so_o much_o safety_n from_o year_n to_o year_n the_o fatherly_a care_n of_o our_o god_n in_o feed_v and_o clothing_n so_o many_o in_o a_o wilderness_n give_v such_o healthfulness_n and_o great_a increase_n of_o posterity_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n erect_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o in_o so_o few_o year_n bring_v to_o that_o state_n that_o scarce_o the_o like_a can_v be_v see_v in_o any_o of_o our_o english_a colony_n in_o the_o rich_a place_n of_o this_o america_n after_o many_o more_o year_n stand_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v carry_v the_o spirit_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o people_n through_o all_o their_o toilsome_a labour_n want_n difficulty_n loss_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o contentation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o singular_a pity_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n that_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o a_o people_n so_o unworthy_a so_o sinful_a that_o by_o murmur_n of_o many_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o promise_n oppression_n and_o other_o evil_n which_o be_v find_v among_o we_o have_v so_o dishonour_v his_o majesty_n expose_v his_o work_n here_o to_o much_o scandal_n and_o obloquy_n for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v yet_o own_v we_o and_o rather_o correct_v we_o in_o mercy_n than_o cast_v we_o off_o in_o displeasure_n and_o scatter_v we_o in_o this_o wilderness_n which_o give_v we_o cause_n with_o mich._n 7._o to_o say_v who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o our_o god_n that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n even_o because_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n though_o we_o be_v a_o people_n of_o many_o weakness_n and_o want_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o god_n to_o have_v be_v to_o we_o a_o god_n of_o many_o mercy_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o sweet_a peace_n which_o he_o have_v take_v away_o from_o so_o many_o nation_n yet_o continue_v the_o same_o to_o we_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v in_o god_n house_n the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sweet_a unity_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n and_o minister_n increase_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n christian_a government_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o many_o other_o mercy_n we_o enjoy_v but_o especial_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n to_o many_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o these_o but_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o subject_n be_v persuade_v it_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o object_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o that_o state_n and_o people_n by_o who_o law_n and_o unkind_a usage_n we_o be_v drive_v out_o into_o a_o wilderness_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o desertor_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n in_o hand_n with_o who_o excuse_v we_o if_o we_o now_o speak_v plain_o it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o easy_a unto_o many_o of_o we_o to_o have_v suffer_v then_o to_o have_v adventure_v hither_o upon_o the_o wilderness_n sorrow_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v meet_v withal_o though_o we_o must_v confess_v the_o lord_n have_v sweeten_v it_o beyond_o our_o thought_n and_o utmost_a expectation_n of_o prudent_a man_n but_o pass_v by_o this_o we_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a in_o remove_v that_o apprehension_n that_o we_o be_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v better_a we_o have_v be_v drive_v so_o far_o into_o this_o wilderness_n as_o never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o more_o concern_v our_o affection_n to_o this_o bless_a work_n of_o a_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o general_a and_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v best_o know_v to_o god_n so_o we_o think_v it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o man_n not_o only_o here_o by_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o it_o and_o sometime_o solemn_a seeking_n of_o god_n about_o it_o but_o also_o we_o have_v give_v some_o testimony_n thereof_o both_o by_o private_a letter_n and_o the_o public_a motion_n of_o some_o of_o god_n eminent_a servant_n among_o we_o tend_v that_o way_n we_o conceive_v two_o thing_n special_o in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v stumble_v block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o public_a reformation_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o remove_v the_o first_o be_v our_o practice_n wherein_o we_o seem_v so_o much_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o receive_v to_o our_o church_n only_o visible_a saint_n and_o believer_n this_o we_o do_v free_o confess_v that_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n do_v evidence_n this_o to_o all_o that_o we_o think_v reformation_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o purge_v out_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o set_v up_o the_o true_a but_o also_o in_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o such_o profaneness_n and_o sinfulness_n as_o be_v scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v the_o lord_n weary_a of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n isaiah_n 1_o and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o god_n servant_n to_o desire_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o some_o be_v of_o large_a extent_n herein_o than_o other_o this_o hinder_v not_o agreement_n in_o the_o main_a this_o day_n have_v discover_v what_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n can_v light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n agree_v together_o popish_a episcopal_a enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o all_o godliness_n and_o reformation_n cleave_v together_o in_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o neither_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n do_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v this_o reformation_n whereby_o any_o shall_v just_o from_o our_o example_n stand_v off_o from_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o public_a work_n it_o be_v true_a where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n relation_n but_o a_o people_n be_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a constitute_v of_o church_n reformation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o first_o constitution_n this_o be_v our_o case_n but_o where_o corrupt_a church_n such_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o congregation_n of_o england_n general_o to_o be_v be_v to_o be_v reform_v there_o we_o conceive_v that_o such_o congregation_n shall_v be_v call_v by_o able_a minister_n unto_o repentance_n for_o former_a evil_n and_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n renew_v a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v such_o as_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v exclude_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n shall_v be_v purge_v out_o if_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o remain_v impenitent_a in_o the_o same_o what_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v have_v say_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o this_o our_o profession_n we_o can_v say_v nor_o do_v we_o justify_v but_o we_o know_v nothing_o that_o have_v come_v from_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o godly_a reformer_n or_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o may_v
one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o authoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o next_o they_o belong_v proper_o to_o this_o subject_a which_o we_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a three_o they_o be_v not_o so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o congregation_n only_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o other_o form_n of_o government_n for_o we_o have_v a_o brotherly_a esteem_n of_o such_o congregation_n notwithstanding_o that_o tertium_fw-la quoddam_fw-la separabile_fw-la of_o government_n as_o mr._n baines_n call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o a_o church_n now_o constitute_v and_o may_v be_v absent_a the_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n four_o although_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o divine_n that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o that_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o so_o speak_v for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n of_o faith_n personal_a which_o be_v act_v several_o by_o particular_a person_n and_o common_a which_o be_v act_v conjoint_o in_o and_o with_o a_o society_n the_o first_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o catholic_a number_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o so_o fit_a matter_n for_o political_a church-society_n the_o other_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o political_a church_n formal_o and_o complete_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o that_o in_o and_o to_o this_o subject_n so_o profess_v the_o seal_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o argument_n 1_o first_o the_o seal_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a body_n the_o sole_a subject_n of_o church_n administration_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o the_o part_n as_o exist_v out_o of_o congregation_n argument_n 2_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v into_o particular_a society_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o seal_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o they_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o that_o end_n for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o erect_v any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o these_o particular_a temple_n destroy_v and_o thus_o a_o door_n of_o liberty_n be_v open_v to_o many_o to_o live_v loose_o without_o the_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n argument_n 3_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o believer_n or_o profess_v believer_n as_o such_o than_o they_o may_v be_v administer_v private_o to_o any_o one_o wherever_o he_o be_v find_v but_o that_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o against_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a divine_n who_o give_v large_a testimony_n against_o private_a baptism_n or_o of_o the_o lords-supper_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n allege_v for_o the_o contrary_n argument_n 4_o lest_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o this_o controversy_n let_v the_o argument_n produce_v by_o didoclavius_n and_o he_o that_o write_v concern_v perth_n assembly_n against_o private_a baptism_n be_v consider_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v strong_o conclude_v against_o administration_n thereof_o to_o any_o but_o church-member_n argument_n 5_o the_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sundry_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o 22._o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o 68_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a
reply_n if_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o circumcise_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a answ_n the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o baptize_v in_o every_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v give_v only_o to_o visible_a member_n of_o that_o institute_v visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v allege_v many_o more_o different_a reason_n between_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o those_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v it_o will_v little_o avail_v in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o shall_v consider_v your_o difference_n particular_o reply_n first_o if_o ever_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o may_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o so_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o then_o baptize_v mat._n 3.7_o john_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n answ_n there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n in_o this_o as_o be_v object_v for_o abraham_n family_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o circumcision_n be_v give_v only_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o when_o john_n baptize_v he_o baptize_v the_o member_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n in_o covenant_n before_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o baptism_n be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o so_o many_o as_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n concern_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n now_o come_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n remain_v yet_o member_n of_o that_o church_n second_o though_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v erect_v in_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o he_o do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a church_n can_v be_v gather_v by_o john_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n of_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o according_a to_o that_o state_n be_v make_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n already_o come_v to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v appropriate_v as_o for_o the_o instance_n act._n 2.37_o etc._n etc._n and_o 8.37_o and_o 10.47_o 48._o they_o be_v speak_v to_o before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n second_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o be_v circumcise_v but_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n answ_n first_o this_o difference_n make_v little_a to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o that_o will_v be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n and_o so_o now_o second_o in_o after_o time_n no_o doubt_n every_o true_a proselyte_n fear_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o if_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o seek_v it_o there_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a yea_o where_o shall_v they_o profess_v their_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o proselyte_n of_o old_a do_v your_o three_o difference_n be_v oft_o press_v and_o answer_v before_o reply_n four_o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o that_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v come_v of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o peculiarity_n or_o respect_n answ_n this_o difference_n be_v of_o little_a moment_n neither_o will_v it_o hold_v for_o first_o though_o that_o and_o other_o promise_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o abraham_n family_n yet_o circumcision_n seal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o to_o they_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n now_o do_v second_o this_o peculiar_a respect_n you_o speak_v of_o no_o way_n hinder_v the_o join_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o abraham_n family_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n afterward_o of_o any_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o now_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n three_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v because_o although_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o other_o yet_o not_o establish_v nor_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o and_o hence_o if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o must_v join_v in_o this_o which_o also_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o church-covenant_n with_o all_o that_o will_v become_v a_o people_n to_o he_o to_o this_o day_n the_o first_o difference_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chap._n ix_o consid_n 4._o reply_n to_o the_o four_o consideration_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n either_o as_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v they_o or_o as_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o second_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n whereof_o visible_a beleiver_n not_o in_o church_n order_n be_v capable_a but_o not_o subject_a to_o common_a censure_n in_o your_o sense_n answ_n this_o distinction_n be_v needless_a our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v object_v against_o the_o first_o to_o the_o instance_n object_v against_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o answer_v first_o concern_v the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o censure_n whensoever_o they_o offend_v the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v though_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v innocent_o they_o need_v they_o not_o second_o member_n of_o any_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v subject_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o censure_n though_o not_o in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o in_o the_o proposition_n 2._o also_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o censure_n mediate_o by_o and_o in_o that_o other_o church_n if_o they_o there_o offend_v for_o that_o church_n may_v admonish_v and_o prosecute_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o refuse_v society_n with_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n who_o can_v be_v prosecute_v to_o excommunication_n in_o any_o place_n three_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n have_v a_o special_a communion_n in_o they_o in_o which_o respect_v other_o do_v not_o share_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n or_o peculiar_a ordinance_n wherein_o none_o but_o the_o church_n may_v share_v for_o a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n be_v cultus_fw-la naturalis_fw-la say_v amen_o unto_o the_o same_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v cultus_fw-la institutus_fw-la reply_n second_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o now_o the_o privilâ—…dge_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o examine_v himself_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n in_o any_o
be_v join_v to_o a_o church_n second_o when_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v and_o desire_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v to_o a_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o allow_v none_o to_o â—…ee_v of_o the_o church_n but_o real_a saint_n and_o such_o as_o give_v demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o we_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n what_o ever_o their_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o real_a but_o visible_a faith_n not_o the_o inward_a be_v but_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n whence_o man_n be_v call_v visible_a saint_n that_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n which_o faith_n so_o profess_v be_v call_v visible_a not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a â—…_n cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o all_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n direct_v we_o not_o so_o to_o judge_v because_o many_o christian_n may_v be_v draw_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o seed_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v sometime_o not_o know_v it_o sometime_o remember_v not_o the_o work_n of_o it_o sometime_o through_o bashfulness_n fear_n want_v of_o part_n nor_o not_o train_v up_o under_o a_o know_a ministry_n not_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v it_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o hence_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o other_o from_o communion_n out_o of_o groundless_a fear_n that_o all_o their_o profession_n may_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n we_o allow_v not_o because_o no_o man_n in_o his_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o fear_n but_o by_o the_o word_n hence_o also_o to_o account_v any_o unfit_a for_o the_o church_n because_o their_o heart_n can_v close_v with_o they_o or_o because_o they_o like_v not_o their_o spirit_n speak_v not_o with_o favour_n or_o any_o such_o like_a principle_n and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n â—…eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_v 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o also_o appear_v act_v 2.38_o which_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o tremble_v and_o profane_a man_n of_o much_o knowledge_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o act._n 8.37_o philip_n not_o only_o require_v faith_n but_o a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o hearâ—…_n of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o profession_n baptize_v he_o and_o hence_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n colosse_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o because_o debito_fw-la and_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la only_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o require_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o may_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o he_o require_v they_o manifest_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o save_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o a_o creed_n which_o be_v require_v for_o then_o a_o papist_n be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n nor_o willingness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o then_o heap_n of_o profane_a person_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v profession_n of_o a_o work_n and_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v ever_o require_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n be_v no_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o more_o rigid_o incline_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o second_o with_o what_o profession_n charity_n according_a to_o rule_v be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o breadth_n in_o charity_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o testimonium_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o a_o man_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a profession_n potest_fw-la sâ—…besse_fw-la salsum_fw-la there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n latent_fw-la it_o be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n so_o in_o the_o weak_a profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la verum_fw-la idest_fw-la there_o may_v be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n hence_o man_n leave_v all_o secret_n to_o god_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o first_o either_o with_o that_o which_o be_v only_o verbal_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a by_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o second_o with_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v real_a which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v false_a
a_o defence_n of_o the_o answer_n make_v unto_o the_o nine_o question_n or_o position_n send_v from_o new-england_n against_o the_o reply_n thereto_o by_o that_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball_n entitle_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o new_a churchway_n in_o new-england_n and_o in_o old_a wherein_o beside_o a_o more_o full_a open_n of_o sundry_a particular_n concern_v liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o large_o handle_v that_o controversy_n concern_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n tend_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o old-way_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_n church_n by_o john_n allin_n pastor_n of_o dedham_n tho._n shepard_n pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la crubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la tertul._n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33.16_o london_n print_v by_o r._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1648._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18.37_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discâ—…sse_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the-season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o
attain_v with_o toleration_n of_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reformation_n thereof_o with_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n therein_o if_o indeed_o that_o can_v be_v obtain_v but_o man_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v they_o as_o paul_n separate_v the_o disciple_n so_o we_o see_v no_o other_o remedy_n the_o faithful_a have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o second_o stumble_v block_n may_v be_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n about_o church-government_n when_o we_o give_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n to_o particular_a church_n not_o subject_v they_o to_o any_o government_n out_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o to_o take_v the_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o but_o how_o this_o shall_v hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o every_o church_n so_o reform_v themselves_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o have_v such_o officer_n over_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n require_v 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 2._o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o betrust_v the_o church_n have_v such_o officer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o we_o conceive_v christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o same_o other_o church_n watch_v over_o they_o counsel_v and_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o such_o guide_v set_v over_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o presbytery_n of_o such_o pastor_n as_o may_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n may_v as_o much_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o many_o who_o will_v use_v they_o better_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v over-voted_n there_o and_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o both_o the_o care_n of_o reform_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o church_n tend_v much_o to_o further_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n no_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o if_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n which_o we_o humble_o crave_v viz._n that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v take_v candid_o according_a to_o our_o plain_a meaning_n and_o declaration_n and_o not_o represent_v unto_o the_o world_n under_o such_o shape_n and_o form_n as_o make_v it_o seem_v rigid_a all_o one_o with_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n donatist_n arminian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v go_v for_o lover_n and_o friend_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o general_a reformation_n not_o for_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o but_o the_o contrary_a deal_n we_o meet_v with_o too_o too_o oft_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o brethren_n this_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n though_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o desire_v we_o to_o rest_v assure_v that_o although_o he_o have_v conceive_v such_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n yet_o he_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o shall_v dislodge_v such_o thought_n yet_o against_o our_o plain_a profession_n sometime_o he_o will_v needs_o fasten_v the_o opinion_n of_o separation_n upon_o we_o and_o very_o frequent_o set_v mr._n robinson_n in_o a_o parallel_n with_o our_o opinion_n as_o if_o we_o general_o go_v that_o way_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o many_o of_o our_o godly_a and_o best_a reformer_n the_o learned_a may_v plain_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o better_a ground_n to_o have_v fill_v our_o margin_n with_o quotation_n out_o of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n as_o parallel_v with_o many_o passage_n of_o this_o reply_n but_o we_o have_v purposely_o abstain_v from_o so_o do_v that_o we_o may_v not_o cast_v any_o blur_v or_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o brethren_n and_o see_v we_o be_v enforce_v to_o wipe_v off_o such_o aspersion_n we_o humble_o desire_v our_o belove_a brethren_n who_o learned_a labour_n we_o honour_v to_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o light_o touch_v this_o sore_a for_o we_o confess_v it_o bring_v blush_v into_o our_o face_n and_o sadness_n to_o our_o heart_n to_o read_v so_o often_o such_o harsh_a imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o fall_v from_o such_o pen_n they_o breed_v a_o strange_a loathe_n of_o we_o in_o the_o stomach_n of_o many_o that_o read_v book_n without_o serious_a examination_n thereof_o first_o how_o oft_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o that_o imputation_n that_o we_o make_v none_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v real_o saint_n and_o believer_n contrary_a to_o our_o frequent_a profession_n that_o visible_a saint_n that_o be_v such_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v fit_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o we_o make_v a_o vocal_a church_n oath_n or_o covenant_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o as_o we_o frequent_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v either_o implicit_a or_o explicit_a and_o that_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_o church_n have_v a_o implicit_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o practice_n to_o use_v any_o oath_n in_o our_o covenant_n and_o strange_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o many_o page_n against_o our_o church_n oath_n and_o swear_v to_o a_o covenant_n to_o make_v our_o course_n horrid_a and_o too_o too_o rigorous_a three_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o popular_a government_n make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o but_o moderator_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o minister_n recâ—…ive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n be_v their_o servant_n and_o administer_v in_o their_o name_n as_o mr._n ball_n and_o other_o object_n when_o we_o oft_o profess_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o authoâ—…ity_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o doctrine_n of_o we_o no_o more_o then_o from_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o be_v their_o servant_n etc._n etc._n four_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n reject_v a_o pastor_n for_o no_o fault_n they_o take_v both_o nomen_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o he_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o twenty_o five_o question_n of_o the_o thirty_o two_o question_n send_v unto_o we_o where_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v say_v but_o reference_n be_v make_v to_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n among_o which_o the_o seven_o be_v of_o this_o very_a point_n our_o answer_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o our_o word_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v etc._n etc._n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o the_o people_n now_o if_o he_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v true_a right_a to_o administer_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o we_o take_v away_o nomen_fw-la or_o esse_fw-la or_o that_o we_o make_v church_n censure_n work_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la cleave_v errante_fw-la as_o be_v also_o impute_v to_o we_o many_o such_o mistake_v we_o find_v but_o let_v these_o suffice_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n how_o wary_a he_o have_v need_n be_v in_o receive_v such_o report_n against_o brethren_n and_o this_o charity_n we_o have_v cause_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o crave_v of_o all_o that_o they_o will_v reserve_v one_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o their_o poor_a outcast_a brethren_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o because_o we_o be_v place_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n and_o disadvantage_n that_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o objection_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n under_o a_o year_n or_o almost_o two_o year_n whereby_o satan_n have_v a_o marvelous_a advantage_n to_o work_v strange_a thought_n and_o distasteful_a affection_n towards_o we_o and_o fasten_v they_o so_o deep_o that_o hardly_o they_o will_v be_v take_v off_o again_o but_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o too_o frequent_o that_o when_o brethren_n otherwise_o dear_a to_o each_o other_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o break_v out_o to_o open_a contention_n about_o the_o same_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n as_o unpleasing_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o may_v be_v whence_o
the_o church_n in_o neglect_v they_o to_o go_v immediate_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o yet_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n at_o the_o request_n of_o tender_a conscience_n may_v declare_v their_o judgement_n when_o no_o rule_n call_v they_o to_o write_v to_o their_o pastor_n which_o perhaps_o be_v bitter_a persecutor_n or_o if_o better_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o moderate_a also_o and_o we_o humble_o wish_v that_o the_o moderate_a do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a ere_o long_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a encouragement_n upon_o your_o ground_n answ_n if_o you_o will_v needs_o account_v not_o join_v in_o that_o stint_v impose_v liturgy_n to_o be_v a_o moderate_a separation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o have_v witness_v against_o such_o separation_n yea_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o that_o corrupt_a worship_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a of_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o with_o shame_n before_o the_o lord_n may_v confess_v it_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n since_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v ever_o conceive_v that_o the_o separation_n witness_v against_o both_o by_o yourselves_o and_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n the_o ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n their_o separation_n from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n their_o endeavour_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o purity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o we_o have_v always_o approve_v and_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o separation_n more_o moderate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n but_o whether_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o indeed_o one_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n which_o you_o and_o we_o have_v need_n reject_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n and_o no_o long_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o grow_a endeavour_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o more_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o too_o rash_o brand_v with_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o separation_n and_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o degenerate_v into_o the_o rigid_a separation_n we_o think_v you_o need_v not_o fear_v it_o upon_o our_o principle_n no_o more_o then_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o nonconformist_n and_o you_o know_v what_o they_o infer_v upon_o those_o principle_n now_o just_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v in_o england_n it_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o drive_v many_o to_o separation_n not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o further_a reformation_n so_o you_o may_v fear_v the_o too_o too_o much_o conformity_n of_o minister_n to_o humane_a imposition_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o will_v more_o dangerous_o alienate_v godly_a mind_n from_o your_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o drive_v to_o separation_n then_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n proper_a to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n and_o other_o reason_n use_v by_o himself_o common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o letter_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o separation_n rigid_a and_o moderate_a only_o if_o you_o will_v a_o separation_n from_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n which_o latter_a be_v all_o we_o profess_v 2_o those_o reason_n which_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o they_o qua_fw-la tâ—…les_fw-la will_v we_o suppose_v be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n thus_o far_o that_o the_o 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wish_v utinam_fw-la tale_n hodie_fw-la à _fw-la ministerio_fw-la aâ—…verentuâ—…_n four_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v cast_v off_o their_o child_n from_o be_v his_o for_o this_o sin_n as_o calvin_n also_o note_n upon_o the_o place_n the_o promise_n of_o show_v mercy_n to_o a_o 1000_o generation_n be_v chief_o annex_v to_o the_o observer_n of_o the_o second_o command_n and_o the_o institute_v mean_n of_o worship_n which_o those_o priest_n never_o be_v reply_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o you_o will_v extend_v this_o text_n to_o all_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n condemn_v as_o not_o approve_a minister_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o sort_n then_o such_o as_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a idol_n priest_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o this_o discourse_n concern_v we_o not_o for_o we_o free_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o divers_a case_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n to_o communicate_v with_o such_o unworthy_a minister_n as_o may_v be_v contain_v in_o your_o description_n but_o that_o people_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v with_o such_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n as_o you_o say_v the_o scripture_n allege_v teach_v not_o this_o so_o evident_o that_o we_o can_v see_v as_o 1_o sam._n 2.12_o 13.17.24_o that_o imputation_n verse_n 24._o they_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o transgress_v do_v not_o depend_v immediate_o on_o verse_n 13_o 14.17_o but_o on_o verse_n 22.23_o where_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o have_v lie_v with_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o story_n of_o samuel_n and_o his_o mother_n verse_n 18_o 19.20_o 21._o so_o jer._n 8.8_o 9_o micah_n 3.11_o 12._o contain_v only_a threat_n against_o wicked_a minister_n but_o not_o a_o word_n to_o prove_v people_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1.15_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o preach_v and_o preach_v christ_n though_o not_o of_o sincerity_n do_v not_o reach_v such_o minister_n as_o the_o word_n condemn_v for_o many_o such_o may_v be_v approve_v minister_n by_o the_o word_n have_v a_o call_v according_a to_o the_o same_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o contend_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o we_o do_v not_o dissent_v so_o that_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o lawful_a liberty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o minister_n gross_o wicked_a and_o teacher_n of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o idle_a and_o unsufficient_a when_o they_o can_v reclaim_v they_o or_o remove_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n within_o their_o power_n reply_n the_o reason_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v the_o donatist_n and_o catharist_n for_o their_o voluntary_a and_o seditious_a separation_n and_o the_o modern_a church_n condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n for_o their_o rent_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n will_v hold_v against_o separation_n from_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v read_v by_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n we_o deny_v that_o we_o teach_v or_o hold_v such_o separation_n because_o read_v by_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n as_o be_v sufficient_o show_v before_o but_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v against_o conformity_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n especial_o use_v by_o a_o unable_a as_o well_o as_o ungodly_a minister_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n mention_v will_v hold_v against_o our_o proposition_n just_a as_o the_o accusation_n and_o imputation_n of_o donatism_n puritanisme_n anabaptism_n which_o the_o prelate_n cast_v upon_o all_o nonconformist_n and_o man_n studious_a of_o reformation_n will_v hold_v and_o fasten_v upon_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o reply_n the_o second_o proposition_n where_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v use_v though_o by_o a_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n in_o that_o case_n we_o can_v be_v of_o your_o judgement_n herein_o for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o great_a abuse_n no_o question_n be_v find_v etc._n etc._n but_o they_o never_o teach_v people_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n answ_n first_o we_o must_v still_o mind_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o true_a and_o full_a state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o in_o our_o answer_n be_v of_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o and_o when_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v use_v and_o he_o that_o join_v with_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v actual_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o what_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o though_o this_o proposition_n reach_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n yet_o let_v none_o think_v we_o plead_v herein_o separation_n from_o their_o ministry_n but_o only_o that_o people_n may_v not_o conform_v with_o they_o to_o any_o corruption_n in_o worship_n and_o by_o this_o proposition_n also_o the_o author_n may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o we_o deny_v the_o other_o which_o be_v weave_v in_o with_o this_o not_o because_o of_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o as_o he_o carry_v his_o dispute_n but_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o worship_n together_o with_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o such_o a_o ministry_n that_o be_v both_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a second_o concern_v the_o argument_n it_o run_v as_o full_a for_o conformity_n to_o all_o the_o corrupt_a ceremony_n of_o the_o book_n as_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n itself_o therein_o as_o be_v say_v before_o clear_v the_o one_o viz._n non-conformitie_n to_o ceremony_n show_v a_o reason_n why_o you_o will_v separate_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o you_o will_v not_o kneel_v according_a to_o the_o book_n and_o you_o answer_v your_o argument_n here_o allege_v against_o we_o but_o the_o reply_n proceed_v reply_n and_o if_o presence_n at_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o lawful_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n allege_v there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a society_n name_v since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n or_o thereabouts_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v lawful_o join_v in_o prayer_n read_v the_o scripture_n hear_v the_o word_n or_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o doctrine_n prayer_n right_n be_v less_o pure_a than_o we_o but_o no_o man_n we_o hope_v will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n within_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n to_o be_v so_o miserable_o decay_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o without_o sin_n hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o foresay_a ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n first_o this_o argument_n hold_v as_o strong_o for_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o be_v say_v before_o second_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a kind_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o 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reason_n will_v go_v far_o in_o justification_n of_o communion_n with_o many_o false_a worship_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v not_o gross_o idolatrous_a three_o it_o be_v a_o great_a charge_n upon_o those_o time_n to_o say_v no_o visible_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n can_v be_v name_v since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o less_o pure_a than_o england_n in_o doctrine_n rite_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v be_v that_o as_o general_o church_n be_v corrupt_a so_o they_o contemn_v and_o censure_v such_o as_o profess_v more_o purity_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o visible_a assembly_n more_o pure_a may_v be_v conceive_v by_o that_o testimony_n give_v to_o aerius_n and_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n with_o he_o though_o condemn_v for_o a_o heretic_n in_o that_o which_o we_o all_o now_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n also_o after_o the_o waldenses_n cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o will_n
worship_n and_o the_o follow_v reform_v church_n those_o of_o scotland_n geneva_n and_o divers_a other_o in_o france_n and_o switserland_n etc._n etc._n who_o doctrine_n rite_n and_o administration_n we_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v confess_v more_o pure_a than_o english_a church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a and_o in_o these_o know_a time_n needless_a to_o search_v all_o record_n and_o to_o compare_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o rite_n of_o these_o with_o former_a time_n we_o read_v of_o very_a few_o form_n use_v for_o 300._o year_n some_o short_a one_o they_o have_v which_o be_v retain_v yet_o in_o our_o liturgy_n with_o many_o more_o and_o these_o form_n they_o have_v not_o impose_v nor_o stint_v which_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n of_o this_o until_o about_o the_o year_n 406._o and_o there_o we_o read_v in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n that_o no_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o church_n but_o what_o be_v either_o compose_v of_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n or_o approve_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o this_o be_v determine_v only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ignorant_a ministry_n of_o those_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a time_n 12._o as_o chemnitius_n observe_v ne_fw-fr forte_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la ignorantiam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la minus_fw-la studium_fw-la sit_fw-la compositum_fw-la if_o the_o roman_a bishop_n do_v multiply_v as_o indeed_o they_o do_v excessive_o unless_o their_o own_o admirer_n err_v gross_o rite_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o long_o it_o be_v ere_o the_o church_n in_o other_o place_n submit_v to_o their_o power_n so_o that_o this_o comparison_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v to_o conclude_v though_o we_o say_v not_o that_o all_o church_n since_o 200._o year_n after_o christ_n be_v so_o miserable_o decay_v that_o the_o faithful_a may_v not_o without_o sin_n communicate_v with_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o communicate_v in_o many_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n without_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n themselves_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v and_o discover_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o they_o ought_v and_o we_o believe_v will_v have_v abstain_v from_o divers_a ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o yea_o after_o all_o mean_v use_v to_o purge_v they_o out_o and_o not_o prevail_v they_o ought_v and_o will_v have_v withdraw_v themselves_o to_o more_o pure_a church_n or_o erect_v such_o among_o themselves_o reply_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n conceive_v or_o stint_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v not_o his_o private_a prayer_n but_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o you_o will_v not_o say_v the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o join_v with_o their_o pastor_n therein_o if_o ought_v be_v amiss_o for_o matter_n manner_n or_o both_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n so_o impose_v and_o so_o clog_v as_o be_v before_o show_v and_o such_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n have_v something_o amiss_o but_o you_o may_v put_v the_o case_n so_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a for_o people_n to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n also_o as_o if_o the_o minister_n for_o matter_n usual_o pray_v to_o saint_n for_o manner_n turn_v himself_o and_o fix_v his_o eye_n on_o a_o crucifix_n reply_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n in_o this_o case_n whether_o the_o fault_n be_v personal_a as_o some_o distinguish_v or_o otherwise_o know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o know_v for_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v whether_o know_v before_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d not_o all_o presence_n be_v faulty_a and_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v not_o our_o presence_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n know_v whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a answ_n first_o we_o distinguish_v not_o here_o between_o personal_a and_o ministerial_a fault_n but_o object_n against_o the_o personal_a act_n of_o he_o that_o join_v with_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o so_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v that_o join_v with_o the_o whole_a not_o only_a say_n amen_o to_o they_o but_o as_o be_v know_v he_o take_v his_o share_n in_o those_o shred_n of_o prayer_n respond_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o mr._n cartwright_n judgement_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o make_v a_o man_n seem_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n and_o therefore_o his_o personal_a actual_a conformity_n must_v needs_o carry_v guilt_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o than_o simple_a presence_n in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o understanding_n second_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v know_v or_o not_o know_v beforehand_o as_o appear_v plain_o 1_o cor._n 10.27_o 28_o 29._o where_o we_o see_v if_o a_o man_n come_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o know_v not_o they_o eat_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o idol_n nor_o that_o any_o take_v offence_n he_o may_v eat_v without_o ask_v any_o question_n but_o if_o he_o know_v such_o thing_n he_o may_v not_o eat_v beside_o public_a sinful_a action_n of_o minister_n be_v either_o 1_o accidental_a &_o occasional_a or_o 2_o know_v &_o appoint_v in_o a_o state_v service_n now_o the_o frailty_n of_o a_o minister_n which_o accidental_o fall_v in_o and_o be_v not_o know_v before_o nor_o be_v any_o part_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o service_n unto_o which_o man_n that_o come_v do_v or_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v call_v hinder_v not_o communion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o prae_fw-la se_fw-la far_o by_o their_o presence_n to_o attend_v and_o observe_v they_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v know_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o which_o and_o with_o which_o the_o imposer_n call_v other_o to_o join_v as_o in_o a_o state_v service_n to_o god_n the_o use_n of_o which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a frailty_n in_o god_n minister_n not_o yet_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a thereof_o yet_o for_o those_o to_o communicate_v herein_o who_o know_v such_o evil_n have_v sure_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n because_o in_o this_o action_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o only_a communion_n by_o way_n of_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o communion_n of_o action_n public_a prayer_n be_v the_o common_a action_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n towards_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prayer_n by_o any_o man_n offer_v to_o god_n but_o there_o will_v be_v some_o humane_a frailty_n attend_v on_o it_o if_o therefore_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v reject_v communion_n in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v reject_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o never_o join_v in_o any_o prayer_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v not_o such_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o cast_v off_o then_o keep_v this_o case_n stand_v not_o in_o tolerate_v fault_n in_o another_o as_o the_o reply_n make_v it_o but_o in_o actual_a join_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o wherein_o he_o that_o join_v be_v involve_v and_o therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v corruption_n that_o may_v be_v tolerate_v or_o not_o in_o another_o yet_o if_o sin_n they_o may_v not_o be_v practise_v and_o so_o join_v in_o with_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o case_n you_o put_v of_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n obstinate_a in_o error_n till_o he_o may_v be_v convince_v be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n for_o we_o must_v not_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o error_n no_o not_o a_o hour_n though_o we_o may_v tolerate_v he_o a_o month_n reply_n have_v not_o christian_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n of_o humane_a frailty_n lesson_v you_o dear_a brethren_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o have_v or_o can_v be_v object_v true_o against_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o we_o answ_n the_o lord_n have_v lesson_v we_o to_o tolerate_v and_o bear_v with_o many_o humane_a frailty_n not_o only_o in_o one_o another_o but_o also_o in_o our_o dear_a brethren_n abroad_o but_o to_o join_v with_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o conformity_n to_o know_v and_o gross_a corruption_n in_o worship_v god_n or_o to_o stoop_v so_o low_a to_o the_o insolent_a tyranny_n of_o usurp_a prelate_n as_o to_o bear_v on_o our_o back_n their_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o we_o confess_v we_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a and_o now_o we_o hope_v never_o to_o go_v to_o that_o school_n again_o to_o learn_v the_o same_o reply_n and_o why_o such_o corruption_n shall_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o humane_a frailty_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o a_o godly_a minister_n make_v use_n of_o a_o book_n in_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v
christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v account_n answ_n this_o objection_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v as_o class_n synod_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v the_o lord_n jesus_n must_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o himself_o in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o his_o minister_n must_v receive_v law_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o he_o delegate_n to_o that_o work_n of_o administration_n under_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v other_o look_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o well_o as_o we_o our_o answer_n be_v brief_o &_o plain_o this_o the_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n the_o gift_n and_o power_n belong_v thereto_o be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o therefore_o he_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o yet_o his_o outward_a call_v to_o this_o office_n whereby_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o church_n and_o this_o make_v he_o no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o captain_n by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o general_n choose_v by_o the_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o his_o band._n we_o see_v in_o this_o reply_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o cast_v this_o odium_fw-la upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rank_n we_o with_o separatist_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o stick_v as_o fast_o upon_o the_o class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n reply_n if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n to_o admit_v member_n cast_v out_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o authority_n from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n answ_n if_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n as_o it_o ought_v a_o dim_a sight_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o key_n by_o the_o officer_n authoritative_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o place_n obediential_o follow_v and_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v along_o with_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o his_o law_n and_o cleave_v in_o their_o obedience_n to_o christ_n dissent_v from_o their_o guide_n when_o they_o forsake_v christ_n in_o their_o ministration_n if_o there_o need_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n hereof_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n in_o all_o civil_a administration_n wherein_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o of_o justice_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jurour_n both_o sweet_o concur_v in_o every_o case_n both_o civil_a &_o criminal_a neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o jury_n only_o to_o find_v the_o fact_n do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o some_o answer_n this_o instance_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n that_o award_v answerable_a punishment_n as_o whether_o the_o fact_n be_v simple_a theft_n or_o burglary_n murder_n or_o manslaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o damage_n cost_n in_o civil_a case_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o execution_n authoritative_o may_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n reply_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o shall_v not_o contradict_v your_o wariness_n in_o this_o case_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o such_o as_o he_o appoint_v though_o some_o corruption_n be_v admix_v in_o the_o entrance_n and_o administration_n but_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o what_o need_v there_o be_v or_o use_v of_o this_o note_n we_o see_v not_o our_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o safe_a enough_o but_o it_o seem_v your_o tenderness_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o england_n occasion_v this_o wariness_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o what_o you_o say_v that_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o we_o give_v some_o approbation_n to_o our_o stand_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n merciful_o pass_v over_o our_o many_o corruption_n but_o this_o will_v no_o way_n give_v allowance_n to_o the_o many_o gross_a corruption_n and_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o stand_n and_o administration_n nor_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o any_o in_o such_o corruption_n after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flockis_a not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o bond_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n answ_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o the_o assumption_n that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o distinct_a answer_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o explicate_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o church_n which_o it_o be_v like_a they_o who_o draw_v up_o the_o answer_n have_v former_o do_v have_v the_o time_n then_o be_v as_o critical_a as_o they_o be_v grow_v since_o 1_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o so_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o congregation_n under_o her_o own_o presbytery_n as_o to_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o seal_n many_o congregation_n stand_v under_o one_o common_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v former_o say_v we_o honour_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o godly_a member_n thereof_o 2_o when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n because_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o limit_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o congregation_n only_o whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v but_o of_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_n 3_o when_o we_o say_v that_o where_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n he_o may_v not_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n this_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o they_o or_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o proper_a flock_n the_o office_n be_v as_o we_o say_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n such_o a_o state_v power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n he_o have_v not_o to_o those_o of_o other_o congregation_n partake_v in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o another_o church_n yet_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o power_n or_o precaria_fw-la potestâ—…s_fw-la charitative_o to_o put_v 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
be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o they_o do_v christ_n design_n but_o who_o the_o church_n free_o choose_v and_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o must_v choose_v ministerial_o and_o who_o christ_n so_o design_n the_o case_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o other_o ordinance_n dispense_v examination_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v be_v design_v or_o describe_v by_o christ_n a_o notorious_a or_o obstinate_a sinner_n the_o church_n pass_v this_o sentence_n only_o ministerial_o and_o yet_o put_v forth_o a_o great_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o apply_v the_o sentence_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n and_o so_o here_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o depute_v this_o officer_n neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o when_o as_o the_o act_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a call_n of_o the_o officer_n must_v needs_o come_v from_o a_o power_n formal_o in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o when_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n censure_v a_o offender_n etc._n etc._n answ_n reply_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o grant_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o elder_n go_v before_o or_o along_o with_o they_o act_v 1_o
rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2.41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1.4_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la objection_n 1_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n objection_n 2_o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n objection_n 3_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n not_o have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o