art_n 10._o â—sw_n â—sw_n consider_v first_o 1_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o ability_n of_o discern_v that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n above_o any_o minister_n now_o live_v who_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v with_o less_o time_n of_o study_n so_o to_o dispatch_v and_o turn_v over_o weighty_a business_n with_o more_o speed_n and_o dexterity_n than_o we_o be_v 2_o the_o extraordinary_a wonderful_a and_o visible_a stroke_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o hear_v peter_n at_o that_o time_n the_o meeting_n the_o language_n their_o understanding_n of_o it_o god_n assistance_n of_o peter_n and_o blessing_n on_o the_o word_n all_o extraordinary_a such_o a_o day_n such_o a_o sermon_n such_o effect_n as_o never_o be_v before_o nor_o like_v to_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v remarkable_a in_o their_o conversion_n so_o also_o in_o their_o expression_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o need_v little_a trial_n when_o god_n speak_v himself_o from_o heaven_n answer_v to_o chap._n vi_o he_o report_v to_o recite_v such_o thing_n only_o as_o most_o need_v answer_n and_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v art_n 1._o 2._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v with_o all_o power_n any_o that_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o illiterate_a yet_o they_o may_v make_v &_o examine_v all_o their_o officer_n &_o unmake_v &_o depose_v they_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n so_o to_o do_v and_o preach_v expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n yea_o and_o do_v it_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o their_o officer_n as_o officer_n when_o they_o have_v they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n if_o i_o do_v delight_n in_o retort_v i_o can_v say_v of_o these_o word_n as_o he_o of_o holland_n minister_n apology_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a gull_n for_o almost_o so_o many_o word_n so_o many_o mistake_n the_o narratour_n shall_v have_v do_v well_o first_o to_o have_v prove_v all_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o new-england_n man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o then_o he_o may_v more_o easy_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o hold_v and_o practice_v such_o a_o congery_n of_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n for_o else_o many_o of_o they_o there_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v learn_v godly_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v believe_v he_o that_o they_o can_v hold_v that_o 1._o illiterate_a man_n can_v examine_v pastor_n fitness_n 2._o depose_v they_o at_o pleasure_n 3._o prithee_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n 4._o and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o their_o officer_n at_o all_o 5._o and_o which_o be_v mâ—st_o strange_a that_o christ_n himself_o have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a one_o with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o receive_a practice_n among_o we_o that_o when_o any_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n there_o be_v one_o at_o least_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o able_a part_n of_o humane_a and_o divine_a learning_n that_o either_o have_v be_v a_o minister_n in_o our_o native_a country_n or_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o usual_o and_o frequent_o preach_v to_o they_o after_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o man_n illiterate_a ☜_o ☜_o and_o w._n r._n himself_o know_v this_o to_o be_v true_a for_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 32._o quest_n 42._o which_o be_v very_a page_n he_o here_o quote_v direct_o say_v this_o in_o so_o many_o word_n 2._o that_o those_o illiterate_a man_n do_v examine_v their_o minister_n ability_n and_o that_o we_o hold_v they_o ought_v be_v another_o great_a mistake_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v put_v man_n upon_o a_o work_n beyond_o their_o reach_n which_o be_v idle_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o such_o man_n as_o they_o intend_v to_o call_v into_o office_n be_v not_o well_o know_v to_o they_o they_o use_v to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o elder_n in_o other_o church_n to_o survey_v their_o ability_n and_o to_o inform_v they_o therein_o that_o thereby_o as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o they_o and_o discern_v of_o their_o gift_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o their_o suffrage_n for_o election_n when_o the_o time_n come_v 3._o for_o their_o unmaking_n and_o depose_v they_o again_o when_o they_o see_v cause_n we_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o a_o thing_n most_o injurious_a to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o heaven_n &_o to_o his_o minister_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o not_o only_a christ_n will_v summon_v church_n at_o the_o great_a day_n to_o answer_v unto_o but_o our_o church_n there_o will_v also_o expect_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o for_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v thus_o depose_v minister_n as_o he_o say_v when_o they_o see_v cause_n unless_o christ_n himself_o shall_v see_v good_a cause_n to_o allow_v their_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o word_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v this_o that_o we_o protest_v against_o such_o practice_n and_o to_o show_v how_o wary_a we_o be_v in_o this_o point_n no_o church_n dare_v trust_v she_o own_o judgement_n but_o our_o manner_n be_v as_o his_o quote_v author_n speak_v answer_v to_o 34._o q._n of_o p._n 41._o our_o practice_n be_v in_o removal_n of_o minister_n to_o have_v counsel_n and_o assistance_n from_o sister_n church_n 4._o whereas_o he_o say_v also_o that_o we_o hold_v that_o man_n illiterate_a shall_v preach_v with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o work_n and_o a_o task_n for_o the_o able_a minister_n to_o perform_v be_v as_o far_o from_o we_o as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o for_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o some_o case_n some_o able_a judicious_a experience_a christian_n may_v humble_o &_o sober_o when_o necessity_n require_v as_o in_o the_o want_n of_o minister_n &_o be_v invite_v thereunto_o dispense_v now_o and_o then_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o preach_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n with_o all_o authority_n which_o be_v word_n of_o his_o own_o put_v in_o without_o any_o ground_n 5._o but_o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v they_o may_v thus_o preach_v when_o they_o have_v officer_n and_o that_o without_o any_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o our_o practice_n and_o further_a from_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o will_v direct_o cross_v christ_n his_o institution_n of_o call_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n and_o make_v mere_a cypher_n of_o they_o who_o office_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o preach_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o assembly_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n to_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o shut_v it_o up_o by_o silence_n so_o that_o none_o may_v so_o much_o as_o speak_v without_o his_o allowance_n ☞_o ☞_o and_o this_o expression_n of_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o narration_n in_o art_n 8._o where_o he_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o act_n we_o ascribe_v to_o our_o minister_n in_o office_n be_v to_o declare_v unto_o their_o people_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o to_o moderate_v in_o church-meeting_n yet_o here_o he_o speak_v clean_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n also_o ☞_o ☞_o 6._o for_o he_o to_o add_v that_o we_o hold_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v these_o illiterate_a man_n with_o all_o power_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o their_o power_n and_o all_o ordinary_a possibility_n contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o to_o his_o own_o institution_n be_v to_o put_v upon_o we_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o even_o to_o make_v christ_n cross_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v a_o patron_n of_o confusion_n in_o his_o own_o house_n by_o invest_v they_o with_o all_o power_n to_o oppose_v his_o own_o rule_n of_o order_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n our_o nartatour_n have_v to_o lay_v all_o these_o charge_n against_o we_o you_o will_v think_v sure_a his_o proof_n be_v strong_a or_o he_o will_v never_o have_v venture_v to_o blemish_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o god_n faithful_a i_o servant_n in_o such_o sore_a accusation_n as_o these_o true_a he_o quote_v many_o and_o that_o i_o may_v see_v his_o bottom_n i_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o print_a author_n in_o every_o page_n quote_v ☞_o ☞_o and_o i_o solemn_o profess_v it_o that_o none_o of_o these_o particular_n rehearse_v as_o he_o have_v lay_v they_o down_o much_o less_o in_o they_o all_o will_v any_o of_o they_o bear_v he_o out_o and_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o try_v whether_o
i_o blame_v he_o just_o or_o no_o by_o peruse_v the_o book_n but_o that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o sober_o and_o cautious_o his_o quote_v author_n speak_v of_o church_n use_v their_o liberty_n i_o will_v write_v their_o own_o word_n ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n 44._o we_o conceive_v every_o church_n have_v right_a from_o christ_n to_o transact_v all_o their_o church_n business_n but_o mark_v the_o caution_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a and_o carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n how_o different_a be_v those_o word_n from_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a place_n he_o cite_v you_o say_v w._n r._n you_o undertake_v only_o to_o tell_v a_o story_n of_o new-england_n church_n way_n but_o now_o you_o make_v a_o story_n of_o your_o own_o and_o frame_v it_o and_o mould_v it_o after_o your_o own_o fashion_n you_o can_v so_o add_v and_o alter_v as_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v as_o you_o please_v that_o we_o and_o our_o way_n may_v seem_v odious_a to_o the_o church_n ☞_o ☞_o be_v this_o a_o trthe_v of_o it_o in_o love_n as_o you_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o your_o postscript_n and_o dare_v you_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o your_o book_n as_o in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o your_o preface_n you_o do_v say_v now_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n go_v with_o this_o poor_a pamphlet_n when_o it_o be_v so_o stuff_v and_o bombast_v with_o such_o fearful_a untruth_n and_o slander_n art_n 3._o all_o which_o church_n matter_n we_o claim_v power_n say_v he_o to_o our_o self_n to_o do_v without_o any_o authority_n concurrence_n or_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o officer_n authority_n be_v either_o immediate_o from_o the_o person_n answer_n &_o that_o some_o call_v coercive_a and_o force_a or_o from_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o some_o call_v doctrinal_a no_o less_o bind_v then_o the_o other_o the_o former_a in_o transact_v church_n matter_n we_o use_v not_o for_o want_v of_o scripture_n ground_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v any_o other_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n power_n over_o we_o the_o latter_a upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o improve_v by_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o church_n and_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o follow_v their_o counsel_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n art_n 6._o he_o say_v we_o hold_v the_o church_n if_o she_o conceive_v that_o the_o officer_n do_v not_o use_v their_o power_n well_o may_v resume_v it_o unto_o herself_o if_o he_o mean_v while_o they_o abide_v in_o their_o office_n they_o may_v do_v this_o answ_n we_o must_v profess_v against_o his_o relation_n for_o if_o the_o officer_n do_v abuse_v their_o power_n the_o church_n exhort_v he_o as_o a_o father_n to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n receive_v from_o the_o lord_n as_o col._n 4.17_o and_o if_o great_a need_n require_v they_o may_v admonish_v he_o and_o if_o no_o other_o mean_n will_v possible_o cure_v they_o may_v at_o last_o for_o incorrigble_v go_v on_o in_o manifest_a abuse_n of_o his_o place_n excommunicate_v he_o but_o in_o no_o wiâ—e_n while_o he_o abide_v in_o office_n to_o resume_v their_o power_n and_o enter_v upon_o his_o work_n and_o observe_v he_o again_o quote_v his_o author_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o his_o speech_n who_o be_v not_o for_o he_o but_o against_o he_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n 58._o where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o member_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n and_o presume_v above_o his_o place_n may_v do_v our_o ministerial_a act_n of_o church_n government_n but_o the_o presbyter_n may_v only_o do_v they_o which_o ans_fw-fr of_o we_o do_v also_o take_v off_o those_o marginall_n pag._n 26._o and_o save_v we_o further_o labour_n and_o part_n of_o the_o 7._o art_n also_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n he_o say_v art_n 7._o we_o hold_v the_o officer_n be_v all_o but_o the_o church_n servant_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o church_n the_o mistress_n that_o all_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n servant_n be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o a_o minister_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o we_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 5._o answer_n ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n but_o because_o he_o must_v needs_o keep_v his_o hand_n inure_v he_o will_v in_o this_o as_o almost_o in_o all_o his_o article_n be_v still_o add_v something_o of_o his_o own_o to_o blur_v the_o business_n therefore_o he_o say_v we_o hold_v o_o ficer_n but_o the_o churchâ—s_a servant_n which_o word_n but_o imply_v a_o vilify_n of_o minister_n and_o their_o place_n whereas_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1._o thes_n 5.13_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v only_a servant_n nothing_o but_o servant_n whereas_o we_o know_v they_o be_v governor_n also_o 2._o â—â—_o add_v another_o expression_n of_o his_o own_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n and_o make_v a_o great_a stir_n in_o his_o marg._n on_o that_o article_n that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v a_o servant_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n whereas_o it_o be_v his_o own_o addition_n and_o not_o our_o speech_n answ_n the_o officer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o ruler_n and_o a_o servant_n too_o in_o diverse_a respect_n as_o heb._n 13.17_o with_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 5._o and_o christ_n himself_o be_v both_o and_o so_o be_v the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n a_o servant_n to_o the_o common_a weal_n but_o his_o spirit_n be_v loath_a to_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o labour_n to_o evade_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o bishop_n make_v use_v of_o for_o their_o sole_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o know_v to_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n for_o they_o equal_o and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v a_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v well_o say_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n the_o maxâ—m_n of_o law_n hold_v good_a in_o divinity_n that_o a_o king_n be_v singulis_fw-la maior_fw-la universis_fw-la minor_fw-la so_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v singulis_fw-la maiores_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la minores_fw-la to_o art_n 9_o that_o every_o member_n except_o woman_n and_o those_o under_o age_n have_v equal_a power_n even_o with_o the_o minister_n themselves_o in_o propound_v object_v answer_v and_o judicial_a decree_a and_o give_v sentence_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o whether_o pertain_v to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n â—sw_n â—sw_n the_o relator_n of_o a_o story_n especial_o when_o he_o pretend_v and_o promise_v to_o write_v nothing_o material_a but_o from_o his_o cite_a author_n shall_v be_v faithful_a ☞_o ☞_o and_o not_o make_v bold_a gross_o to_o vary_v from_o the_o matter_n manner_n word_n scope_n and_o all_o much_o less_o to_o cite_v author_n that_o speak_v against_o he_o but_o if_o you_o read_v his_o author_n ans_fw-fr to_o 32_o q._n p._n 44._o the_o place_n cite_v even_o now_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o church_n indeed_o have_v a_o right_a within_o herself_o to_o transact_v she_o own_o matter_n but_o how_o according_a to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o word_n do_v the_o word_n ever_o give_v people_n liberty_n equal_a with_o the_o minister_n do_v it_o not_o profess_o condemn_v such_o do_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_o print_a author_n of_o our_o own_o that_o we_o can_v come_v at_o bring_v to_o justify_v this_o absurd_a article_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v see_v in_o our_o way_n it_o be_v against_o our_o principle_n to_o have_v people_n propound_v and_o give_v sentence_n in_o the_o church_n decree_n these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n proper_a to_o the_o officer_n as_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o q._n 57_o 58._o plain_o speak_v and_o yet_o he_o faâ—th_v we_o hold_v the_o people_n have_v power_n yea_o equal_a power_n and_o that_o with_o the_o minister_n themselves_o even_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o will_v become_v of_o his_o marg._n on_o this_o art_n full_a of_o exclamation_n and_o clamout_n this_o body_n say_v he_o be_v all_o a_o eye_n all_o tongue_n all_o governor_n all_o teacher_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o he_o fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o we_o leave_v he_o so_o to_o do_v 5._o he_o tell_v we_o in_o art_n 10._o and_o the_o marg._n that_o we_o hold_v all_o thing_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o full_a debate_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n until_o all_o be_v satisfy_v mark_v his_o word_n how_o large_a 1_o all_o thing_n 2_o a_o full_a debate_n 3_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o before_o the_o whole_a society_n till_o all_o be_v satisfy_v and_o not_o one_o word_n we_o can_v come_v at_o to_o prove_v any_o of_o these_o universall_n
of_o error_n deliver_v before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o people_n &_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o minister_n etc._n etc._n all_o this_o be_v his_o own_o addition_n then_o for_o the_o other_o cite_v author_n answer_n to_o 32_o q._n 78_o he_o deal_v more_o gross_o with_o he_o then_o the_o former_a who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n pointblank_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o bold_o give_v he_o up_o for_o a_o author_n his_o word_n be_v these_o we_o never_o know_v any_o minister_n that_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n thus_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o propound_v question_n and_o such_o call_n upon_o they_o be_v far_o from_o we_o some_o think_v the_o people_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o ask_v a_o question_n upon_o very_o urgent_a and_o weighty_a cause_n none_o judge_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o necessary_a but_o if_o not_o meek_o and_o wise_o carry_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o such_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v 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imperial_a answ_n all_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o church-power_n be_v that_o it_o be_v ministerial_a which_o be_v far_o from_o absolute_a and_o imperial_a word_n fit_a for_o emperor_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o charge_v it_o on_o his_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n either_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v or_o else_o vindicate_v we_o as_o become_v a_o honest_a christian_n to_o do_v and_o for_o his_o two_o print_a author_n cite_v for_o we_o can_v come_v at_o his_o private_a letter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o word_n or_o show_v of_o ground_n from_o they_o to_o maintain_v his_o speech_n let_v i_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o it_o for_o i_o here_o avouch_v the_o contrary_a under_o my_o hand_n to_o art_n 3._o and_o marg._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o representation_n of_o church_n absent_a and_o all_o authoritative_a deputation_n of_o messenger_n to_o act_v for_o they_o â—nsw_n â—nsw_n 1._o the_o reader_n may_v well_o see_v it_o 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etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o some_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o be_v a_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o gravity_n able_a to_o instruct_v other_o you_o know_v you_o may_v not_o blemish_v your_o brethren_n and_o slâ—nder_a church_n upon_o such_o poor_a and_o weak_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v report_v i_o be_o inform_v some_o tell_v we_o and_o yet_o how_o oft_o in_o your_o book_n have_v you_o use_v this_o course_n of_o deal_n towards_o your_o bretbren_n and_o their_o church_n some_o tell_v we_o indeed_o be_v warrant_n enough_o for_o people_n that_o have_v no_o other_o business_n to_o make_v three_o farthing_n book_n of_o and_o thereby_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o tale_n but_o oh_o far_o be_v
haply_o to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o that_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o blow_v a_o fire_n 2._o when_o we_o do_v appear_v in_o pulpit_n or_o press_n whether_o it_o be_v without_o instigation_n or_o no_o and_o how_o spare_v we_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o until_o some_o late_a force_a reply_n and_o how_o inoffensive_a in_o our_o carriage_n and_o preach_n we_o leave_v to_o all_o godly_a to_o judge_v 3._o instance_n but_o in_o the_o holland_n brethren_n apology_n be_v it_o impetuous_o do_v be_v it_o a_o mock_v narrative_n a_o mere_a gull_a as_o this_o man_n most_o abusive_o style_v it_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o full_a of_o peaceablenesse_n modesty_n and_o candour_n and_o seasonable_o needful_a as_o that_o reverend_a man_n affirm_v in_o print_n 4._o do_v not_o w._n r._n know_v that_o about_o this_o time_n of_o promise_n and_o paction_n or_o a_o while_n after_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n do_v write_v a_o letter_n into_o scotland_n with_o many_o 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or_o wrong_n and_o if_o neither_o new-england_n nor_o holland_n brethren_n be_v worth_a a_o narrative_a let_v he_o come_v he_o will_v frame_v one_o himself_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v no_o mock_n narrative_n no_o mere_a gull_a as_o the_o holland_n brethren_n produce_v but_o a_o more_o solid_a thing_n now_o what_o it_o be_v will_v appear_v if_o we_o weigh_v three_o thing_n that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v it_o be_v sandy_a and_o insufficient_a the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n unloving_a and_o irregular_a the_o matter_n of_o it_o 1._o full_o of_o gross_a mistake_n contrariety_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o contradiction_n to_o itself_o 2._o his_o quotation_n abuse_v extreme_o and_o wrest_v 3._o his_o marginal_a note_n very_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a and_o according_a to_o this_o method_n we_o will_v proceed_v and_o undertake_v to_o make_v all_o these_o particular_n good_a in_o our_o answer_n first_o for_o his_o ground_n you_o will_v think_v that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o all_o his_o work_n be_v found_v and_o all_o new-england_n church_n tax_v have_v need_n be_v sound_a even_o adequate_a or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o prove_v himself_o a_o wise_a builder_n but_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o our_o own_o print_a book_n 2._o private_a letter_n 3._o other_o good_a intelligence_n as_o himself_o say_v in_o his_o title_n for_o the_o print_a book_n which_o he_o quote_v they_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n there_o but_o that_o these_o be_v right_o conceive_v know_v 1._o these_o book_n five_o in_o number_n be_v not_o write_v from_o all_o the_o elder_n two_o of_o they_o but_o from_o one_o only_a another_o from_o some_o few_o none_o of_o they_o from_o all_o 2._o not_o write_v to_o the_o church_n here_o as_o a_o platform_n of_o our_o practice_n but_o send_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o one_o or_o more_o brethren_n in_o england_n that_o desire_a satisfaction_n to_o some_o quaetee_n of_o their_o own_o whereof_o w._n r._n himself_o be_v one_o 3._o nor_o intend_v by_o they_o for_o the_o press_n much_o less_o to_o be_v make_v a_o standard_n to_o prove_v our_o church_n opinion_n and_o way_n by_o but_o publish_v by_o some_o well-minded_a here_o without_o their_o knowledge_n yea_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o have_v keep_v close_o to_o these_o in_o his_o narration_n he_o have_v save_v his_o credit_n and_o my_o pain_n but_o you_o shall_v see_v he_o have_v so_o abuse_v and_o wrest_v they_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o well-near_a a_o hundred_o place_n that_o his_o assertion_n be_v not_o their_o say_n and_o word_n but_o his_o own_o and_o they_o will_v leave_v he_o to_o quit_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v for_o as_o scripture_n itself_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o thing_n abuse_v be_v no_o scripture_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o man_n pervert_v be_v no_o more_o they_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v plentiful_o appear_v sundry_a private_a letter_n lie_v by_o he_o as_o he_o say_v send_v 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they_o themselves_o understand_v be_v all_o these_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o church_n interpreter_n do_v not_o w._n r._n himself_o in_o his_o preface_n say_v scribimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la indocti_fw-la doctique_fw-la 3._o other_o may_v be_v novice_n &_o not_o well_o verse_v in_o our_o way_n nor_o ripe_a to_o give_v the_o church_n verdict_n 4._o some_o other_o haply_o be_v but_o in_o part_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o not_o come_v off_o full_o to_o the_o church_n practice_n there_o 5._o other_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o place_n and_o person_n and_o prejudice_n himself_n know_v can_v hardly_o speak_v well_o and_o we_o know_v diverse_a such_o have_v write_v letter_n which_o it_o be_v like_a be_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n therefore_o these_o can_v be_v build_v upon_o for_o competent_a witness_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v in_o his_o postcript_n pag._n 50._o object_n that_o these_o letter_n come_v from_o member_n of_o church_n and_o many_o from_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v 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or_o no_o for_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o question_n ☜_o ☜_o because_o he_o thrust_v in_o t._n g._n to_o i._n g._n among_o his_o new-england_n letter_n and_o yet_o these_o man_n never_o come_v there_o though_o himself_o faith_n in_o postscript_n pag._n 51._o ult_n l._n that_o his_o letter_n come_v from_o member_n of_o our_o church_n in_o new-england_n and_o as_o he_o add_v some_o so_o he_o may_v add_v more_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v 2._o if_o such_o letter_n be_v send_v how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o such_o expression_n as_o he_o report_v be_v in_o those_o letter_n 2._o or_o such_o a_o scope_n as_o he_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v collect_v from_o those_o expression_n all_o these_o must_v be_v clear_v before_o we_o can_v ground_v any_o thing_n upon_o they_o but_o w._n r._n tell_v we_o so_o ans_fw-fr so_o he_o tell_v we_o other_o story_n in_o this_o book_n that_o be_v as_o far_o from_o truth_n as_o old-england_n be_v from_o new_a which_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o credit_v 2._o if_o he_o have_v so_o extreme_o mistake_v the_o print_a letter_n which_o he_o know_v we_o can_v come_v at_o to_o peruse_v how_o can_v we_o or_o any_o else_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v not_o more_o abuse_v his_o private_a letter_n which_o no_o eye_n but_o his_o own_o may_v see_v 3._o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o mention_a exception_n can_v be_v have_v but_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o letter_n be_v as_o honest_a sound_a able_a man_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o suppose_v we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o particular_n recite_v yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v because_o they_o be_v but_o single_a man_n and_o write_v as_o private_a person_n their_o own_o thought_n not_o as_o be_v trust_v by_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o write_v their_o common_a judgement_n therefore_o no_o ground_n to_o esteem_v their_o letter_n of_o such_o authentical_a force_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n or_o be_v man_n 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abundance_n of_o place_n he_o produce_v none_o of_o the_o print_a book_n at_o all_o for_o proof_n but_o only_o â—hese_fw-mi private_a letter_n as_o his_o only_a ground_n as_o cap._n 1._o art_n 2._o cap._n â—â—_o art_n 2._o medio_fw-la and_o art_n 4._o and_o art_n 5._o and_o art_n 11._o cap._n 4._o art_n 9_o and_o pag._n 17._o pag._n 18._o pag._n 19_o cap._n 5._o art_n 2._o and_o art_n 3._o and_o art_n 4._o and_o art_n 5._o and_o art_n 6._o and_o art_n 7._o and_o art_n 8._o and_o art_n 9_o and_o art_n 10._o and_o art_n 11._o cap._n 6._o art_n 10._o cap._n 7._o art_n 4._o art_n 5._o art_n 6._o art_n 7._o cap._n 9_o 9_o and_o above_o twenty_o more_o mention_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o the_o postscript_n therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o ground_n a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o his_o narration_n upon_o these_o private_a writing_n which_o be_v altogether_o insufficient_a as_o we_o have_v prove_v upon_o demonstrate_v reason_n but_o he_o be_v not_o there_o himself_o a_o eyewitness_n to_o behold_v thing_n object_n he_o produce_v the_o best_a ground_n he_o have_v for_o his_o narrative_n what_o calling_n have_v he_o more_o than_o other_o ans_fw-fr to_o make_v any_o narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v 3000._o mile_n off_o which_o he_o know_v no_o better_a he_o shall_v rather_o have_v let_v it_o alone_o then_o abuse_v the_o truth_n the_o churchâ—s_n and_o all_o dabble_v himself_o upon_o such_o slight_a ground_n as_o these_o be_v but_o see_v his_o three_o ground_n he_o have_v other_z good_a intelligence_n that_o be_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n 1._o who_o can_v witness_v he_o have_v such_o intelligence_n answer_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v good_a intelligence_n 3._o where_o be_v those_o good_a intelligencer_n let_v they_o come_v face_n to_o face_n and_o be_v try_v but_o if_o they_o be_v peep_v behind_o the_o door_n we_o own_v they_o not_o for_o good_a intelligencer_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o this_o foundation_n whereon_o he_o build_v his_o story_n and_o the_o axlettee_n on_o which_o all_o the_o burden_n lie_v be_v thus_o break_v the_o narrative_n must_v needs_o fall_v without_o any_o further_a opposition_n but_o as_o his_o ground_n be_v weak_a so_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceeding_n be_v 1._o unloving_a 2._o irregular_a 1._o unloving_a witness_v 1_o all_o those_o calumny_n he_o strive_v with_o all_o his_o might_n though_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o cast_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o honour_v brethren_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o postscript_n 2._o his_o crosse-grained_n animadversion_n where_o be_v so_o many_o quib_n gib_n scoff_n and_o far-fetched_a collection_n to_o make_v new-england_n man_n and_o their_o way_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n together_o with_o his_o dark_a
collect_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n 2._o yet_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n to_o impose_v such_o a_o platform_n upon_o church_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n therein_o because_o we_o know_v not_o that_o christ_n ever_o enjoin_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v w._n r._n not_o to_o stumble_v at_o our_o church_n much_o less_o take_v upon_o he_o so_o masterly_a to_o control_v we_o because_o we_o have_v it_o not_o to_o the_o marginall_n of_o art_n 2._o he_o wonder_v how_o we_o so_o soon_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o exact_a form_n of_o discipline_n objection_n 1_o without_o a_o platform_n we_o answer_v he_o yea_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o answ_n we_o have_v it_o from_o that_o pattern_n of_o wholesome_a word_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n god_n good_a spirit_n open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o some_o other_o also_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o humble_o set_v themselves_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o light_n may_v come_v to_o see_v a_o exacter_n form_n of_o discipline_n then_o it_o may_v be_v hither_o to_o they_o have_v do_v but_o why_o do_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n say_v he_o beside_o your_o objection_n 2_o self_n see_v this_o way_n but_o all_o oppose_v it_o bless_a be_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o do_v see_v and_o follow_v it_o answ_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o oppose_v it_o and_o even_o england_n be_v come_v near_o it_o by_o many_o step_n of_o late_a then_o before_o he_o that_o have_v bring_v they_o from_o episcopacy_n impose_v form_n and_o popish_a ceremony_n etc._n etc._n can_v carry_v they_o on_o further_a 2._o most_o of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o but_o oppose_v our_o way_n be_v they_o that_o either_o have_v not_o hear_v our_o ground_n or_o else_o have_v not_o impartial_o weigh_v they_o and_o hence_o have_v receive_v a_o prejudice_n against_o our_o practice_n 3._o to_o reveal_v light_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n he_o may_v choose_v what_o truth_n he_o will_v manifest_v and_o when_o and_o to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o will_v dispense_v they_o as_o christ_n say_v mat._n 25.11_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o thou_o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v father_n because_o thy_o good_a will_n be_v so_o objection_n 3_o but_o we_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o a_o precedent_n why_o not_o rather_o to_o a_o platform_n answ_n 1._o let_v he_o consider_v well_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o reproach_n injurious_o cast_v upon_o we_o who_o endeavour_n be_v and_o have_v be_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n not_o to_o follow_v man_n or_o church_n precedent_n further_o than_o we_o see_v they_o follow_v christ_n for_o though_o at_o first_o a_o precedent_n may_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o directory_n into_o the_o right_a way_n yet_o the_o practice_n may_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o truth_n itself_o discern_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o precedent_n according_a to_o john_n 4.42_o they_o be_v first_o lead_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o woman_n yet_o after_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o the_o truth_n they_o discern_v to_o be_v in_o he_o ob._n ob._n all_o our_o church_n say_v he_o in_o new-england_n &_o their_o member_n do_v clear_o see_v the_o shine_a light_n of_o discipline_n by_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o way_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o doâ—_n tiâ—_n themselves_o to_o a_o precedent_n ans_fw-fr be_v not_o here_o a_o contradiction_n for_o if_o we_o all_o have_v full_a clear_a shine_a light_n ☞_o ☞_o than_o we_o need_v no_o spectacle_n of_o a_o precedent_n or_o if_o we_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o a_o precedent_n it_o be_v because_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v not_o full_a and_o clear_a light_n of_o our_o own_o objection_n 4_o but_o we_o have_v have_v division_n among_o we_o ans_fw-fr 1._o those_o division_n be_v not_o cause_v by_o our_o church_n discipline_n but_o by_o certain_a vile_a opinion_n bring_v to_o we_o from_o england_n which_o i_o fear_v be_v your_o own_o case_n this_o day_n and_o yet_o no_o blame_n you_o will_v say_v 2._o through_o rich_a mercy_n they_o be_v long_o since_o subdue_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o his_o truth_n o_o that_o you_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o the_o loose_a opinion_n here_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o for_o which_o we_o sigh_v daily_o to_o heaven_n on_o your_o behalf_n and_o dare_v not_o reproach_v you_o with_o it_o 3._o when_o these_o division_n do_v fall_n it_o be_v while_o our_o discipline_n stand_v which_o show_v that_o our_o discipline_n breed_v they_o not_o but_o destroy_v they_o rather_o objection_n 5_o to_o the_o margin_n on_o article_n 3_o if_o a_o impose_v platform_n by_o imperious_a power_n be_v unlawful_a in_o other_o why_o do_v we_o so_o rigorrous_o press_v other_o to_o our_o precedent_n answ_n to_o impose_v a_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o a_o imperious_a power_n which_o may_v possible_o be_v erroneous_a in_o itself_o or_o without_o evidence_n to_o other_o conscience_n on_o who_o it_o be_v press_v can_v be_v lawful_a but_o for_o we_o to_o make_v the_o perfect_a word_n our_o pattern_n then_o careful_o inform_v other_o therein_o and_o after_o information_n lead_v they_o by_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o and_o far_o from_o a_o slavish_a invitation_n by_o ourselves_o or_o rigâ—â—â—_n press_v of_o a_o precedent_n upon_o other_o both_o which_o here_o he_o impute_v very_o unjust_o to_o we_o as_o god_n have_v keep_v we_o hitherto_o from_o such_o imperious_a rigour_n so_o i_o hope_v by_o his_o grace_n he_o will_v ever_o do_v but_o we_o forbear_v give_v of_o our_o privilege_n to_o such_o as_o conform_v not_o to_o our_o objection_n 6_o way_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v our_o way_n and_o not_o christ_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o part_n the_o same_o with_o the_o prelate_n of_o late_a but_o to_o forbear_v give_v privilege_n to_o such_o as_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o participation_n be_v no_o rigour_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o christ_n himself_o will_v do_v if_o in_o our_o place_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o all_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n do_v who_o first_o require_v conformity_n before_o they_o permit_v to_o any_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o liberty_n 3._o do_v we_o any_o more_o herein_o than_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n themselves_o at_o this_o day_n who_o will_v not_o willing_o admit_v unto_o church-imployment_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o either_o these_o or_o those_o exercise_n rigour_n but_o we_o will_v not_o own_o such_o as_o sister_n church_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o though_o objection_n 7_o but_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o church_n discipline_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n differ_v from_o we_o not_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n but_o in_o many_o as_o w._n r._n ans_fw-fr ☜_o ☜_o himself_o say_v and_o yet_o we_o own_v they_o as_o sister_n church_n witness_v his_o own_o quote_v author_n discourse_v of_o covenant_n p._n 36._o at_o large_a mr._n cotton_v print_v letter_n all_o which_o affirm_v in_o effect_n and_o some_o in_o word_n that_o we_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o and_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v we_o entreat_v w._n r._n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o a_o slander_n in_o such_o a_o general_a accusation_n of_o his_o brethren_n yet_o we_o more_o rigid_o impose_v our_o pattern_n then_o any_o church_n ever_o do_v objection_n 8_o how_o great_a a_o aspersion_n this_o be_v i_o leave_v other_o to_o judge_n answ_n and_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o why_o have_v there_o ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o attempt_n among_o we_o to_o suspend_v excommunicate_a ☜_o ☜_o deprive_v banish_v imprison_v any_o for_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n as_o of_o late_a in_o england_n for_o nonconformity_n or_o to_o raise_v a_o bloody_a war_n for_o bishop_n &_o a_o service_n book_n as_o against_o our_o brethren_n in_o scotland_n or_o to_o slander_v falsify_v author_n render_v many_o godly_a church_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n as_o w._n r._n himself_o have_v do_v in_o this_o book_n mere_o for_o difference_n from_o he_o in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n we_o have_v indeed_o civil_o &_o ecclesiastical_o censure_v divers_a there_o among_o we_o but_o it_o be_v for_o obstinacy_n in_o weighty_a point_n in_o religion_n sedition_n in_o the_o state_n scandalous_a practice_n as_o also_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o but_o not_o any_o for_o inconformity_n in_o church_n discipline_n answer_v to_o chap._n ii_o he_o say_v art_n 1._o 2._o that_o
it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n i._n e._n that_o we_o have_v no_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o if_o he_o study_v to_o cross_v himself_o he_o be_v as_o full_a in_o his_o denial_n of_o it_o vid._n cap._n 9_o art_n 4_o 5._o 2._o note_v how_o thick_a his_o say_n and_o unsaying_n fall_v in_o cap._n 9_o art_n 1._o ☜_o ☜_o he_o affirm_v we_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o church_n member_n and_o then_o present_o in_o 4_o 5._o art_n of_o the_o very_a same_o chap._n he_o express_o deny_v that_o we_o hold_v any_o such_o communion_n then_o again_o in_o the_o very_a next_o chap._n the_o 10._o art_n 1._o he_o say_v as_o full_a as_o can_v be_v that_o we_o hold_v communion_n mutual_o with_o other_o church_n and_o by_o in_o chap._n 12._o 8._o as_o full_o and_o express_o deny_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v a_o able_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v more_o remarkable_a he_o shall_v be_v thus_o extreme_o leave_v to_o confound_v himself_o while_o he_o seek_v to_o confound_v our_o poor_a innocent_a church_n let_v any_o careful_o observe_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n mention_v whether_o i_o have_v not_o deal_v candid_o with_o he_o or_o no._n art_n 2._o he_o report_v 1_o that_o one_o church_n may_v give_v power_n to_o another_o over_o any_o of_o her_o member_n for_o excommunication_n 2_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n may_v convey_v power_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o another_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n answer_n neither_o of_o both_o which_o do_v we_o hold_v or_o practice_v the_o only_a author_n cite_v that_o we_o can_v come_v at_o be_v cot._n cat._n p._n 7._o who_o word_n be_v these_o the_o supper_n be_v dispense_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o like_a body_n see_v if_o here_o be_v one_o tittle_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o yet_o from_o these_o assertion_n which_o he_o say_v we_o hold_v he_o fling_v rebuke_n upon_o we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o his_o own_o text._n p._n 37._o whereas_o indeed_o we_o may_v reprove_v he_o 1_o misreport_v 2_o abuse_v his_o author_n 3_o reprove_v we_o without_o cause_n without_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o one_o church_n and_o minister_n to_o another_o it_o be_v unlawful_a say_v he_o art_n 3._o in_o any_o case_n to_o administer_v any_o church_n ordinance_n to_o any_o church_n member_n but_o their_o own_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 1._o here_o be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o proof_n to_o be_v see_v answ_n 2._o letter_n of_o recommendation_n for_o public_a participation_n be_v not_o send_v from_o one_o minister_n to_o another_o but_o from_o a_o church_n to_o a_o church_n 3._o we_o hold_v it_o not_o unlawful_a but_o do_v often_o practice_v to_o receive_v other_o member_n to_o communion_n with_o we_o without_o letter_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v know_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n else_o such_o letter_n be_v desirable_a but_o he_o say_v we_o do_v it_o not_o in_o any_o case_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o without_o proof_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n that_o if_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a people_n shall_v sit_v near_o we_o where_o our_o power_n reach_v differ_v from_o we_o only_o in_o some_o point_n of_o church-government_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n but_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o severe_a punishment_n by_o our_o magistrate_n ans_fw-fr 1_o if_o you_o weigh_v well_o this_o accusation_n of_o we_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v very_o harsh_a and_o sore_o and_o here_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o h._n w._n who_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v tell_v unless_o some_o malignant_a or_o backfriend_n among_o we_o there_o or_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ever_o write_v in_o these_o word_n and_o sense_n i_o know_v not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v certain_o so_o write_v and_o from_o a_o godly_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n and_o i_o be_o forbid_v and_o so_o be_v all_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o one_o elder_a much_o more_o against_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n in_o new-england_n without_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o believe_v it_o 2._o to_o this_o very_a point_n in_o hand_n the_o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o 9_o p._n 82_o 83._o speak_v full_o and_o fair_o which_o w._n r._n well_o know_v for_o it_o be_v write_v to_o himself_o among_o other_o deal_v not_o candid_o to_o conceal_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o print_a book_n from_o know_a author_n of_o credit_n in_o new-england_n because_o it_o be_v fair_a and_o love_a for_o what_o other_o ground_n can_v he_o have_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o h.w._n a_o man_n we_o know_v not_o which_o be_v harsh_a and_o distasteful_a how_o can_v the_o conceal_n of_o that_o and_o relate_v of_o this_o seem_v ingenuous_a or_o friendly_a to_o we_o or_o the_o truth_n answer_v to_o chap._n xi_o he_o make_v report_n of_o a_o groundless_a course_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o the_o church_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n where_o say_v he_o the_o people_n use_v to_o meet_v together_o private_o each_o one_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o or_o her_o soul_n from_o the_o first_o conversion_n to_o that_o day_n so_o that_o their_o pastor_n may_v know_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o say_v also_o that_o as_o some_o report_n the_o end_n of_o this_o meeting_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n non-proficients_a ans_fw-fr with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o godly_a man_n call_v such_o meeting_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o such_o a_o holy_a end_n as_o to_o try_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n a_o groundless_a meeting_n and_o so_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o it_o for_o he_o make_v proof_n of_o no_o other_o end_n beside_o that_o 2._o do_v these_o godly_a people_n ever_o cast_v any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o mere_o for_o nonproficiency_n 3._o he_o have_v still_o forget_v that_o rule_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3.19_o that_o require_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n who_o yet_o proceed_v upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o relation_n to_o believe_v and_o report_v yea_o and_o print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n what_o in_o his_o opinion_n may_v detract_v from_o a_o reverend_a elder_n and_o a_o godly_a church_n also_o no_o marvel_n he_o call_v his_o book_n a_o poor_a pamphlet_n true_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o if_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v discover_v in_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o poor_a before_o we_o have_v do_v to_o any_o candid_a reader_n it_o be_v our_o humble_a suit_n to_o heaven_n that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o himself_o the_o weakness_n and_o error_n of_o his_o deal_n herein_o for_o the_o humble_v of_o his_o spirit_n answer_v to_o chap._n xii_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v serve_v to_o this_o long_a chapter_n for_o most_o of_o it_o as_o also_o of_o the_o two_o next_o be_v but_o a_o repetition_n of_o thing_n speak_v once_o or_o twice_o some_o of_o they_o thrice_o before_o and_o answer_v to_o already_o he_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o preface_n he_o want_v not_o workâ—_n but_o it_o seem_v now_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n and_o so_o he_o think_v his_o reader_n be_v also_o else_o why_o he_o shall_v so_o double_v &_o treble_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la i_o know_v not_o unless_o happy_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o mistake_n in_o his_o reader_n in_o art_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v it_o be_v often_o some_o year_n before_o she_o address_v herself_o to_o the_o call_n of_o officer_n whereas_o it_o be_v our_o usual_a and_o constant_a course_n as_o have_v be_v say_v not_o to_o gather_v any_o church_n until_o they_o have_v one_o among_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr fit_a for_o a_o minister_n who_o with_o all_o speed_n they_o call_v into_o office_n and_o account_v themselves_o a_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a body_n till_o that_o be_v effect_v in_o his_o marg._n on_o that_o art_n he_o say_v he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o comfort_n that_o many_o that_o be_v count_v good_a minister_n in_o old-england_n be_v there_o lay_v aside_o because_o they_o aim_v at_o man_n of_o special_a part_n 1._o we_o desire_v proof_n for_o this_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v on_o we_o answ_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v still_o father_n it_o upon_o himself_o as_o