may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n object_n 1_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o first_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a object_n 2_o if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29.11_o ephes_n 1.22_o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o
therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o â—…ord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o amongst-god_o reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n proposition_n 1_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1.23_o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5.26_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n proposition_n 2_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n proposition_n 3_o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n proposition_n 4_o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5.14_o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n proposition_n 5_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n
of_o office_n and_o the_o power_n that_o a_o pastor_n have_v over_o other_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v he_o their_o officer_n who_o thereby_o become_v his_o proper_a flock_n hence_o he_o have_v no_o power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o flock_n unless_o he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n e._n g._n a_o minister_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la &_o as_o a_o pastor_n not_o bare_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o may_v preach_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o edificaon_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o convert_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o intend_v but_o to_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o preach_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o christ_n have_v sheep_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n proper_a flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o intend_v their_o gather_n in_o as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o flock_n again_o as_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o office_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o believer_n so_o also_o he_o may_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la shut_v it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n that_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 10.14_o jer._n 1.10_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n again_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o his_o his_o own_o congregation_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n last_o a_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n may_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n occasional_o to_o those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o poor_a of_o another_o church_n yet_o be_v no_o officer_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o captain_n of_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o over_o his_o own_o band_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o subdue_v enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o those_o that_o submit_v a_o steward_n be_v a_o officer_n over_o his_o master_n family_n not_o over_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o his_o lord_n table_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v clear_a but_o now_o whether_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o occasional_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o a_o state_v presbytery_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o in_o all_o such_o act_n the_o church_n still_o keep_v her_o power_n in_o she_o own_o hand_n while_o the_o minister_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o at_o her_o desire_n and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o necessity_n neither_o do_v this_o make_v a_o minister_n a_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o pastoral_a office_n consist_v in_o take_v charge_n of_o a_o people_n and_o have_v power_n of_o authority_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o towards_o his_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v include_v neither_o of_o these_o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o may_v set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n over_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o may_v combine_v &_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n the_o first_o be_v their_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n not_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o may_v ordinary_o feed_v teach_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o rule_v they_o the_o end_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o submit_v to_o other_o who_o may_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o look_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o join_v together_o to_o set_v one_o pastor_n over_o they_o successive_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o pluralist_n and_o the_o bramble_n the_o king_n of_o tree_n nor_o yet_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o as_o in_o the_o first_o ambitious_a time_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o power_n over_o all_o single_o but_o under_o all_o joint_o so_o neither_o 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as_o be_v of_o no_o congregation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o question_n reply_n now_o to_o remove_v those_o 2013_o objection_n of_o mr._n ball_n which_o only_o reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v reply_v the_o 8._o when_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o labour_v the_o come_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o god_n these_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o elder_n ordinary_o in_o the_o city_n though_o the_o number_n may_v be_v so_o great_a in_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o either_o the_o pastor_n must_v baptise_v they_o be_v no_o member_n or_o they_o must_v remain_v without_o baptism_n till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n and_o choose_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n which_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o will_v ease_v the_o difficulty_n viz._n the_o pastor_n may_v baptize_v they_o unto_o their_o own_o congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o number_n do_v not_o exceed_v beyond_o edification_n and_o then_o divide_v their_o number_n may_v make_v divers_a church_n of_o one_o and_o they_o call_v pastor_n over_o they_o and_o so_o we_o see_v act._n 2._o they_o add_v 3000._o and_o after_o more_o till_o they_o be_v scatter_v and_o when_o peace_n be_v restore_v act._n 9_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o edify_v but_o multiply_v verse_n 3._o and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o 9_o reply_n be_v also_o take_v away_o reply_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o seal_n in_o another_o more_o than_o the_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v answ_n we_o have_v before_o show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o which_o warrant_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n to_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16.1_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o
that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o marvel_v how_o they_o come_v in_o so_o twist_v together_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v here_o only_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o see_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v devise_v a_o rite_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v intend_v of_o this_o promise_n of_o not_o removal_n without_o leave_n which_o promise_n be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o make_v in_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v also_o a_o mere_a mistake_n arise_v from_o the_o confound_a of_o a_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o reason_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o have_v a_o different_a scope_n for_o whereas_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o reason_n from_o the_o covenant_n hold_v with_o such_o as_o grant_v such_o a_o covenant_n lawful_a the_o answer_n say_v that_o some_o indeed_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o answer_n first_o give_v reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o second_o for_o the_o necessity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n incorporate_v which_o by_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n do_v require_v of_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o a_o people_n enjoy_v privilege_n together_o it_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_n be_v one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harsh_a and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_v upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v
yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o convince_v by_o a_o rule_n that_o so_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v fearful_a as_o of_o open_v the_o door_n too_o wide_o so_o of_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o any_o who_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o but_o for_o what_o yet_o we_o see_v or_o read_v from_o the_o argument_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o author_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a learned_a we_o think_v that_o church_n charity_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o first_o but_o with_o the_o latter_a for_o let_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o short_a or_o so_o weak_a let_v it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o immediate_a relation_n or_o by_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o appear_v to_o a_o regulate_v charity_n so_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o be_v be_v real_a it_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v then_o till_o god_n make_v discovery_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o intend_v not_o to_o heap_v up_o argument_n nor_o answer_v scruple_n but_o these_o four_o thing_n seemâ—…_n to_o â—…vince_v as_o much_o 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 3000._o convert_v act_n â—…_z as_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o one_o day_n immediate_o receive_v so_o many_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o large_a profession_n of_o every_o one_o so_o also_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o pattern_n it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v evident_o join_v with_o humiliation_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n mourning_n and_o cry_v out_o before_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n which_o be_v real_a testimony_n of_o some_o real_a change_n from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n receive_v they_o 2_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o from_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o turn_v away_o if_o barâ—…_n profession_n be_v sufficient_a why_o shall_v timothy_n turn_v from_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o profession_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o private_a but_o church_n communion_n also_o suppose_v they_o such_o as_o not_o oneâ—…y_o have_v a_o form_n but_o may_v be_v by_o a_o rule_n convince_v thereof_o 3.9_o 3_o lie_v and_o apparent_a untruth_n can_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n for_o charity_n to_o rest_v on_o that_o so_o he_o be_v but_o verbal_a profession_n which_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v real_a but_o false_a be_v palpable_a lie_v and_o indeed_o more_o fit_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v the_o church_n hence_o sanctius_n in_o zach._n 14.14_o observe_n that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o qui_fw-la cum_fw-la fidem_fw-la retineant_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la abjecerunt_fw-la 4_o if_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n than_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n cast_v out_o in_o one_o hour_n shall_v be_v immediate_o receive_v in_o again_o if_o he_o will_v but_o renew_v his_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n nay_o then_o the_o indian_n in_o maryland_n who_o will_v put_v on_o and_o put_v off_o this_o profession_n as_o their_o ghostly_a father_n the_o popish_a priest_n will_v bestow_v or_o withhold_v garment_n and_o shirt_n upon_o they_o shall_v in_o charity_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o charity_n may_v know_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o profession_n we_o answer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v application_n thereof_o only_o this_o we_o do_v add_v in_o general_a for_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n 1_o such_o a_o faith_n profess_v with_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o innocent_a godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o say_v this_o conversation_n make_v faith_n appear_v real_a james_n 2.18_o rev._n 22.14_o we_o conceive_v more_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n appear_v a_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o church_n then_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v only_o bone_fw-la civis_fw-la and_o bare_a civility_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o latter_a but_o not_o for_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v needful_a as_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o not_o only_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v join_v with_o evident_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o experience_n always_o of_o such_o a_o holy_a life_n antecedent_o see_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v act._n 2.37_o 38._o for_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v experience_a christian_n into_o his_o family_n and_o house_n but_o also_o the_o weak_a and_o poor_a who_o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o experience_n of_o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n some_o think_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v act._n 2.39_o so_o soon_o because_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v but_o if_o they_o have_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o here_o according_a to_o that_o for_o they_o receive_v divers_a hypocrite_n in_o as_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o other_o of_o their_o act_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v exemplary_a why_o shall_v this_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o extraordinary_a 3_o when_o there_o be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o other_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n although_o their_o humiliation_n faith_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v for_o we_o see_v the_o church_n receive_v paul_n when_o barnabas_n have_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v just_a to_o condemn_v another_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o faithful_a witness_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unchristian_a to_o receive_v a_o other_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n much_o more_o ready_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a christian_n especial_o then_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a open_o and_o public_o ro_o speak_v so_o full_o for_o themselves_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o question_v whether_o this_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n answer_v 1._o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o receive_v other_o to_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n do_v act_v 9.26_o 27._o encourage_v by_o barnabas_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v rom._n 14.1_o which_o although_o it_o be_v of_o fellow-member_n into_o their_o affection_n yet_o the_o proportion_n hold_v strong_a for_o receive_v comer_n into_o the_o church_n joh._n ep._n 3.8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o if_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o must_v by_o some_o mean_n know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v comfortable_o receive_v into_o their_o affection_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v first_o private_o to_o examine_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o admission_n be_v to_o show_v the_o church_n the_o rule_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o admit_v they_o act._n 10.37_o can_v any_o forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n be_v best_a see_v by_o that_o public_a profession_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o if_o no_o just_a exception_n be_v make_v as_o none_o shall_v be_v without_o conviction_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n hereunto_o for_o if_o public_a profession_n be_v needful_a at_o least_o before_o the_o church_n though_o not_o the_o world_n always_o as_o didoclavius_n observe_v to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n by_o baptism_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o person_n former_o baptize_v and_o enter_v anew_o into_o the_o church_n but_o they_o shall_v open_o
by_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o they_o much_o less_o limit_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o reply_n in_o reason_n this_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o child_n consent_n be_v require_v in_o marriage_n but_o the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v for_o himself_o the_o more_o liberty_n may_v parent_n grant_v the_o less_o able_a the_o more_o watchful_a must_v they_o be_v reply_n this_o similitude_n utter_o fail_v in_o two_o essential_a thing_n that_o concern_v the_o case_n for_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v 1._o because_o a_o child_n be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parent_n who_o right_a be_v such_o that_o a_o child_n can_v lawful_o choose_v without_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o church_n or_o other_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o officer_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n be_v yet_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o marriage_n consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a consent_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o child_n that_o marry_v and_o so_o here_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v must_v lie_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o acceptance_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v not_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o similitude_n confirm_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour_n church_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o the_o scripture_n will_v we_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o or_o admonish_v one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_n to_o every_o singular_a person_n towards_o his_o fellow_n but_o also_o to_o any_o whole_a company_n answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n be_v it_o weak_a or_o strong_a to_o take_v all_o needful_a counsel_n advise_v or_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o work_n but_o if_o church_n or_o other_o shall_v impose_v upon_o any_o church_n any_o officer_n without_o their_o choice_n this_o be_v no_o brotherly_a help_n but_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v junius_n so_o as_o that_o charitatis_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o communione_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v for_o another_o other_o way_n then_o by_o advise_v they_o to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o themselves_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o be_v his_o meaning_n neither_o do_v paul_n rom._n 12.12_o lie_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o usurpation_n but_o only_o of_o mutual_a brotherly_a helpfulnesse_n by_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o policy_n but_o some_o degree_n of_o tyranny_n reply_n it_o be_v a_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o either_o the_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o choose_v or_o be_v fit_a they_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o chocie_n but_o this_o maim_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n in_o his_o call_n answ_n if_o a_o people_n or_o church_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a which_o be_v here_o call_v unfitnesse_n yet_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o and_o they_o make_v a_o orderly_a and_o good_a choice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_v see_v the_o right_n be_v they_o and_o such_o a_o free_a choice_n will_v better_o establish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o godly_a minister_n in_o his_o call_n then_o if_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o able_a minister_n shall_v impose_v he_o without_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o be_v do_v but_o be_v they_o able_a or_o weak_a if_o the_o people_n be_v shut_v out_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v a_o great_a maim_n in_o his_o call_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v nor_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o one_o call_v by_o other_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o nullity_n as_o be_v show_v before_o what_o authority_n have_v he_o to_o minister_v to_o any_o church_n if_o they_o will_v refuse_v he_o or_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o for_o refuse_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o christ_n reply_n the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n be_v both_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n answ_n answ_n what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v dead_a reply_n the_o true_a church_n have_v continue_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v give_v away_o by_o the_o people_n or_o take_v from_o they_o answ_n true_a but_o it_o have_v be_v continue_v by_o the_o after_o consent_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n choose_v by_o other_o else_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v break_v a_o piece_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v other_o to_o themselves_o which_o still_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n be_v in_o the_o people_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disorder_n of_o ancient_a church_n in_o election_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o substance_n where_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v we_o grant_v the_o church_n at_o length_n consent_v to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o who_o the_o true_a right_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v over_o what_o follow_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o we_o may_v object_v against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o discourse_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o your_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o well_o your_o meaning_n if_o this_o be_v your_o mind_n that_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v and_o set_v over_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n aâ—…_n the_o particular_a church_n have_v unity_n with_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a and_o as_o a_o party_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v one_o cujus_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la as_o cyprian_n speak_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v unjust_o cast_v off_o by_o one_o congregation_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o no_o minister_n we_o free_o consent_v but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v only_o by_o right_a a_o minister_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o unjust_o depose_v as_o former_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n he_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o only_o and_o to_o no_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o what_o respect_n soever_o your_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o answ_n first_o if_o our_o meaning_n be_v doubtful_a see_v these_o expression_n do_v not_o well_o suit_n our_o notion_n nor_o full_o enter_v into_o our_o understanding_n we_o shall_v give_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o answer_n distinct_o and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o unjust_a leave_v or_o cast_v off_o a_o minister_n without_o all_o orderly_a proceed_n against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a depose_v he_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o church_n censure_n if_o the_o question_n be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o remain_v every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n by_o right_a a_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v before_o except_o he_o reject_v they_o and_o so_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o but_o if_o the_o question_n speak_v of_o a_o orderly_a censure_n of_o deposition_n unjust_o than_o we_o judge_v of_o that_o case_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o any_o other_o censure_n of_o a_o member_n by_o excommunication_n &_o therefore_o we_o say_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n in_o fâ—…ro_fw-la interno_fw-la before_o christ_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la second_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n he_o have_v still_o right_a true_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o and_o be_v their_o minister_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o a_o member_n unjust_o censure_v have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o membership_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v from_o the_o same_o though_o in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la we_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o in_o their_o account_n he_o be_v no_o minister_n as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o they_o no_o member_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o church_n if_o it_o do_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o depose_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o esteem_v he_o still_o and_o receive_v he_o and_o have_v
be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busy_a body_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o â—…_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—…_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n so_o we_o confess_v to_o his_o praise_n that_o we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n orderly_o carry_v and_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o various_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o christian_n when_o need_n be_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n to_o enjoy_v and_o sanctify_v oft_o to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v have_v be_v oft_o follow_v with_o sad_a event_n reply_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n infer_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n to_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o grant_v our_o church-covenant_n neither_o require_v every_o business_n to_o come_v to_o public_a counsel_n nor_o perpetual_a
residence_n in_o one_o place_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o hold_v by_o we_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n reply_n you_o say_v you_o bind_v yourselves_o to_o no_o new_a duty_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o require_v neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o can_v but_o grieve_v we_o to_o see_v how_o the_o replyer_n still_o not_o content_a to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o harsh_a sense_n but_o will_v also_o wind_v in_o other_o matter_n into_o his_o discourse_n which_o may_v make_v our_o practice_n seem_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o it_o be_v first_o he_o urge_v we_o as_o if_o we_o bring_v all_o case_n of_o remove_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o as_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o he_o will_v by_o consequence_n infer_v the_o like_a of_o occasional_a absence_n and_o now_o he_o weave_v in_o that_o also_o as_o if_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o to_o require_v man_n to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o place_n whither_o they_o go_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o occasional_a absence_n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o reply_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o best_a church_n through_o weakness_n and_o temptation_n may_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a administration_n of_o censure_n or_o other_o affair_n but_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o such_o fear_n upon_o so_o little_a ground_n may_v argue_v the_o author_n charity_n concern_v our_o wisdom_n and_o christian_n care_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o very_o great_a reply_n as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v a_o godly_a sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n answ_n if_o the_o author_n have_v not_o strain_v and_o aggravate_v thing_n beyond_o our_o mâ—…aning_n in_o the_o answer_n and_o our_o practice_n this_o will_v not_o have_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n to_o trouble_v a_o sober_a godly_a mind_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o general_o sober_a godly_a mind_n that_o have_v their_o pride_n and_o selfwillednesse_a in_o any_o good_a measure_n mortify_v do_v count_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o our_o practice_n of_o this_o point_n to_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o profitable_a neither_o do_v we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o any_o as_o be_v say_v but_o if_o any_o stumble_v at_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o a_o little_a here_o clear_a that_o scruple_n when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o branch_v our_o reason_n into_o four_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o those_o four_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o distinct_a promise_n in_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o the_o four_o iâ—…_n but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o three_o former_a as_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o make_v by_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o distinct_a promise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o our_o judgement_n or_o practice_n if_o because_o we_o extend_v our_o watch_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n it_o will_v no_o more_o follow_v then_o that_o we_o require_v promise_n in_o admission_n in_o a_o thousand_o case_n to_o which_o our_o watch_n also_o extend_v reply_n if_o any_o shall_v not_o middle_a with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n answ_n to_o extend_v our_o watch_n so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o these_o case_n of_o removall_n from_o a_o church_n to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o abrupt_a break_v off_o and_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n oft_o fall_v into_o in_o their_o unadvised_a break_n out_o of_o the_o fold_n the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o in_o and_o to_o further_a their_o best_a good_a in_o their_o removall_n whatever_o be_v think_v of_o it_o we_o count_v it_o no_o breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v under_o such_o a_o watch_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o shall_v neglect_v any_o duty_n that_o one_o owe_v to_o another_o so_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v necessary_o to_o those_o end_n we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o covenant_n but_o because_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n etc._n etc._n we_o entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o answer_n this_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o thing_n note_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o general_a and_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a case_n by_o we_o nor_o well_o appliable_a in_o the_o manner_n here_o express_v second_o it_o be_v moderate_v in_o the_o answer_n which_o say_v in_o some_o sort_n he_o shall_v commit_v that_o sin_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o satisfy_v we_o wish_v it_o expunge_v or_o any_o other_o seem_a harshness_n rather_o than_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o any_o last_o that_o you_o may_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n herein_o we_o will_v acquaint_v all_o man_n with_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o removal_n from_o one_o town_n and_o church_n to_o another_o and_o from_o full_a to_o new_a plantation_n be_v frequent_o practise_v among_o we_o with_o consent_n and_o approbation_n second_o that_o we_o find_v in_o experience_n that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o sheep_n a_o wander_a disposition_n so_o in_o this_o large_a wilderness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v exercise_v his_o people_n with_o various_a temptation_n by_o liberty_n by_o offer_n of_o large_a outward_a accommodation_n by_o want_n and_o straits_n by_o various_a opinion_n vent_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o respect_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o subject_a many_o time_n to_o outrunnings_n that_o we_o find_v more_o than_o ordinary_a need_n of_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o watch_n in_o many_o case_n and_o many_o that_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o officer_n friend_n and_o of_o the_o church_n have_v deep_o smart_v for_o it_o how_o say_v a_o case_n be_v it_o when_o some_o brainsick_a master_n of_o a_o family_n transport_v with_o a_o fancy_n a_o odd_a opinion_n will_v needs_o carry_v his_o whole_a family_n with_o himself_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o hazard_n of_o his_o godly_a wife_n and_o hopeful_a child_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o people_n full_a of_o fanatical_a error_n be_v it_o christian_a liberty_n or_o dangerous_a licentiousness_n to_o leave_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o he_o reply_n may_v you_o not_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o â—…he_a mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n and_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a for_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n beyond_o warrant_n to_o bind_v conscience_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o
profess_v their_o faith_n again_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o viz._n profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o joy_n to_o see_v god_n glorify_v and_o christ_n name_n profess_v and_o his_o virtue_n hold_v forth_o and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o love_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v do_v before_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o persecutor_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o what_o be_v now_o say_v we_o think_v sufficient_a to_o undermine_v what_o be_v oppose_v herein_o by_o other_o and_o may_v easy_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o the_o learned_a authourâ—…_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o clear_o up_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o our_o rigidum_fw-la examen_fw-la for_o which_o we_o be_v by_o some_o condemn_v but_o for_o further_a clear_v we_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o particular_n now_o to_o your_o reason_n more_o particular_o against_o this_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v and_o renew_v covenant_n then_o answ_n we_o answer_v first_o when_o as_o you_o say_v they_o profess_v the_o covenant_n promise_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightnes_n this_o imply_v a_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n second_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o before_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v humble_v much_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o sigh_n come_v up_o to_o god_n exod._n 2.23_o 24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a against_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o that_o land_n by_o many_o miracle_n they_o have_v god_n visible_a presence_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v instruct_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o they_o in_o abraham_n they_o be_v mighty_o deliver_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v moses_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n exod._n 14.31_o psalm_n 106.12_o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v again_o concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o three_o day_n legal_o which_o be_v for_o spiritual_a end_n and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n exod._n 19.10_o and_o thus_o be_v prepare_v as_o fit_a matter_n for_o covenant_n they_o then_o enter_v thereinto_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v thus_o external_o and_o ecclesiastical_o holy_a though_o many_o be_v internal_o stiffnecked_a blind_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o preparation_n in_o some_o work_n of_o grace_n if_o appear_v though_o not_o indeed_o real_a as_o may_v make_v way_n for_o church_n covenant_n among_o a_o people_n now_o as_o we_o see_v be_v then_o reply_n when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o repel_v any_o upon_o that_o pretence_n that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o answ_n though_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o thing_n very_o brief_o else_o the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v as_o john_n speak_v yet_o he_o that_o advise_o consider_v the_o case_n may_v see_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o john_n to_o his_o baptism_n first_o john_n be_v send_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n to_o cast_v down_o every_o high_a hill_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_n 1.4_o three_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v ever_o put_v for_o true_a repentance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o it_o prov._n 28_o 1â—…_n 1_o john_n 1.9_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o require_v confession_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o point_v unto_o joh._n 1.29_o and_o require_v with_o repentance_n act._n 19.4_o four_o do_v not_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n with_o dreadful_a thunder_a of_o god_n judgement_n for_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o conversion_n of_o heart_n and_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n mat._n 3.7_o and_o this_o luke_n say_v he_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n luke_n 3.7_o and_o whether_o any_o be_v receive_v that_o embrace_v not_o that_o doctrine_n and_o show_v the_o same_o in_o their_o confession_n viz._n that_o their_o heart_n be_v humble_v and_o that_o the_o renounce_v their_o high_a thought_n of_o their_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o profess_a amendment_n &_o fruit_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o prove_v and_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o pharesee_v &_o lawyer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n and_o publican_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o what_o counsel_n but_o that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o john_n luke_n 7.29_o 30_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o let_v any_o who_o thought_n be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la say_v whether_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o a_o discern_a charity_n ought_v to_o take_v for_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n reply_n â—…_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a inquiry_n what_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o after_o age_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o enâ—…uch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o still_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o position_n break_v out_o at_o every_o turn_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o disputation_n do_v not_o hinder_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o as_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o act._n 2.38_o and_o 8.37_o and_o 19.17_o 18_o 19_o allege_v in_o the_o margin_n show_v than_o still_o it_o appear_v they_o admit_v man_n into_o plant_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o the_o refore_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v
of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n act_v 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o bâ—…st_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v thâ—…_n to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10.9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o johnâ—…_n â—…_z 1_o 2._o and_o 5.1_o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19.17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a 1â—…_n chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o if_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la it_o â—…are_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v proâ—…anation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la fiduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumâ—…tuâ—…_n reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3.6_o act_n 8.37_o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o