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ground_n church_n scripture_n truth_n 5,145 5 6.4163 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A88943 Church-government and church-covenant discussed, in an answer of the elders of the severall churches in New-England to two and thirty questions, sent over to them by divers ministers in England, to declare their judgments therein. Together with an apologie of the said elders in New-England for church-covenant, sent over in answer to Master Bernard in the yeare 1639. As also in an answer to nine positions about church-government. And now published for the satisfaction of all who desire resolution in those points. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. Apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670. 1643 (1643) Wing M1270; Thomason E106_8; Thomason E106_9; ESTC R18913 104,756 140

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same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n proclamation_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o a_o occasion_n rather_o of_o bring_v some_o into_o the_o church_n who_o come_v not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n but_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o obtain_v favour_n yet_o this_o can_v hinder_v but_o other_o may_v voluntary_o and_o free_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o subjection_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o themselves_o do_v hearty_o desire_v though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v have_v say_v nothing_o in_o it_o if_o any_o shall_v hereupon_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v church_n than_o the_o member_n of_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n in_o new_a england_n before_o they_o join_v to_o our_o church_n such_o one_o may_v find_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o thirty-two_a question_n whereunto_o we_o do_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o this_o point_n only_o add_v this_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o man_n for_o member_n without_o personal_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o covenant_n though_o he_o have_v former_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o another_o place_n as_o be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o master_n parker_n last_o if_o any_o say_v that_o if_o these_o reason_n prove_v the_o english_a congregation_n to_o have_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o rome_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n go_v for_o true_a church_n also_o for_o some_o man_n may_v think_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v for_o they_o that_o here_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o objection_n be_v say_v for_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n such_o one_o must_v remember_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v simple_o a_o covenant_n 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in_o doctrine_n and_o other_o antichristian_a pollution_n and_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o combine_v in_o these_o thing_n such_o combination_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o true_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o but_o the_o religion_n of_o papist_n be_v so_o far_o from_o truth_n that_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o it_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v witness_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o point_n of_o vilify_a the_o scripture_n and_o in_o point_n of_o freewill_n and_o of_o justification_n by_o work_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n in_o regard_n of_o which_o and_o such_o like_a the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o sea_n become_v as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o every_o soul_n in_o that_o sea_n die_v rev._n 16._o 3._o and_o therefore_o agreement_n in_o such_o a_o religion_n will_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n nor_o any_o assembly_n of_o arrian_n antitrinitary_n anabaptist_n or_o famelist_n suppose_v they_o also_o to_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o but_o now_o for_o the_o assembly_n in_o england_n the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o they_o promise_v to_o hold_v and_o observe_v though_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o some_o of_o those_o article_n and_o though_o many_o person_n live_v contrary_a in_o their_o life_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v such_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v save_v therein_o and_o therefore_o assembly_n unite_v by_o covenant_n to_o observe_v this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a church_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o may_v be_v false_a although_o they_o also_o 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nor_o of_o their_o sorcery_n nor_o of_o their_o fornication_n nor_o of_o their_o theft_n rev._n 9_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o for_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n we_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o do_v not_o sin_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o of_o ignorance_n have_v not_o be_v convince_v and_o many_o of_o they_o never_o have_v have_v mean_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n remain_v among_o they_o may_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n when_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o papist_n in_o like_a stead_n they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a which_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o parish_n altogether_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o nay_o rather_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n we_o may_v lament_v it_o with_o tear_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o member_n and_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o walking_n in_o many_o of_o those_o assembly_n there_o be_v find_v such_o apparent_a corruption_n as_o be_v just_o grievous_a to_o a_o godly_a soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o discern_v they_o and_o great_o displease_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o have_v need_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o betimes_o lest_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n remove_v the_o candlestick_n and_o unchurch_n they_o rev._n 2._o 5._o in_o a_o word_n the_o corruption_n remain_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n but_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v contain_v such_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o walk_v according_a thereunto_o in_o sincerity_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o persist_v in_o with_o obstinacy_n therefore_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o church_n remain_v but_o this_o opinion_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hold_v by_o none_o but_o the_o 12._o brownist_n or_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v this_o ground_n can_v be_v make_v good_a that_o none_o but_o they_o of_o the_o answ_n separation_n be_v for_o church-covenant_n for_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n general_o as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n the_o ten_o be_v for_o it_o in_o their_o judgement_n &_o practice_n and_o shall_v all_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o separation_n brownist_n or_o maintain_v unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n also_o master_n parker_n and_o doctor_n ames_n man_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n famous_a for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n and_o moderation_n both_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o church-covenant_n and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v brownist_n but_o bare_a witness_n against_o that_o rigid_a
we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act._n 4_o 19_o and_o 5._o 29._o jeroboam_n make_v priest_n of_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o ordain_v a_o feast_n in_o the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o the_o eigth_n month_n in_o the_o month_n which_o he_o have_v devise_v of_o his_o ●w●e_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o levite_n leave_v their_o suburb_n and_o their_o posession_n and_o come_v to_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o son_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o execute_v the_o priest_n office_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o after_o they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o set_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n 1_o king_n 12._o 31_o 32_o 33._o with_o 2_o chron._n 11._o 14._o 16._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o this_o second_o proposition_n mention_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o and_o we_o hope_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n neither_o though_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o many_o christian_n when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n do_v sinful_o pollute_v themselves_o by_o partake_v in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n in_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n remain_v in_o sundry_a of_o those_o assembly_n who_o it_o will_v be_v your_o part_n whilst_o you_o live_v among_o they_o faithful_o and_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o well_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o church_n matter_n and_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n that_o ourselves_o when_o time_n be_v have_v be_v more_o watchful_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n than_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n lie_v not_o our_o ignorance_n to_o our_o charge_n the_o three_o proposition_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n 1._o by_o precept_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n mat._n 6._o 33._o to_o yield_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o sanctuary_n 2_o chr._n 30._o 8._o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o please_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v 2._o by_o example_n for_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o rest_v seek_v her_o belove_a until_o she_o find_v he_o in_o the_o full_a manner_n cant._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o david_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o heavy_a lamentation_n when_o he_o want_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o long_n and_o prayer_n to_o be_v restore_v thereto_o psal_n 63._o and_o psal_n 42._o and_o 84._o although_o he_o enjoy_v abiathar_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o ephod_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o gad_n the_o prophet_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 6_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n 1_o sam._n 22._o 5._o when_o good_a ezra_n in_o his_o journey_n from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n view_v the_o people_n at_o the_o river_n ahava_n find_v none_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n there_o afore_o he_o will_v go_v any_o further_a he_o send_v unto_o iddo_n a_o the_o place_n ca●iphia_n for_o minister_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n ezra_n 8._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o find_v by_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o booth_n and_o keep_v the_o 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remove_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o to_o some_o place_n where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o this_o latter_a for_o sometime_o i●_n israel_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n in_o the_o land_n they_o shall_v sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o ●o_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o will_v they_o not_o stone_n we_o it_o be_v better_a therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o do_v it_o there_o exo._n 8._o 25._o 26_o 27._o hos_fw-la 2._o 14._o mat._n 10._o 23._o as_o for_o that_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o that_o if_o any_o obj_fw-la ordinance_n of_o goa_n be_v want_v it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v without_o sin_n live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o superior_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o the_o answer_n hereuntois_fw-fr that_o indeed_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n may_v more_o peaceable_o and_o quiet_o be_v observe_v where_o the_o commandment_n and_o countenance_n of_o magistrate_n be_v afford_v for_o than_o be_v fullfil_v the_o say_n that_o be_v write_v king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n esa_n 49._o 23._o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n when_o god_n that_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o his_o hand_n prov._n 21._o 1._o do_v incline_v they_o to_o favour_n and_o further_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v even_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimu●_n non_fw-la t●men_fw-la posse_fw-la pr●priem_fw-la d●●i_fw-la eject●s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
sin_n for_o that_o censure_n put_v he_o away_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o 13._o and_o make_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n mat._n 18._o 17._o so_o that_o in_o that_o case_n he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n by_o his_o member-ship_n though_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o baptise_a person_n 2._o by_o his_o voluntary_a depart_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o jude_n 19_o heb._n 10._o 25._o in_o which_o case_n dr._n ames_n resolve_v such_o schismatic_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12_o q._n 4._o resp._n 3._o 3._o by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o church_n member-ship_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o church_n cease_v the_o membership_n must_v cease_v also_o relatum_fw-la &_o correlatum_fw-la quâ_fw-la ●alia_fw-la sunt_fw-la simul_fw-la adeoquese_n mutuoponunt_fw-la et_fw-la tollunt_fw-la now_o a_o church_n may_v be_v dissolve_v 1._o by_o apostasy_n and_o god_n give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n thereupon_o jer._n 3._o 8._o when_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o church_n some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n dear_a to_o god_n who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v bid_v to_o come_v out_o from_o such_o a_o apostate_n church_n rev._n 18._o 4._o hose_n 2._o 1_o 2._o &_o 4_o 15_o 17._o 2._o by_o death_n as_o by_o some_o grievous_a pestilence_n or_o masacre_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n one_o particular_a person_n survive_v can_v be_v count_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o that_o church_n be_v extinct_a of_o which_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o remain_v a_o person_n baptize_v if_o he_o be_v baptize_v afore_o 3._o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v by_o dr._n ames_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o ground_n of_o scripture_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o 2_o chr●_n 11._o 14._o then_o that_o will_v be_v another_o case_n wherein_o church_n membership_n be_v disannul_v for_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v count_v in_o that_o state_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o he_o have_v lawful_o and_o necessary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n unto_o this_o point_n whether_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o question_n yet_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v answer_n to_o the_o next_o something_o also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v some_o passage_n in_o your_o amplification_n of_o this_o four_o question_n as_o first_o concern_v those_o word_n wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v have_v not_o right_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a concern_v which_o word_n we_o may_v say_v 1._o that_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a do_v plain_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n though_o one_o have_v receive_v baptism_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o give_v he_o right_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v he_o fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o question_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n alone_o shall_v give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o as_o the_o question_n seem_v to_o import_v when_o in_o the_o amplification_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o person_n baptize_v have_v no_o such_o right_a except_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v they_o fit_a we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o these_o thing_n do_v stand_v together_o second_o those_o word_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n so_o they_o be_v so_o general_a and_o of_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v answer_v the_o reader_n be_v still_o leave_v at_o uncertainty_n for_o if_o such_o a_o parenthesis_n may_v be_v annex_v so_o far_o as_o man_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a then_o the_o like_a question_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o many_o other_o thing_n beside_o baptism_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o very_a same_o answer_n as_o in_o case_n of_o baptism_n it_o will_v receive_v as_o for_o example_n if_o one_o shall_v ask_v whether_o moral_a honesty_n or_o literal_a knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o do_v not_o give_v man_n right_a to_o church_n privilege_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o know_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v yea._n for_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o have_v right_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v baptism_n have_v right_a as_o you_o say_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a yet_o as_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o baptism_n alone_o do_v give_v man_n such_o a_o right_n so_o still_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o more_o particular_o declare_v what_o those_o other_o thing_n be_v that_o beside_o baptism_n must_v concur_v to_o make_v one_o fit_a and_o unless_o those_o thing_n be_v express_v in_o particular_a the_o question_n with_o such_o a_o general_a qualification_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o may_v be_v answer_v affirmative_o and_o yet_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o last_o those_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o question_n have_v need_v to_o be_v further_o clear_v wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o baptise_a person_n have_v not_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n for_o suppose_v a_o open_a blasphemer_n a_o sabath-breaker_n a_o adulterer_n a_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v not_o proceed_v against_o according_a to_o rule_v but_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n through_o bribery_n or_o other_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n will_v you_o say_v that_o such_o a_o person_n have_v right_o either_o before_o 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that_o may_v be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o arminianism_n familisme_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a error_n against_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o know_v how_o easy_o such_o man_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v may_v infect_v other_o and_o perhaps_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o your_o second_o particular_a for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n as_o in_o general_n from_o those_o place_n which_o show_v how_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o math._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18_o &_o act_n 8._o 37._o 38._o where_o man_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v make_v profession_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o 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plant_v there_o of_o saint_n by_o call_v which_o be_v the_o right_a matter_n of_o church_n and_o by_o way_n of_o holy_a covenant_n as_o the_o right_a form_n for_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o apology_n and_o the_o footstep_n hereof_o though_o mix_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n that_o have_v grow_v in_o aftertime_n be_v remain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n to_o this_o day_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o 3_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o baptism_n abrenuntias_fw-la abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la credo_fw-la spondes_fw-la spondeo_fw-la do_v thou_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n i_o renounce_v they_o all_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n &_o c_o i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n &_o c_o i_o do_v promise_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v 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child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n instit_n 4._o 1._o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n w●itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la ●cclesiae_fw-la cap._n 17._o and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n which_o give_v we_o suck_v three_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o grievous_a corruption_n of_o latter_a year_n have_v great_o increase_v in_o some_o of_o those_o assembly_n as_o we_o hear_v both_o in_o doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v when_o some_o of_o we_o be_v there_o and_o in_o former_a year_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o grief_n we_o speak_v it_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v unto_o at_o 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the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o 4._o because_o you_o will_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o we_o count_v those_o assembly_n to_o b●_n church_n but_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o join_v in_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o england_n we_o shall_v willing_o join_v in_o some_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o namely_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v true_o preach_v in_o sundry_a assembly_n there_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v church_n or_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a church_n or_o no_o for_o some_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o church_n assembly_n but_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o other_o meeting_n mars-hill_n at_o athens_n be_v no_o church_n nor_o the_o prison_n at_o philippi_n and_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v lawful_o w●th_o good_a success_n in_o th●se_a place_n act._n 17._o and_o act._n 16._o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o w●rd_n in_o many_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o when_o general_o there_o be_v a_o profess_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o of_o they_o m●n_z soul●s_n that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n as_o any_o be_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o m●ny_v congregation_n indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v mr._n robinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o hear_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 5._o but_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o partake_v in_o their_o prescript_n lyturgie_n and_o such_o ordinance_n though_o true_a as_o be_v administer_v therein_o we_o give_v you_o account_v the_o last_o year_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o position_n as_o al●o_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n of_o that_o subject_a pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball._n what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o live_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o ourselves_o here_o then_o to_o it_o in_o other_o there_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o never_o yet_o 10._o know_v any_o to_o come_v from_o england_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v here_o describe_v ●_o the_o thing_n you_o mention_v may_v be_v take_v conjunctim_fw-la and_o not_o several_o viz_o to_o be_v man_n famous_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v and_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n we_o say_v we_o never_o yet_o know_v any_o to_o come_v to_o we_o from_o thence_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v be_v want_v and_o general_o this_o be_v want_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v further_o then_o before_o have_v be_v express_v in_o answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o to_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o before_o they_o have_v join_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o church_n for_o though_o some_o that_o come_v over_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a with_o they_o from_o private_a christian_n yet_o neither_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nor_o testimonal_a from_o private_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o church-power_n over_o they_o which_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v if_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v all_o due_a reverent_a respect_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o it_o w●u●d_v be_v also_o requisite_a if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n that_o w●●_n shall_v know_v the_o congregation_n itself_o from_o which_o they_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v for_o such_o person_n can_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o their_o own_o right_n because_o they_o join_v not_o as_o member_n in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o right_a of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o so_o our_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v now_o as_o we_o can_v of_o faith_n admit_v man_n to_o church_n ordinance_n which_o we_o believe_v belong_v only_o to_o church_n member_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o sometime_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o though_o it_o do_v remain_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o for_o which_o dr._n ames_n give_v sundry_a ground_n and_o reason_n case_n cons_n lib._n c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o or_o at_o least_o to_o protest_v against_o some_o gross_a corruption_n therein_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o information_n what_o that_o congregation_n be_v with_o who_o now_o we_o have_v church_n communion_n when_o in_o heir_n right_o we_o admit_v m●n_z into_o
communion_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o admit_v such_o m●n_z and_o what_o to_o require_v from_o they_o more_o or_o l●sse_v and_o this_o together_o with_o that_o want_n of_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n be_v one_o main●_n reason_n why_o some_o few_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v come_v from_o england_n upon_o occasion_n not_o with_o purpose_n of_o continuance_n here_o but_o of_o return_v against_o have_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o church_n ordinance_n during_o thei●_n abode_n in_o the_o country_n though_o this_o we_o may_v say_v also_o that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o that_o have_v request_v to_o be_v receive_v whereas_o ●uch_v as_o have_v come_v in_o l●ke_a manner_n from_o one_o c●u●ch_n to_o another_o amongst_o ourselves_o upon_o their_o request_n have_v be_v receive_v the_o reason_n ne_o say_v be_v because_o these_o church_n be_v better_a know_v then_o the_o parish_n assembly_n be_v 3._o but_o if_o man_n come_v from_o one_o church_n in_o this_o country_n to_o another_o with_o purpose_n there_o to_o stay_v and_o not_o to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o or_o the_o most_o that_o come_v from_o england_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n be_v receive_v that_o come_v from_o england_n viz_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o now_o come_v and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o such_o as_o come_v from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n in_o other_o country_n and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o receive_v otherwise_o because_o we_o renounce_v the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n as_o no_o true_a church_n not_o so_o but_o because_o we_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o member_n any_o true_a church_n may_v err_v and_o there_o may_v now_o be_v see_v some_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o man_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v when_o he_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o church_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o the_o like_a shall_v be_v a_o bind_a rule_n unto_o another_o for_o all_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n to_o admit_v and_o receive_v such_o into_o their_o church_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o refuse_v other_o without_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v before_o whether_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o that_o church_n or_o of_o any_o church_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o our_o walk_n and_o practice_n be_v alike_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o towards_o other_o as_o it_o be_v towards_o you_o in_o which_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o alone_o for_o the_o very_a same_o as_o mr._n parker_n report_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o no_o man_n be_v admit_v for_o a_o member_n but_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v formal_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v before_o polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o 3._o 4._o p._n 171._o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o qu._n be_v any_o doubt_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n 11._o concern_v your_o own_o way_n there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o propound_v such_o a_o qu._n for_o further_a light_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o or_o if_o it_o do_v ari●e_v from_o any_o unnecessary_a intermeddle_v of_o we_o in_o your_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o take_v on_o we_o to_o condemn_v or_o judge_v your_o present_a stand_n when_o we_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o there_o be_v then_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o do_n or_o say_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o some_o man_n we_o shall_v look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o tempt_a question_n tend_v only_o to_o make_v matter_n and_o pick_v quarrel_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o frame_v it_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o to_o fr●me_v their_o own_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v always_o be_v slow_a and_o loath_a to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v your_o present_a stand_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n rom._n 14._o 4._o but_o now_o know_v you_o well_o reverend_a and_o dear_a brethren_n and_o your_o integrity_n we_o think_v we_o may_v lawful_o and_o safe_o answer_v and_o that_o we_o will_v do_v by_o promise_v a_o few_o distinction_n for_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n 1._o concern_v the_o person_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o dispose_v that_o they_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bind_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o wife_n child_n under_o the_o government_n of_o parent_n servant_n apprentice_n prisoner_n sickefolke_n etc._n etc._n 2._o concern_v the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o such_o as_o want_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n or_o discipline_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o have_v many_o ordinance_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o some_o other_o which_o in_o both_o respect_n be_v reform_v and_o pure_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o 3._o concern_v stand_n in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o habitation_n and_o dwell_v upon_o house_n or_o land_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o else_o in_o conform_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n use_v in_o those_o assembly_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o 4._o concern_v lawful_a and_o safe_a where_o safety_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o safety_n from_o sin_n or_o from_o danger_n by_o persecution_n these_o distinction_n we_o judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v because_o your_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o count_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n lawful_a and_o safe_a or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o so_o our_o answer_n be_v in_o 3._o proposition_n 1._o some_o person_n and_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la may_v lawful_o and_o without_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o safe_o without_o danger_n of_o persecution_n continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o do_v dwell_v within_o the_o pr●c●●cts_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o neither_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n by_o such_o continue_n of_o their_o stand_n nor_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n through_o their_o own_o default_n 2._o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n where_o a_o man_n shall_v and_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o 3._o to_o continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o can_v be_v do_v safe_o without_o sin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v open_v a_o door_n of_o further_a enlargement_n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n we_o suppose_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o second_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o namely_o by_o such_o as_o these_o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n offend_v and_o come_v not_o you_o to_o gilgall_a nor_o go_v up_o to_o bethaven_n nor_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o hos_n 4._o 15._o 17._o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n rev._n 18._o 4._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o reprove_v they_o rather_o eph._n 5._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n hos_fw-la 5._o 11._o
authority_n as_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v matth._n 20._o 25_o 26._o luk._n 22._o 25_o 26._o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o rule_v as_o to_o do_v what_o themselves_o please_v but_o they_o must_v do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o mr._n baine_n show_v from_o these_o word_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o ministery_n but_o one_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n more_o lord_n than_o one_o and_o say_v he_o look_v as_o great_a lord_n have_v in_o their_o house_n minister_n of_o more_o and_o less_o honour_n from_o the_o steward_n to_o the_o scullery_n but_o no_o lordlike_o or_o master-like_a power_n in_o any_o beside_o themselves_o so_o be_v it_o with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n apostle_n and_o other_o have_v more_o or_o less_o honourable_a service_n but_o no_o masterlike_a power_n over_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n on_o ephes_n 1._o 22._o p._n 395._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v any_o power_n but_o ministerial_a in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o evangelist_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 20._o 2_o tim._n 4._o yea_o such_o a_o service_n as_o do_v make_v the_o minister_n have_v it_o so_o servant_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n lord_n many_o minister_n one_o lord_n we_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n diocese_n trial_n q._n 2._o p._n 74._o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v as_o steward_n mat._n 24._o 45._o luke_n 12._o 42._o as_o shepherd_n act._n 20._o 28._o as_o captain_n guide_n leader_n or_o overseer_n by_o go_v before_o the_o people_n and_o show_v they_o the_o word_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o 5._o &_o 5._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o h●b_n 13._o 17._o 2._o how_o they_o rule_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v in_o these_o act_n even_o as_o act_v be_v more_o than_o consent_v and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v a_o steward_n over_o of_o the_o house_n then_o one_o of_o the_o household_n or_o to_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o leader_n then_o to_o be_v guide_v or_o lead_v 3._o over_o who_o they_o do_v rule_v even_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a even_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o rule_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a that_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o 16._o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 1_o tim._n 2_o 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n beside_o vote_v import_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n now_o it_o be_v not_o government_n and_o authority_n but_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o belong_v unto_o woman_n by_o the_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o woman_n among_o we_o church_n matter_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v mere_o by_o 17._o multitude_n or_o plurality_n of_o vote_n but_o by_o rule_n from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o will_n and_o not_o the_o will_v either_o of_o the_o major_n or_o minor_a part_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o church_n jam._n 4._o 12._o isa_n 33._o 22._o mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o exod._n 23._o 2._o 21._o 22._o for_o our_o practice_n among_o we_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o usual_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n and_o so_o give_v a_o joint_n unanimus_fw-la vote_n and_o the_o rule_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rom._n 15._o 6._o and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n where_o thing_n be_v carry_v nor_o mere_o by_o the_o major_a or_o minor_a part_n the_o rest_n dissent_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o with_o one_o accord_n act._n 1._o 14._o &_o ●_o 46_o &_o 4._o 24._o &_o ●_o 12._o &_o 15._o 25._o so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n matter_n with_o we_o be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n that_o be_v with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o may_v be_v your_o meaning_n be_v in_o this_o question_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o to_o know_v what_o course_n we_o take_v at_o such_o time_n but_o if_o church_n lay_v aside_o their_o own_o affection_n and_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o be_v as_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o humble_a spirit_n and_o sincere_a and_o withal_o depend_v on_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n for_o guidance_n in_o their_o work_n we_o know_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o supposal_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n especial_o consider_v what_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o church_n of_o godly_a concord_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o his_o own_o gracious_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o mat._n 18._o 20._o which_o promife_n we_o believe_v be_v not_o in_o vain_a nevertheless_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n &_o distemper_n of_o man_n some_o dissension_n may_v arise_v for_o a_o time_n in_o a_o true_a church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o we_o which_o we_o bless_v god_n be_v not_o often_o then_o before_o matter_n be_v put_v to_o the_o vote_n our_o course_n of_o proceed_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n in_o one_o conclusion_n yet_o if_o any_o brother_n dissent_n he_o be_v patient_o hear_v and_o his_o alledgement_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n be_v due_o weigh_v if_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o whole_a church_n will_v ready_o yield_v though_o before_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o it_o appear_v they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o major_a part_n be_v factious_o or_o partial_o carry_v the_o rest_n labour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n by_o the_o rule_n if_o they_o yield_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o comfortable_o concur_v in_o the_o matter_n if_o they_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a they_o be_v admonish_v and_o so_o stand_v under_o censure_n their_o vote_n be_v nullify_v if_o they_o without_o obstinate_a opposition_n of_o the_o rest_n do_v dissent_v still_o yet_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a as_o in_o excommunication_n till_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v and_o all_o brotherly_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v for_o mutual_a information_n and_o conviction_n if_o the_o difference_n still_o continue_v the_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a be_v still_o demur_v even_o till_o other_o church_n have_v be_v consult_v with_o who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v send_v their_o elder_n to_o communicate_v their_o apprehension_n and_o light_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la bind_v the_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o dictate_v but_o by_o propound_v their_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o course_n with_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n which_o usual_o deny_v his_o ordinance_n faithful_o take_v and_o follow_v will_v prevail_v either_o to_o settle_v one_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o dissentor_n submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n though_o they_o see_v not_o light_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v they_o to_o act_v in_o the_o business_n such_o subjection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n ephes_n 5._o 21._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o if_o the_o church_n or_o the_o elder_n shall_v refuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o church_n according_a to_o god_n they_o will_v after_o brotherly_a admonition_n and_o due_a patient_a wait_a deny_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n till_o they_o shall_v give_v better_a evidence_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o never_o have_v occasion_n of_o such_o withdraw_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n from_o
another_o though_o now_o and_o then_o as_o need_n require_v church_n send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n mean_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n 18._o and_o to_o reform_v any_o that_o may_v err_v thanks_n be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v sundry_a first_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o second_o the_o ministry_n appoint_v by_o christ_n viz._n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o &c_n &c_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o have_v frequent_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o require_v church_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n in_o the_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o &_o 2._o 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 3._o &_o phil._n 1._o 27._o &_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o his_o promise_n to_o lead_v his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o holy_a agreement_n therein_o jer._n 32._o 29._o isa_n 11_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n zeph._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 16._o 13._o with_o many_o motive_n and_o rule_n from_o scripture_n for_o continue_v in_o the_o say_a truth_n and_o love_n now_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o submit_v to_o these_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o so_o both_o these_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n be_v profitable_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a heb._n 4._o 2._o as_o these_o church_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n for_o these_o year_n since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n and_o any_o other_o mean_v sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n we_o hope_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a with_o thankful_a heart_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v as_o for_o a_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o you_o mention_v as_o one_o mean_v hereunto_o if_o thereby_o you_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n we_o know_v nothing_o but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a in_o some_o case_n for_o any_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n to_o do_v it_o or_o any_o church_n or_o a●l_o the_o church_n in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n to_o compile_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o a_o platform_n the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n who_o confession_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n call_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n as_o also_o of_o master_n robinson_n at_o leiden_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o other_o part_n in_o the_o low-countries_n who_o have_v publish_v such_o platform_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o condemn_v or_o disallow_v neither_o count_v we_o it_o unlawful_a or_o inexpedient_a for_o any_o church_n or_o church_n or_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o country_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o platform_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o authority_n upon_o other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o a_o bind_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o platform_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o omit_v than_o we_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o such_o platform_n be_v lawful_a or_o expedient_a for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o any_o particular_a swerve_v from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n then_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o it_o than_o they_o may_v seem_v needless_a in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a which_o reason_n against_o such_o platform_n make_v nothing_o against_o sermon_n or_o preach_a though_o sermon_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o preach_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o needless_a which_o we_o can_v say_v of_o such_o platform_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o snare_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o imposer_n then_o to_o the_o examine_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n may_v by_o this_o mean_n stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n or_o will_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o if_o man_n have_v dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n which_o thing_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o &_o 2._o 1._o ver_fw-la christian_n have_v liberty_n from_o god_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a act._n 17._o 11._o joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o but_o the_o foresay_a impose_v of_o platform_n and_o confession_n compile_v by_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o mean_n of_o unity_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o dangerous_a hindrance_n of_o some_o verity_n and_o degree_n of_o truth_n as_o bind_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o their_o former_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n without_o liberty_n to_o better_v their_o judgement_n in_o those_o point_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o any_o further_a light_n which_o god_n may_v give_v to_o his_o best_a servant_n and_o most_o discern_a beyond_o what_o they_o see_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o we_o doubt_v such_o impose_v platform_n be_v not_o lawful_a or_o at_o least_o wise_a not_o expedient_a the_o consociation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a as_o namely_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n but_o common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o likewise_o when_o a_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o end_v any_o matter_n that_o concern_v only_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o neighbour_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 2._o the_o ground_n and_o use_v of_o class_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o limitation_n therein_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v summary_o lay_v down_o by_o doctor_n ames_n medul_n theol._n l_o 1._o c._n 39_o sect._n 27._o unto_o who_o we_o do_v whole_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o class_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o restrain_v the_o particular_a church_n as_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o class_n a_o undue_a power_n and_o more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v also_o a_o abridgement_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n whether_o more_o or_o less_o weighty_a among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a without_o such_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o class_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o q._n 14._o sect._n 3_o &_o 4._o of_o that_o answer_n and_o master_n parker_n testify_v that_o in_o genevah_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n where_o they_o have_v some_o use_n of_o class_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o particular_a congregation_n be_v absque_fw-la potestate_fw-la omni_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la grandtoribus_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o excommunicatione_n the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o without_o power_n in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n as_o in_o excommunication_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 2._o c._n 36._o sect._n 11._o p._n 310._o and_o master_n baine_n show_v the_o same_o say_v they_o have_v power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o for_o great_a edification_n voluntary_o confederate_a not_o to_o use_v or_o exercise_v their_o power_n but_o with_o mutual_a communion_n one_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o diocese_n trial_o q._n 1._o p._n 21._o and_o a_o little_a after_o geneva_n make_v his_o consociation_n not_o as_o if_o the_o prime_a church_n be_v imperfect_a and_o to_o make_v one_o church_n by_o this_o union_n but_o because_o though_o they_o be_v entire_a church_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n yet_o they_o need_v support_v in_o exercise_v of_o it_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o say_v before_o in_o q._n 14_o viz._n that_o all_o church_n have_v right_a of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o some_o have_v need_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n
the_o lesser_a now_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n lawful_o elect_v into_o his_o office_n or_o a_o put_n of_o he_o into_o possession_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a question_n 3._o if_o a_o church_n have_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o than_o this_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o as_o also_o many_o other_o act_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 4._o this_o ordination_n thus_o perform_v by_o the_o elder_n for_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o see_v that_o hear_v that_o speak_v when_o these_o act_n be_v instrumental_o perform_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o sense_n master_n parker_n say_v ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la alios_fw-la docet_fw-la baptisa●que_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o p._n 26._o 5._o but_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n but_o the_o first_o officer_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v than_o this_o ordination_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o most_o prime_a grave_n and_o able_a man_n from_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v depute_v hereunto_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8._o 10._o now_o all_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o impose_v all_o their_o hand_n upon_o they_o together_o all_o their_o hand_n can_v not_o possible_o reach_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n perform_v this_o rite_n and_o as_o this_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o levite_n be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n so_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o reason_n do_v not_o further_o make_v it_o manifest_a 1._o man_n that_o be_v in_o no_o office_n may_v elect_v therefore_o they_o may_v ordain_v because_o ordination_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o election_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o one_o of_o these_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o the_o officer_n must_v minister_v without_o any_o ordination_n at_o all_o or_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o former_a ordination_n receive_v in_o some_o other_o church_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o other_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v afore_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v by_o succession_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o the_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v as_o they_o imagine_v in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o holy_a order_n whereas_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v if_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o any_o church_n they_o have_v need_n of_o a_o new_a election_n notwithstanding_o their_o former_a election_n into_o another_o church_n than_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o ground_n need_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n if_o their_o former_a election_n be_v cease_v their_o former_a ordination_n be_v cease_v also_o and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a ordination_n unto_o another_o church_n then_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a election_n and_o for_o the_o three_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o authority_n ordinary_a officer_n can_v have_v to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o member_n beside_o at_o some_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n and_o priest_n now_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a case_n if_o the_o sheep_n must_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v if_o god_n people_n may_v not_o have_v minister_n but_o only_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n must_v or_o may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o protestant_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o first_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o papist_n do_v thereupon_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n true_a minister_n such_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o unto_o they_o to_o maintain_v this_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o god_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v antichrist_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o priest_n to_o ordain_v christ_n minister_n as_o he_o will_v not_o take_v of_o babylon_n a_o stone_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o foundation_n jer._n 51._o 26._o 3._o it_o be_v thus_o in_o civil_a corporation_n and_o city_n the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o chief_a officer_n elect_v be_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o inauguration_n to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o predecessor_n the_o sword_n or_o key_n of_o the_o city_n or_o to_o have_v some_o other_o solemn_a ceremony_n by_o he_o perform_v unto_o he_o yet_o if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o former_a as_o at_o the_o first_o or_o that_o the_o former_a be_v dead_a or_o upon_o necessity_n absent_a when_o his_o successor_n enter_v then_o be_v this_o ceremony_n and_o work_n perform_v by_o some_o other_o the_o fit_a instrument_n neither_o need_v that_o city_n borrow_v any_o officer_n of_o another_o city_n neither_o can_v he_o intermeddle_v there_o without_o usurpation_n though_o both_o the_o corporation_n have_v the_o same_o charter_n under_o the_o same_o king_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n or_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v with_o we_o a_o little_a further_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordination_n and_o then_o we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o you_o may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o any_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o the_o former_a some_o indeed_o have_v so_o high_o advance_v this_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o preach_v the_o word_n minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n make_v it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o two_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n in_o that_o commission_n of_o they_o but_o only_o of_o teach_v &_o preach_v &_o baptise_v mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o if_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o special_a work_n there_o will_v belike_o have_v be_v some_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o their_o commission_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n count_v preach_v the_o word_n their_o principal_a work_n and_o after_o it_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o if_o ordain_v of_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o their_o account_n so_o prime_a a_o work_n it_o may_v seem_v paul_n will_v rather_o have_v tarry_v in_o crete_n to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n there_o then_o have_v go_v himself_o about_o preach_v seave_v titus_n for_o the_o other_o tit._n 1_o 5._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o ordain_v of_o minister_n be_v not_o such_o a_o eminent_a work_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v superior_n unto_o ordinary_a minister_n preach_v and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v as_o inferior_a work_n unto_o minister_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o superiority_n of_o docesan_n bishop_n neither_o be_v it_o equal_a unto_o those_o other_o work_v afore_o
member_n if_o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o some_o be_v within_o and_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n and_o other_o be_v without_o and_o may_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n that_o can_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o some_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o other_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o every_o approbation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v touch_v before_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v here_o the_o more_o brief_o pass_v over_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o particular_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n that_o it_o be_v by_o join_v therein_o that_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o remove_v sundry_a objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n against_o church-covenant_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_v to_o full_a satisfaction_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n church-covenant_n be_v a_o term_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n answer_n first_o so_o be_v sacrament_n trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o those_o term_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v because_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v find_v second_o but_o see_v the_o covenant_n be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n as_o the_o two_o party_n that_o be_v confederate_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n or_o the_o church-covenant_n as_o when_o mamre_o aver_n &_o eschol_n be_v confederate_a with_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o 13._o may_v not_o one_o true_o say_v abraham_n be_v confederate_a with_o they_o relative_n do_v mutual_o put_v and_o establish_v one_o another_o three_o the_o scripture_n allow_v both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o the_o church_n eze._n 16._o 8._o &_o the_o people_n covenant_n or_o saint_n covenant_n or_o church_n covenant_n with_o he_o deut._n 29._o 12._o psal_n 50._o 5._o jer._n 50._o 5._o four_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o both_o the_o word_n both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n because_o both_o be_v confederate_a and_o for_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n also_o viz._n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o covenant_n as_o a_o marriage-covenant_n pro._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o the_o church-covenant_n be_v thus_o call_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o that_o make_v it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o church-estate_n and_o church-duty_n the_o duty_n which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o unto_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v such_o especial_o as_o concern_v a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o but_o this_o church-covenant_n put_v some_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o covenant_n 2._o of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o seem_v to_o charge_v the_o same_o with_o insufficiency_n for_o every_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a heb._n 8._o 7._o 1._o a_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a answ_n where_o the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v argue_v that_o righteousness_n and_o life_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 3._o 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v renew_v or_o make_v again_o though_o upon_o a_o new_a occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o the_o second_o time_n or_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o do_v disannul_v the_o first_o or_o cast_v disparagement_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n give_v to_o adam_n be_v not_o blame_v or_o fault_v because_o it_o be_v renew_v in_o sinai_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v first_o give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n after_o his_o fall_n afterward_o to_o abraham_n then_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o again_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v disannul_v the_o former_a or_o argue_v the_o same_o to_o be_v faulty_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o covenant_n though_o renew_v upon_o new_a occasion_n and_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n and_o the_o like_a we_o say_v concern_v church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o a_o man_n make_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o another_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n but_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o a_o man_n subjection_n to_o that_o very_a covenant_n special_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n estate_n into_o which_o estate_n the_o man_n be_v now_o enter_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o church-covenant_n 3_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v it_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o power_n this_o ground_n be_v very_o true_a that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n of_o himself_o answ_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v but_o all_o a_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n must_v come_v of_o god_n through_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o phil._n 2._o 13._o joh._n 15._o 5._o but_o the_o inference_n be_v not_o good_a that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o ento_z into_o church-covenant_n for_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o promise_n be_v unlawful_a and_o all_o covenant_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n the_o covenant_n of_o service_n yea_o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n when_o a_o particular_a soul_n promise_v faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o no_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n which_o a_o man_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o keep_v as_o the_o adultery_n of_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n among_o other_o do_v plain_o prove_v 2._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v power_n to_o they_o that_o in_o self-deniall_n seek_v it_o of_o he_o and_o trust_v to_o his_o promise_n for_o it_o ezek._n 36._o 27._o jer._n 31._o 33._o rom._n 6._o 14._o jer._n 32._o 40._o the_o true_a inference_n therefore_o from_o this_o ground_n from_o man_n disabilitie_n to_o perform_v be_v this_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o that_o be_v peter_n fault_n in_o promise_a not_o to_o deny_v christ_n but_o to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o but_o church-covenant_n as_o also_o all_o other_o promise_n shall_v be_v enter_v into_o in_o a_o humble_a look_v up_o to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 1._o god_n disallow_v covenant_n of_o man_n make_v and_o so_o our_o church-covenant_n 4._o in_o those_o word_n but_o not_o by_o thy_o covenant_n ezek._n 16._o 61._o god_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o there_o for_o make_v covenant_n for_o answ_n than_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o to_o do_v it_o exod._n 29._o deut._n 29._o and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o psal_n 50._o 5._o yea_o and_o in_o that_o very_a place_n of_o ezek._n 16._o acknowledge_v a_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o ver_fw-la 60._o 62._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o not_o for_o their_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o they_o
in_o favour_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n esth_n 8._o 17._o but_o why_o be_v there_o so_o little_a proof_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o new_a 7._o testament_n 1._o suppose_v the_o new_a testament_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v answ_n have_v ground_n sufficient_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n in_o those_o day_n that_o a_o company_n shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o now_o likewise_o unless_o covenant_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a paedigogie_n indeed_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n but_o be_v some_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o case_n also_o a_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v necessary_a as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v any_o change_n or_o variation_n from_o what_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v national_n church_n but_o congregationall_a and_o not_o one_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v matter_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v warrant_n for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o so_o we_o have_v but_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o any_o leviticall_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedigogie_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o give_v warrant_v for_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o 2._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o want_v good_a warrant_n for_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o 1._o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v it_o isa_n 56._o 6_o 7._o and_o 44._o 5._o and_o jer._n 50._o 5._o ezek._n 20._o 37._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o only_o let_v those_o word_n of_o isa_n 44._o 5._o be_v well_o consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o solemn_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o open_v profess_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o 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understand_v it_o nor_o what_o that_o fellowship_n shall_v mean_v if_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v particular_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o the_o fellowship_n in_o which_o they_o so_o steadfast_o cleave_v together_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o their_o come_n together_o to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n and_o their_o communion_n therein_o but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o fellowship_n mention_v among_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v not_o confound_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o by_o doctrine_n be_v mean_v sacrament_n and_o by_o sacrament_n be_v mean_v prayer_n as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o fellowship_n be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o if_o these_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o name_v be_v distinct_a ordinance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v 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do_v comprehend_v this_o particular_a of_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o other_o thing_n and_o their_o liberal_a distribution_n which_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v look_v at_o as_o one_o point_n of_o their_o real_a performance_n of_o that_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v before_o profess_v and_o promise_v now_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o profess_v or_o promise_v of_o such_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o church-covenant_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o in_o argument_n 3._o that_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o join_v or_o assay_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5_o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o be_v not_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o join_v if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v bear_v good_a witness_n unto_o church-covenant_n though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v speak_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o 8._o the_o covenant_n be_v needless_a this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o of_o the_o 32._o question_n answ_n where_o it_o be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o baptism_n ●●_o a_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o make_v the_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o always_o so_o much_o as_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v member_n this_o church-covenant_n be_v a_o late_a devise_n and_o be_v not_o know_v in_o ancient_a 9_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v first_o true_a antiquity_n be_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n now_o since_o answ_n church_n covenant_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o want_v true_a antiquity_n when_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n with_o novelty_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o luther_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v it_o be_v condemn_v for_o novelty_n and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o best_a antiquity_n even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n our_o faith_n faith_n doctor_n white_a be_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o say_v it_o
separation_n for_o doctor_n ames_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o medulla_n theol._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o §_o 14_o 15_o 17._o fideles_fw-la non_fw-la constitunt_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la particularem_fw-la quamvis_fw-la simul_fw-la forsan_fw-la plures_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la loco_fw-la conveniant_fw-la aut_fw-la vivre_fw-fr nisi_fw-la speciali_fw-la vinculo_fw-la intersese_v conjunguntur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v believer_n do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o meet_v together_o and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o place_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o some_o special_a bond_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o one_o church_n will_v many_o time_n be_v dissolve_v into_o many_o and_o many_o church_n confound_v into_o one_o now_o this_o bond_n be_v a_o covenant_n either_o express_v or_o implicit_a whereby_o believer_n do_v bind_v themselves_o particular_o to_o perform_v all_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o mutual_o to_o one_o another_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n and_o their_o edification_n and_o thereupon_o no_o man_n be_v right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o stipulation_n or_o promise_v of_o obedience_n these_o word_n do_v plain_o and_o full_o show_v his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v hold_v and_o practise_v in_o new-england_n at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o severity_n and_o regiditie_n of_o separation_n may_v be_v clear_v from_o sundry_a of_o his_o work_n wherein_o he_o plain_o and_o full_o bear_v witness_v against_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o ceremony_n pag._n 207._o and_o in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n wherein_o he_o purposely_o and_o at_o large_a deal_v in_o this_o argument_n of_o separation_n sure_o it_o be_v master_n can_v in_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n do_v profess_o and_o express_o oppose_v himself_o against_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n which_o show_v how_o far_o the_o good_a doctor_n be_v from_o favour_v that_o way_n when_o they_o most_o zealous_o therein_o do_v count_v he_o to_o be_v a_o special_a opposite_a of_o they_o as_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o for_o master_n parker_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hear_v before_o in_o part_n where_o he_o so_o much_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o this_o point_n and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v see_v of_o his_o judgement_n herein_o in_o the_o sixteen_o chap._n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o polit._n ecclesiastica_fw-la and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o likewise_o lib_n 1._o cap._n 13._o 14._o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n he_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n as_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o a_o admonition_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v before_o that_o book_n by_o i._o r._n svo_fw-la suorumque_fw-la nomine_fw-la so_o that_o this_o assertion_n appear_v to_o be_v untrue_a wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o but_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n do_v approve_v of_o church-covenant_n as_o for_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o ground_n that_o therefore_o church-covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o separatist_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o separatist_n hold_v no_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o hold_v a_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o differ_v from_o they_o either_o of_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v if_o the_o papist_n hold_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v promise_v and_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o many_o such_o like_a must_v we_o deny_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n this_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n because_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o pharisee_n act._n 23._o 8._o and_o so_o we_o say_v of_o church-covenant_n hold_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n as_o also_o many_o other_o truth_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o no_o reason_n that_o truth_n shall_v be_v refuse_v because_o the_o separatist_n maintain_v it_o when_o doctor_n bancroft_n in_o a_o sermon_n at_o pauls-crosse_n have_v avouch_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o other_o minister_n be_v by_o god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n odious_a affirm_v that_o aerius_n persist_v in_o it_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o heretic_n by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o martin_n and_o his_o companion_n do_v maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n what_o say_v learned_a doctor_n reinolds_n hereunto_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o sir_n francis_n knoll_v who_o require_v he_o to_o show_v his_o judgement_n herein_o touch_v martin_n say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n behave_v himself_o otherwise_o then_o in_o discretion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v let_v the_o blame_n be_v lay_v where_o the_o fault_n be_v and_o defend_v he_o not_o but_o if_o by_o the_o way_n he_o utter_v a_o truth_n mingle_v with_o whatsoever_o else_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v reprove_v because_o it_o be_v maintain_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o pharisee_n wherefore_o remove_v the_o odious_a name_n of_o martin_n from_o that_o which_o be_v sincerity_n and_o love_n be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o very_a same_o do_v we_o say_v to_o they_o that_o will_v make_v church-covenant_n to_o be_v odious_a because_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n who_o be_v common_o call_v brownist_n if_o man_n behave_v themselves_o otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v we_o defend_v they_o not_o therein_o but_o if_o they_o hold_v any_o truth_n mingle_v with_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o will_v not_o have_v that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n truth_n shall_v not_o be_v refuse_v because_o of_o other_o corruption_n that_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o if_o you_o with_o they_o hold_v church-covenant_n you_o justify_v they_o in_o all_o reply_n their_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n not_o so_o for_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a christian_n answ_n that_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o hold_v any_o private_a religious_a communion_n with_o such_o person_n and_o that_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v none_o of_o they_o true_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o hear_v any_o of_o those_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n none_o of_o which_o be_v justify_v at_o all_o by_o hold_v church-covenant_n though_o they_o do_v hold_v the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o these_o opinion_n and_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n that_o he_o that_o hold_v this_o must_v needs_o hold_v the_o other_o also_o but_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o yourselves_o do_v not_o hold_v church-covenant_n 13._o as_o now_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o england_n you_o be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o your_o change_n since_o your_o come_n to_o new_a england_n be_v suspect_v and_o offensive_a if_o you_o change_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o manner_n god_n know_v whether_o you_o may_v come_v at_o last_o and_o therefore_o man_n may_v well_o be_v afraid_a of_o hold_v with_o you_o in_o this_o point_n which_o yourselves_o do_v not_o hold_v when_o you_o live_v in_o your_o native_a country_n some_o of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o answ_n god_n do_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v also_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o people_n among_o who_o we_o minister_v though_o neither_o so_o soon_o nor_o so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v and_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n but_o suppose_v we_o have_v never_o know_v nor_o practise_v the_o same_o before_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n when_o god_n hold_v it_o forth_o unto_o