to_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o successor_n the_o l.bbs._n neither_o can_v you_o with_o any_o good_a conscience_n say_v that_o they_o claim_v christ_n kingly_a power_n but_o only_o they_o be_v antichrist_n as_o the_o pope_n be_v for_o two_o cause_n 1._o for_o claim_v that_o power_n ministerial_a which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o for_o enlarge_a that_o ministerial_a power_n beyond_o that_o compass_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v determine_v three_o you_o say_v neither_o that_o roll_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o puritan_n say_v be_v in_o the_o presbytery_n do_v we_o say_v be_v in_o the_o multitude_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v ordain_v a_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n &_o that_o in_o every_o church_n for_o to_o teach_v &_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o own_o word_n &_o law_n unto_o who_o all_o the_o multitude_n the_o member_n the_o saint_n aught_o to_o obey_v &_o submit_v themselves_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v confut_o of_o mr._n bern._n pag._n 176._o we_o say_v christ_n roll_a power_n be_v original_o &_o fundamental_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o multitude_n &_o we_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o the_o elder_n receive_v by_o delegation_n power_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o power_n ministerial_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v not_o so_o large_a as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o lead_a power_n then_o a_o roll_a power_n neither_o be_v the_o elder_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o my_o knowledge_n call_v ruler_n archonte_n but_o overseer_n leader_n elder_n prohistamenoi_fw-fr whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v that_o their_o power_n be_v not_o to_o rule_v but_o to_o lead_v &_o direct_v i_o do_v therefore_o utter_o disclaim_v this_o your_o error_n mr._n ain_n as_o one_o part_n of_o antichristianisme_n in_o your_o church_n but_o you_o have_v need_n expound_v it_o well_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n lest_o you_o here_o in_o destroy_v your_o constitution_n before_o you_o be_v aware_a what_o we_o hold_v concern_v the_o presbytery_n i_o have_v deliver_v partly_o in_o that_o which_o before_o i_o have_v write_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n bern._n partly_o in_o that_o which_o i_o late_o publish_v concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o part_n &_o the_o first_o section_n chap._n 5._o &_o 6._o wherefore_o if_o you_o hold_v that_o lordly_a usurp_a antichristian_a power_n of_o your_o eldership_n to_o be_v that_o roll_a power_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n warrant_v it_o shall_v be_v your_o part_n to_o justify_v it_o &_o to_o rebuke_v all_o that_o against_o and_o it_o for_o herein_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v your_o judgement_n &_o practice_n we_o maintain_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v a_o lead_n direct_a &_o overseeing_a power_n ministry_n or_o service_n both_o in_o the_o kingdom_n &_o preisthood_n of_o the_o church_n &_o that_o the_o negative_a voice_n the_o last_o definitive_a determine_v sentence_n be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n whereto_o the_o eldership_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v &_o that_o the_o church_n may_v do_v any_o lawful_a act_n without_o the_o elder_n but_o the_o elder_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o body_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o body_n the_o eight_o section_n in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v your_o second_o position_n which_o be_v this_o in_o your_o copy_n in_o hold_v that_o one_o sin_n of_o one_o man_n public_o &_o obstinate_o stand_v in_o &_o not_o reform_v by_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n do_v so_o pollute_v it_o that_o none_o may_v communicate_v with_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n till_o the_o party_n offend_v be_v by_o the_o church_n put_v out_o after_o lawful_a conviction_n you_o say_v be_v error_n i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a &_o holy_a truth_n we_o hold_v in_o our_o walk_v one_o with_o another_o in_o communion_n of_o god_n ordinance_n this_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n &_o excommunication_n to_o bind_v &_o lose_v for_o observe_v i_o pray_v you_o that_o every_o brother_n be_v bind_v to_o admonish_v his_o brother_n for_o a_o fault_n he_o observe_v in_o he_o if_o he_o reform_v not_o he_o must_v take_v one_o or_o two_o witness_n &_o admonish_v he_o if_o he_o reform_v not_o yet_o he_o must_v bring_v the_o matter_n before_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o church_n consist_v of_o 12._o person_n as_o at_o ephesus_n act._n 19.7_o the_o matter_n be_v before_o the_o church_n the_o eleven_o deal_n with_o the_o twelfth_n discover_v his_o sin_n &_o convince_v it_o to_o his_o conscience_n he_o refuse_v to_o â—eer_v they_o but_o despise_v the_o admonition_n i_o say_v if_o they_o retain_v he_o still_o in_o communion_n they_o consent_v to_o his_o sin_n for_o as_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o pardon_v wilful_a murder_n consent_v to_o it_o because_o the_o murderer_n shall_v die_v even_o so_o the_o church_n suffer_v the_o unrepentaunt_a person_n among_o they_o consent_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v pollute_v with_o it_o and_o consent_n to_o all_o the_o profanation_n and_o violation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n commit_v by_o that_o unrepentant_a person_n for_o god_n have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o brethren_n &_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o hate_v their_o brother_n in_o suffer_v sin_n to_o rest_n upon_o he_o god_n have_v command_v that_o no_o unclean_a person_n shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a thing_n if_o they_o do_v they_o profane_v &_o pollute_v the_o holy_a thing_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o a_o kind_n of_o perfection_n &_o purity_n in_o that_o we_o will_v have_v no_o sinner_n among_o we_o i_o answer_v that_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o our_o person_n &_o our_o communion_n we_o confess_v our_o person_n several_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o sin_n &_o that_o we_o do_v sin_n daily_o &_o because_o of_o our_o sin_v nature_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o help_n &_o mean_n to_o subdue_v this_o sin_v nature_n of_o we_o especial_o these_o ordinance_n of_o admonition_n &_o excommunication_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v &_o administer_v upon_o all_o &_o by_o all_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v now_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n &_o purity_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o we_o suffer_v no_o unrepented_a sin_n no_o unrepentant_a sinner_n among_o we_o but_o either_o we_o cast_v out_o the_o sin_n by_o repentance_n or_o the_o sinner_n unrepentant_a by_o excommunication_n that_o our_o communion_n may_v be_v pure_a &_o holy_a &_o the_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n &_o that_o we_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n daily_o unleavened_a the_o leaven_n be_v purge_v out_o of_o we_o continual_o oh_o mr._n ber._n if_o you_o know_v but_o the_o comfort_n &_o pour_v of_o the_o l._n ordinance_n of_o admonition_n &_o excommunication_n as_o we_o do_v bless_a be_v our_o good_a god_n in_o some_o measure_n &_o that_o growth_n &_o reformation_n which_o be_v in_o some_o of_o we_o thereby_o you_o will_v be_v so_o wonderful_o ravish_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n &_o yet_o amiable_a &_o lovely_a comely_a &_o beauteful_a in_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n himself_o say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n be_v fair_a that_o she_o wound_v his_o hart_n with_o one_o of_o her_o eye_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o beautyful_a &_o holy_a communion_n which_o be_v daily_o maintain_v in_o she_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o censure_n but_o your_o confuse_a assembly_n &_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o not_o only_o omit_v but_o reject_v yea_o oppose_v all_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n &_o thereby_o you_o proclaim_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v of_o belial_n that_o be_v without_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n &_o you_o cast_v away_o from_o you_o these_o cord_n &_o band_n wherewith_o we_o be_v bind_v one_o to_o another_o &_o knit_v fast_o &_o fast_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n &_o therefore_o you_o live_v thus_o without_o the_o yoke_n out_o of_o the_o lord_n holy_a order_n have_v break_v these_o band_n &_o cast_v the_o cord_n from_o you_o mingle_v yourselves_o unto_o &_o join_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o profane_a person_n that_o violate_v all_o god_n ordinance_n how_o can_v we_o have_v any_o
faith_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n baptize_v which_o the_o law_n establish_v which_o the_o prelate_n &_o minister_n teach_v which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n profess_v which_o the_o minister_n baptise_v intend_v &_o whereto_o the_o parent_n witness_n or_o susceptors_n consent_n &_o which_o the_o service-book_n express_o mention_v but_o the_o law_n do_v not_o establish_v the_o prelate_n &_o minister_n do_v not_o teach_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o profess_v the_o baptizer_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o parent_n &_o susceptor_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o &_o the_o servicebook_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n simple_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o bbs._n or_o church_n of_o england_n ergo_fw-la the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n simple_o but_o into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o bbs._n or_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v the_o false_a faith_n of_o the_o baptizer_n of_o the_o suertye_n or_o parent_n and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o baptism_n for_o the_o second_o point_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o faith_n &_o repentance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v visible_o profess_v &_o express_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n among_o they_o &_o thereby_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a faith_n which_o teach_v &_o profess_v a_o false_a mediator_n &_o the_o repentance_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a repentance_n which_o practice_n according_a to_o that_o false_a doctrine_n but_o the_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a of_o england_n with_o the_o teacher_n &_o professor_n of_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v a_o false_a mediator_n for_o they_o teach_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o mediator_n of_o all_o that_o false_a church_n ministry_n worship_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o land_n sacrifice_v and_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o in_o the_o daily_o practice_v all_o those_o abomination_n rule_v and_o govern_v they_o by_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o by_o the_o court_n &_o canon_n ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n teach_v &_o prophesy_v unto_o they_o by_o those_o antichristian_a prelate_n priest_n &_o deacon_n which_o reign_n in_o the_o land_n &_o so_o practise_v according_a to_o this_o false_a faith_n practice_v a_o false_a repentance_n ergo_fw-la the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o the_o teacher_n &_o professor_n thereof_o &_o the_o repentance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a but_o false_a but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v against_o both_o these_o assertion_n that_o although_o one_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o baptism_n yet_o the_o lord_n may_v admit_v of_o &_o accept_v another_o &_o though_o they_o profess_v &_o preach_v false_o yet_o the_o lord_n he_o can_v &_o do_v no_o doubt_n work_v mervaylous_o beside_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v truth_n i_o yield_v it_o most_o willing_o &_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o infinite_a &_o unspeakable_a mercy_n therein_o but_o we_o dispute_v not_o what_o god_n can_v do_v of_o his_o power_n or_o will_n do_v of_o his_o mercy_n thing_n unknown_a unto_o we_o but_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v unto_o we_o according_a whereunto_o we_o must_v walk_v &_o judge_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o that_o which_o we_o see_v according_a as_o the_o word_n judge_v according_a as_o the_o church_n &_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v profess_v &_o practice_v visible_o which_o be_v see_v &_o discern_v of_o we_o we_o be_v to_o pass_v our_o censure_n but_o we_o judge_v no_o man_n before_o the_o time_n we_o do_v not_o climb_v up_o into_o god_n judgement_n seat_n our_o faith_n be_v visible_a our_o repentance_n be_v visible_a our_o charity_n visible_a our_o spirit_n visible_a our_o baptism_n visible_a our_o preach_v visible_a our_o covenant_n visible_a our_o church_n visible_a our_o judgement_n visible_a thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v aperteyne_a to_o we_o &_o our_o child_n that_o say_v we_o be_v false_a in_o the_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a secreat_n thing_n aperteyne_a to_o the_o lord_n these_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o they_o this_o i_o desire_v may_v once_o for_o all_o be_v remember_v &_o ponder_v &_o so_o i_o end_v this_o matter_n the_o fiftenth_n section_n the_o next_o point_n be_v your_o four_o wherein_o you_o do_v we_o open_a injury_n viz._n 4._o in_o hold_v that_o prince_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n then_o one_o of_o you_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n these_o be_v your_o word_n mr._n ber._n i_o challenge_v you_o in_o this_o particular_a imputation_n to_o be_v either_o a_o malicious_a or_o a_o ignorant_a slanderer_n for_o either_o you_o know_v not_o what_o we_o teach_v concern_v prince_n authoritye_n &_o so_o slander_v we_o ignorant_o or_o if_o you_o know_v our_o judgement_n in_o that_o matter_n you_o slander_v we_o malicious_o remember_v that_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o psalm_n complain_v that_o his_o enemy_n dig_v pit_n for_o he_o lay_v snare_n grin_n &_o net_n in_o his_o way_n to_o catch_v he_o ynawares_o &_o to_o bring_v evil_a upon_o he_o be_v you_o now_o become_v such_o a_o enemy_n unto_o we_o do_v you_o think_v by_o call_v into_o question_n the_o supremacy_n of_o prince_n impute_v therein_o treason_n to_o we_o to_o catch_v we_o in_o a_o snare_n &_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n if_o this_o be_v your_o course_n thus_o to_o hunt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n look_v unto_o yourself_o therein_o you_o manifest_a little_a grace_n to_o i_o but_o let_v we_o here_o the_o cause_n you_o impute_v to_o us._n you_o say_v we_o hold_v that_o prince_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n then_o one_o of_o we_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n i_o say_v for_o my_o own_o part_n &_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v it_o for_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o church_n that_o herein_o you_o do_v shameful_o belie_v we_o i_o will_v therefore_o manifest_v what_o we_o hold_v &_o teach_v concern_v prince_n supremacy_n 1._o first_o we_o teach_v &_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o prince_n &_o civil_a estate_n be_v the_o lord_n bless_a ordinance_n rom._n 13.2_o 2._o second_o that_o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o what_o estate_n &_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v rom._n 13.1_o tit._n 3.1_o 1._o pet._n 2.13_o 3._o three_o that_o we_o must_v absolute_o submit_v unto_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n either_o to_o do_v his_o lawful_a commandment_n or_o to_o suffer_v his_o unlawful_a punishment_n by_o consequence_n from_o the_o former_a place_n 4._o four_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o subject_n to_o make_v insurrection_n or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o consequence_n from_o the_o former_a place_n 5._o five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n office_n to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o commandment_n both_o to_o abolish_v idolatry_n &_o all_o false_a way_n also_o to_o forbid_v &_o punish_v all_o unrighteousness_n as_o also_o to_o command_v &_o cause_v all_o man_n within_o there_o dominion_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v fit_v &_o prepare_v thereunto_o and_o that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n josaphat_n hezechiah_n josiah_n nehemiah_n roman_n 13.4.5_o psalm_n 101._o toto_fw-la and_o 132._o 2-5_a 6._o that_o a_o prince_n have_v power_n in_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o punish_v any_o wickedness_n any_o one_o commit_v and_o to_o cause_v that_o visible_a church_n to_o assume_v &_o practice_v any_o truth_n god_n word_n teach_v ex_fw-la praecedentibus_fw-la now_o this_o be_v more_o authority_n than_o any_o one_o particular_a member_n have_v 7._o we_o teach_v notwithstanding_o that_o prince_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o must_v walk_v there_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n &_o ordinance_n submit_v to_o the_o censure_n for_o the_o reformation_n &_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o preach_n to_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n because_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o one_o way_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o prince_n and_o subject_n 8._o if_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v by_o censure_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v god_n ordinance_n still_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o the_o l._n still_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o rebellion_n or_o insurrection_n to_o be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o any_o of_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o but_o prayer_n
though_o it_o occupy_v the_o place_n or_o a_o natural_a part_n so_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o to_o the_o end_n possess_v only_o a_o room_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o true_a member_n you_o will_v demand_v then_o why_o we_o receive_v hypocrite_n among_o we_o whereto_o i_o answer_v we_o can_v discern_v a_o hypocrite_n &_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o we_o see_v measure_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o wherefore_o our_o judgement_n must_v alter_v &_o change_v as_o occasion_n vary_v &_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o righteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o righteousness_n ezech._n 18.24_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o gift_n &_o call_v of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n rom._n 11.29_o bree_o therefore_o to_o deliver_v unto_o you_o the_o truth_n i_o hold_v concern_v this_o point_n 1._o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v of_o a_o outward_a &_o inward_a communion_n 2._o the_o inward_a communion_n be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n so_o be_v the_o member_n thereof_o 3._o the_o outward_a visible_a communion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d &_o discern_v by_o man_n so_o be_v the_o member_n thereof_o 4._o we_o aâ—â—_n to_o judge_n man_n for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v both_o of_o the_o inward_a &_o outward_a communion_n if_o they_o manifest_v to_o we_o a_o ourward_a 〈◊〉_d faith_n â—_o 〈◊〉_d afterward_o man_n apostate_n finaly_a than_o we_o chandg_v our_o mind_n &_o say_v they_o be_v â—ever_o of_o we_o for_o have_v they_o be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o us._n now_o mr._n bern._n i_o pray_v you_o answer_v we_o this_o which_o we_o thus_o justify_v out_o of_o the_o word_n if_o you_o can_v if_o you_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o truth_n &_o embrace_v the_o faith_n &_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v 〈◊〉_d you_o &_o with_o you_o parallel_n censure_n observation_n aperteyn_a to_o the_o six_o section_n mr._n bern._n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o separatist_n schism_n pa._n 83._o have_v these_o word_n viz_n their_o five_o error_n be_v that_o only_a saint_n that_o be_v a_o people_n forsake_v all_o know_a sin_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v do_v all_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n increase_v &_o abide_v ever_o therein_o be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o this_o section_n mr._n bern._n say_v thus_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o teach_v that_o only_a saint_n as_o mr._n smyth_n define_v they_o by_o 4_o property_n be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n mr._n ainswortht_v confutation_n of_o mr._n bern._n pag._n 174._o say_v that_o he_o deny_v this_o position_n &_o disclaym_v the_o error_n which_o mr._n bern._n gather_v from_o they_o refer_v he_o to_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o then_o mr._n ainsworth_n show_v what_o he_o hold_v that_o saint_n by_o calling_n be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o that_o many_o be_v call_v &_o few_o choose_v let_v the_o reader_n consider_v the_o exposition_n that_o i_o have_v give_v to_o this_o position_n in_o this_o section_n of_o my_o letter_n &_o then_o let_v he_o give_v his_o verdict_n the_o exposition_n be_v summary_o thus_o much_o viz_n that_o see_v the_o visible_a church_n consist_v of_o a_o ontward_a &_o inward_a communion_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o the_o outward_a visible_a communion_n as_o hypocrite_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o in_o reputation_n &_o account_n before_o man_n now_o i_o demand_v of_o master_n bernard_n again_o with_o what_o face_n or_o good_a conscience_n he_o dare_v thus_o â—â—â—se_v the_o world_n to_o publish_v this_o position_n bare_o without_o my_o expoâ—â—â—ion_n or_o not_o to_o answer_v that_o which_o i_o bring_v for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o but_o naked_o to_o set_v it_o down_o &_o then_o only_o to_o object_v against_o it_o herein_o you_o bewray_v to_o i_o a_o mind_n willing_a to_o hide_v the_o truth_n &_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n &_o to_o draw_v the_o lord_n truth_n into_o detestation_n which_o whither_o it_o be_v not_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o false_a prophettâ—_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a mind_v and_o whither_o hereby_o you_o do_v not_o verify_v christ_n speech_n that_o you_o come_v to_o rob_v kill_v &_o to_o destroy_v &_o that_o therefore_o you_o be_v a_o thief_n &_o a_o robber_n joh._n 10.1.10_o but_o because_o you_o be_v so_o importunate_a with_o your_o objection_n &_o reason_n let_v we_o here_o what_o they_o be_v first_o you_o say_v my_o description_n of_o saint_n be_v a_o proper_a description_n of_o the_o invisible_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n &_o that_o it_o exclude_v hypocrite_n from_o be_v true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o answer_v two_o thing_n namely_o 1._o that_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v perform_v all_o these_o 4._o property_n mention_v in_o the_o description_n of_o saint_n for_o he_o may_v 1_o forsake_v all_o know_a sin_n 2._o do_v all_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n 3._o grow_v in_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n 4._o continue_v to_o the_o end_n &_o yet_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a do_v you_o think_v mr._n bernard_n that_o all_o that_o die_v thus_o qualify_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o man_n be_v indeed_o save_v with_o the_o l_o i_o confess_v to_o i_o they_o be_v undoubted_o save_v but_o be_v they_o so_o to_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o particular_a &_o you_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o see_v &_o confess_v your_o 〈◊〉_d vâ—â—_n 2._o i_o answer_v more_o proper_o thus_o when_o i_o define_v saint_n i_o must_v define_v they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v in_o show_n for_o the_o present_a but_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o &_o truth_n now_o truth_n be_v so_o either_o before_o man_n or_o before_o god_n before_o man_n that_o be_v true_a sometime_o which_o be_v false_a before_o god_n &_o before_o god_n that_o be_v true_a sometime_o which_o be_v false_a before_o man_n that_o be_v true_a before_o man_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n mat._n 18.16_o he_o therefore_o be_v a_o saint_n before_o man_n in_o truth_n that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n in_o faith_n repentance_n &_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n before_o man_n in_o â—hew_n &_o appearance_n for_o the_o present_a that_o for_o the_o present_a bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a amendment_n of_o life_n for_o a_o righteous_a man_n may_v forsake_v his_o righteousness_n ezech._n 18.14_o i_o be_o not_o therefore_o to_o define_v a_o saint_n as_o he_o be_v in_o show_n for_o the_o present_a but_o as_o he_o be_v indeed_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n neither_o do_v i_o define_v a_o saint_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n knowledge_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o man_n but_o as_o he_o be_v reveal_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v declare_v this_o by_o instance_n for_o your_o further_a information_n &_o satisfaction_n stephen_n damas_n tertullus_n stephen_n continue_v to_o the_o end_n demas_n embrace_v the_o world_n &_o fall_v back_o from_o the_o truth_n tertullus_n never_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n for_o aught_o that_o be_v reveal_v i_o say_v stephen_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n demas_n be_v no_o saint_n nor_o no_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n indeed_o but_o only_o in_o show_n tertullus_n be_v no_o saint_n nor_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o much_o as_o in_o show_n or_o appearance_n what_o tertullus_n be_v in_o secret_a to_o the_o lord_n i_o dispute_v not_o nor_o regard_v not_o what_o demas_n be_v what_o stephen_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n counsel_v it_o do_v not_o aperteyne_a unto_o we_o we_o must_v judge_n according_a to_o that_o we_o see_v &_o know_v i_o say_v still_o with_o the_o apostle_n continuance_n be_v a_o true_a property_n of_o a_o saint_n &_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n indeed_o &_o truth_n &_o of_o the_o full_a &_o complete_a communion_n thereof_o 1._o joh._n 2.19_o your_o second_o objection_n &_o reason_n be_v that_o by_o this_o my_o definition_n of_o saint_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o determine_v i_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o hezechiah_n david_n ichosaphat_n moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o commit_v &_o suffer_v know_v sin_n yea_o &_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o cor._n 12.21_o also_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2_o 20.21_o who_o do_v not_o amend_v &_o yet_o be_v saint_n &_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o answer_v first_o to_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n object_v by_o you_o i_o say_v your_o
nothing_o for_o your_o purpose_n for_o you_o speak_v not_o of_o perfect_a knowledge_n but_o of_o sound_a knowledge_n &_o that_o epithet_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o quantity_n or_o perfect_a measure_n but_o the_o quality_n or_o true_a condition_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o do_v avouch_v by_o the_o former_a ground_n to_o be_v a_o true_a convertible_a sign_n of_o sanctification_n &_o so_o of_o a_o saint_n pure_a affection_n also_o be_v another_o true_a token_n of_o sanctification_n matt._n 5.8_o 1._o tim._n 1.5_o tit._n 1.15_o which_o pure_a hart_n or_o affection_n be_v not_o a_o hart_n void_a of_o sin_n but_o of_o hypocrisy_n &_o for_o that_o you_o object_n of_o paul_n rom._n 7.18.21_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o overthrow_v his_o pure_a affection_n for_o though_o he_o have_v sin_n yet_o he_o know_v nothing_o by_o himself_o whereof_o he_o have_v not_o repent_v continual_a practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n also_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o a_o saint_n or_o a_o sanctify_a person_n psal_n 119.101.102.106.112_o and_o although_o ecclesiastes_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n without_o sin_n vet_z that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o some_o may_v continua_o practice_v their_o duty_n since_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o by_o repentance_n &_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n a_o man_n do_v always_o perform_v his_o duty_n &_o the_o speech_n of_o eclestaste_n be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n not_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o herein_o be_v your_o monstrous_a fraud_n and_o abominable_a dissemble_v manifest_v that_o under_o these_o doubtful_a term_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n pure_a affection_n &_o practice_v of_o duty_n always_o you_o will_v blear_v man_n eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n what_o do_v you_o think_v that_o any_o of_o we_o will_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v that_o perfect_a knowledge_n love_n &_o obedience_n without_o any_o imperfection_n or_o fault_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o sanctification_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o sound_a knowledge_n a_o pure_a hart_n and_o continual_a practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a token_n of_o true_a saint_n and_o man_n true_o sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v whole_o transform_v as_o i_o perceive_v into_o vain_a jangle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o your_o fix_n affirmative_n be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o nevertheless_o you_o have_v mingle_v much_o chaff_n with_o the_o wheat_n wherefore_o brief_o in_o all_o that_o which_o you_o write_v page_n 85._o 86._o 87._o 88_o concern_v this_o matter_n i_o do_v observe_v these_o particular_n namely_o 1._o that_o although_o a_o outward_a call_n profession_n and_o baptism_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o saint_n namely_o visible_a mark_n outward_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v thus_o qualify_v else_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o picture_n or_o image_n resemble_v &_o shadow_v sanctification_n superficia_o for_o they_o must_v be_v true_a &_o inward_a also_o true_a calling_n profession_n &_o baptism_n &_o inward_a call_n profession_n &_o baptism_n be_v the_o infallible_a token_n of_o sanctification_n and_o saint_n the_o inward_a must_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o outward_a the_o truth_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n he_o that_o be_v so_o call_v so_o profess_v be_v so_o baptise_a as_o the_o word_n teach_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o that_o be_v call_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n antichristianisme_n &_o all_o false_a way_n know_v unto_o he_o he_o that_o profess_v that_o true_a faith_n teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o that_o true_a faith_n after_o that_o true_a manner_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o he_o be_v true_o call_v true_o profess_v be_v true_o baptize_v and_o so_o he_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o outward_a true_a calling_n true_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o true_a baptism_n be_v discern_v &_o judge_v to_o be_v inward_o call_v inward_o to_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v inward_o baptize_v &_o that_o true_o a_o company_n of_o man_n thus_o call_v profess_v &_o baptize_v be_v saint_n but_o if_o half_a ot_fw-mi but_o some_o of_o they_o only_o be_v thus_o &_o the_o rest_n impenitent_a &_o obstinate_a in_o sin_n it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v joint_o together_o be_v a_o true_a church_n be_v light_n &_o darkness_n righteousness_n &_o impenitency_n christ_n and_o belial_n or_o be_v join_v together_o those_o former_a call_v profess_v &_o baptize_v do_v forsake_v their_o righteousness_n &_o partake_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o shall_v receive_v of_o their_o plague_n how_o then_o can_v that_o mix_a company_n be_v call_v saint_n yea_o they_o be_v as_o accessary_a to_o fearful_a sin_n before_o the_o lord_n &_o before_o man_n judge_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o all_o truth_n &_o according_a whereunto_o all_o our_o judgement_n must_v be_v square_v as_o by_o a_o canon_n &_o rule_n of_o direction_n 2._o the_o better_a part_n visible_a sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o presence_n god_n good_a pleasure_n &_o acceptation_n be_v excellent_a respect_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a proper_a adjunct_n of_o saint_n sufficient_a to_o cause_v a_o mix_a company_n to_o be_v all_o saint_n in_o definition_n but_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o mix_a company_n one_o way_n &_o we_o understand_v a_o mix_a company_n another_o way_n you_o define_v a_o mix_a company_n to_o be_v of_o man_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o man_n open_o wicked_a &_o profane_a i_o for_o my_o part_n do_v abhor_v to_o call_v such_o a_o company_n saint_n nay_o i_o shall_v rather_o and_o that_o true_o call_v such_o a_o mix_a company_n a_o false_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o visible_o antichristian_n neither_o do_v i_o any_o whitt_n quail_v that_o you_o say_v all_o divine_v say-so_a i_o know_v there_o be_v oâ—â—_n namely_o john_n the_o divine_a &_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o teach_v the_o contrary_a &_o if_o the_o divinity_n of_o your_o divine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o john_n that_o worthy_a divine_a i_o reject_v it_o i_o abhor_v it_o i_o wish_v it_o cast_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v for_o know_v you_o mr._n bern._n that_o the_o worse_a part_n sometime_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o thing_n if_o a_o peck_n of_o wheat_n be_v intermingle_v with_o a_o hundred_o quartar_n of_o chaff_n it_o be_v not_o a_o heap_n of_o wheat_n but_o of_o chaff_n if_o a_o pint_n of_o wine_n be_v mingle_v with_o a_o gallon_n of_o lees_n it_o be_v the_o lees_n of_o wine_n not_o wine_n you_o know_v in_o logic_n conclusio_fw-la sequitur_fw-la deteriorem_fw-la partem_fw-la now_o a_o company_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o few_o saint_n know_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o for_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o spiritual_a communion_n they_o can_v be_v judge_v saint_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o man_n particular_o &_o certain_o as_o your_o assembly_n of_o england_n be_v can_v be_v all_o call_v saint_n in_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n for_o then_o all_o the_o man_n of_o england_n be_v saint_n see_v they_o all_o be_v join_v together_o into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n which_o i_o suppose_v you_o can_v nor_o dare_v not_o say_v the_o scripture_n ever_o intend_v so_o to_o give_v they_o denomination_n but_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o visible_a church_n a_o mix_a company_n in_o the_o lord_n account_v &_o estimation_n &_o in_o our_o general_a comprehension_n for_o so_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v of_o wheat_n &_o tare_n mat._n 13._o the_o lord_n he_o know_v that_o the_o church_n have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o &_o we_o be_v inform_v so_o by_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v but_o twelve_o apostle_n &_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o devil_n but_o eight_o person_n in_o the_o arck_n &_o curse_a cham_n be_v one_o but_o four_o person_n in_o the_o beginning_n &_o runagate_n kain_n be_v one_o but_o still_o we_o deny_v that_o open_a wicked_a impenitent_a person_n can_v be_v call_v saint_n because_o of_o the_o communion_n &_o presence_n of_o some_o elect_a one_o who_o be_v only_o know_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n with_o the_o wicked_a neither_o can_v a_o wicked_a company_n be_v call_v holy_a or_o saint_n true_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o visible_a sign_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o presence_n for_o then_o the_o papist_n anabaptist_n familist_n arrian_n &_o among_o they_o &_o exod._n 3.5_o the_o ground_n be_v call_v holy_a &_o mat._n 4.5_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n typical_o
diocese_n nay_o say_v the_o presbyterian_o of_o england_n out_o of_o mat._n 18.17_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o edership_n &_o the_o poeple_n they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n for_o by_o the_o church_n they_o understand_v the_o presbytery_n nay_o say_v we_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o two_o or_o three_o faithful_a people_n join_v together_o in_o covenant_n &_o this_o we_o prove_v evident_o in_o this_o manner_n unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v the_o covenant_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o two_o or_o three_o faithful_a one_o for_o god_n be_v their_o god_n &_o they_o be_v his_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o they_o again_o unto_o who_o christ_n be_v give_v for_o king_n unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n be_v give_v as_o be_v his_o deputy_n &_o lieutenant_n but_o christ_n be_v give_v for_o king_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o two_o or_o three_o faithful_a people_n who_o be_v his_o kingdom_n &_o house_n &_o city_n therefore_o unto_o they_o be_v give_v his_o power_n that_o be_v his_o power_n to_o bind_v &_o lose_v final_o unto_o who_o the_o covenant_n &_o christ_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v give_v for_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n &_o in_o christ_n as_o these_o place_n prove_v 2._o cor._n 1.20_o psal_n 133.3_o act._n 2.39_o gal._n 3.14.15.16_o &_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v one_o of_o the_o promise_n &_o be_v a_o part_n &_o parcel_n of_o the_o covenant_n mat._n 16.19_o joh._n 20.23_o mat._n 18_o 15-20_a but_o the_o covenant_n &_o christ_n &_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o two_o or_o three_o faithful_a one_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o they_o also_o but_o there_o be_v certain_a objection_n which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o number_n three_o ob._n 1._o one_o be_v that_o christ_n speak_v only_o to_o peter_n &_o to_o his_o apostle_n &_o give_v the_o power_n only_o to_o they_o therefore_o mat._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o mat._n 18.17_o for_o answer_v thus_o much_o the_o place_n mat._n 16._o although_o it_o be_v direct_v to_o peter_n personal_o yet_o it_o be_v intend_v unto_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o unto_o they_o be_v the_o power_n give_v that_o have_v the_o say_v and_o make_v the_o confession_n there_o mention_v but_o the_o faith_n &_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o all_o the_o disciple_n &_o speak_v by_o peter_n in_o behalf_n of_o they_o all_o &_o therefore_o the_o power_n be_v by_o promise_n give_v to_o all_o the_o place_n joh._n 20.23_o import_v plain_o that_o mary_n magdalene_n &_o divers_a other_o of_o the_o disciple_n be_v present_a when_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o for_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o in_o a_o house_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v &_o it_o be_v the_o l._n day_n &_o not_o the_o apostle_n only_o but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v assemble_v in_o all_o likelihood_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o l._n day_n yea_o further_o thomas_n be_v absent_a &_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v can_v not_o be_v make_v to_o he_o at_o that_o present_a &_o afterward_o it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o &_o so_o by_o consequent_a that_o one_o of_o the_o ap._n have_v not_o the_o power_n give_v he_o by_o their_o reason_n which_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apost_n only_o the_o place_n mat._n 18.17_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o presbytery_n for_o that_o place_n import_v that_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o eldership_n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n &_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o word_n church_n do_v signify_v the_o eldership_n or_o else_o this_o place_n will_v help_v nothing_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n teach_v that_o christ_n intend_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v to_o be_v give_v to_o every_o brother_n for_o so_o he_o say_v if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n &_o let_v he_o be_v unto_o the_o &_o take_v two_o or_o three_o witness_n &_o where_o two_o or_o three_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o final_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o admonition_n aperteyn_v to_o every_o brother_n &_o why_o shall_v not_o excommunication_n for_o their_o be_v power_n to_o bind_v &_o lose_v in_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n towards_o a_o brother_n &_o why_o not_o power_n to_o bind_v &_o lose_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o or_o some_o small_a number_n now_o for_o the_o utter_a over_o throw_v of_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbytery_n only_o consider_v that_o the_o twelve_o be_v not_o yet_o apostles_n only_o they_o be_v nominate_v to_o be_v apostle_n they_o be_v invest_v in_o their_o office_n at_o the_o descend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o day_n foe_fw-mi pentecost_n which_o i_o prove_v unto_o you_o evident_o eph._n 4.8.11_o when_o christ_n ascend_v he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n viz_n the_o gift_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n &_o teacher_n for_o christ_n receive_v his_o kingdom_n when_o he_o ascend_v luk._n 19.12_o for_o christ_n obtain_v a_o kingdom_n by_o his_o death_n &_o he_o receive_v his_o kingdom_n when_o he_o go_v into_o that_o fane_n country_n &_o christ_n by_o his_o suffering_n enter_v into_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a regiment_n &_o ordinance_n thereof_o begin_v at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a luk._n 24.49_o act_n 1.8_o &_o it_o shall_v end_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 1._o cor._n 15.24.25_o see_v therefore_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o apostles_n but_o only_a disciple_n the_o power_n give_v to_o they_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o disciple_n not_o as_o apostle_n &_o therefore_o all_o christ_n disciple_n may_v just_o in_o all_o age_n challendg_v that_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v for_o a_o conclusion_n therefore_o in_o a_o word_n the_o commandment_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o every_o brother_n go_v the_o promise_n &_o pour_v of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o they_o also_o as_o the_o foresaid_a place_n do_v evince_v &_o as_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v from_o the_o king_n &_o all_o the_o office_n have_v power_n from_o the_o corporation_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n &_o the_o eldership_n from_o the_o church_n &_o as_o the_o body_n have_v power_n from_o the_o head_n &_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n have_v their_o power_n from_o the_o body_n so_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n &_o the_o eldership_n a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n have_v power_n from_o the_o body_n ob._n 2._o a_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n than_o power_n of_o preach_v &_o administer_a the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n truth_n we_o confess_v it_o &_o the_o church_n be_v a_o corporation_n commit_v power_n to_o administer_v to_o such_o officer_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o his_o church_n viz_n to_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n still_o reserve_v power_n to_o correct_v her_o officer_n by_o the_o same_o power_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v in_o admonition_n &_o excommunication_n the_o benefit_n whereof_o do_v as_o well_o perteyne_a to_o the_o elder_n as_o other_o of_o the_o brethren_n except_o it_o be_v say_v the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o censure_n &_o so_o to_o want_v those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v which_o be_v a_o pitiful_a condition_n &_o alamentable_a privilege_n ob._n 3._o a_o three_o ebjection_n be_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o bind_v &_o lose_v of_o the_o word_n &_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n &_o all_o the_o member_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o they_o whereto_o thus_o much_o may_v be_v answer_v viz_n that_o the_o church_n viz_n two_o or_o three_o faithful_a one_o have_v as_o be_v say_v the_o covenant_n christ_n the_o promise_v not_o only_o in_o use_n but_o in_o title_n &_o possession_n &_o the_o faithful_a have_v as_o good_a power_n &_o title_n or_o interest_n
of_o god_n pollute_v &_o defile_v the_o same_o but_o the_o l._n avouch_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n that_o person_n ceremonia_o unclean_a unclense_v enter_v unto_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o meddle_v with_o holy_a flesh_n or_o pottage_n pollute_v &_o defile_v they_o therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n moral_o pollute_v &_o impenitent_a in_o sin_n deal_v with_o the_o holy_a thing_n do_v profane_v they_o &_o therefore_o no_o man_n with_o good_a conscience_n can_v join_v with_o that_o profanation_n final_o as_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o king_n &_o magistrate_n suffer_v sin_n unpunished_a be_v pollute_v therewith_o by_o consent_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v king_n spiritualy_a &_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o l._n the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o christ_n suffer_v sin_n unreform_v among_o they_o be_v pollute_v thereby_o but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o king_n and_o magistrate_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n mr._n bernard_n pag._n 94._o be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n unreform_v in_o the_o common_a wealth_n therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o visible_a church_n who_o be_v king_n spiritualy_a have_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o l._n the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o christ_n suffer_v sin_n unreform_v among_o they_o be_v pollute_v thereby_o &_o so_o no_o communion_n to_o be_v have_v with_o they_o lest_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o sin_n by_o consent_n we_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n now_o you_o see_v evident_o prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n &_o by_o direct_a consequent_n from_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v to_o a_o church_n that_o be_v true_o constitute_v now_o grow_v to_o profane_v &_o violate_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n by_o consent_v to_o sin_n &_o wicked_a obstinate_a convince_v impenitent_a sinner_n &_o that_o therefore_o much_o more_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v to_o your_o false_a church_n which_o never_o be_v true_o constitute_v since_o the_o defection_n of_o antichrist_n but_o remain_v in_o the_o gulf_n of_o antichristianisme_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o first_o point_n therefore_o be_v manifest_a the_o second_o follow_v to_o be_v enterprise_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n &_o cavil_n which_o you_o make_v against_o this_o comfortable_a truth_n of_o the_o l._n i_o call_v it_o a_o comfortable_a truth_n because_o herein_o consist_v the_o true_a comfort_n of_o church_n &_o christian_n public_o &_o private_o that_o they_o neither_o live_v in_o nor_o consent_n to_o any_o know_a sin_n in_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o otherwise_o see_v sin_n &_o corruption_n break_v out_o daily_o in_o the_o best_a church_n &_o christian_n herein_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o we_o give_v no_o allowance_n to_o they_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o our_o presence_n in_o that_o communion_n where_o open_a know_a sin_n be_v suffer_v as_o it_o be_v most_o plentiful_o and_o abundant_o in_o your_o false_a church_n and_o in_o other_o church_n that_o be_v of_o a_o true_a constitution_n in_o your_o objection_n against_o this_o truth_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o reprove_v be_v that_o you_o do_v false_o interpret_v consent_n to_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n may_v consent_v to_o sin_n though_o he_o in_o judgement_n affection_n contenance_n &_o action_n do_v declare_v his_o dislike_n of_o it_o as_o for_o example_n ely_n do_v all_o this_o to_o his_o son_n that_o pollute_a the_o l._n sacrifice_n &_o commit_v adultery_n with_o the_o woman_n that_o come_v to_o sacrifice_v 1._o san_n 2.22.23_o for_o he_o shall_v have_v procee_v to_o the_o utmost_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n viz_n to_o have_v put_v his_o son_n to_o death_n which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v pollute_v with_o their_o sin_n by_o consent_n &_o therefore_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n befall_v he_o which_o whsooever_o hear_v both_o their_o ear_n tingle_v 1._o sa._n 3.11_o so_o except_o a_o man_n do_v by_o all_o man_n ane_v save_v himself_o from_o the_o froward_a generation_n by_o separate_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n practise_v &_o counsel_v act._n 2.4_o &_o 19.9_o &_o 2._o cor_fw-la 6.17_o he_o can_v be_v free_a from_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d the_o profanation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o these_o place_n do_v evident_o declare_v thâ—â—_n paul_n &_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o gentile_n but_o from_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o grow_v obstinate_a in_o sin_n &_o so_o practise_v themselves_o command_v the_o disciple_n &_o train_v they_o up_o by_o his_o example_n so_o to_o do_v &_o so_o teach_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n herein_o in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o proceed_v to_o declare_v by_o divers_a reason_n such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o to_o join_v to_o the_o holy_a thing_n when_o obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n partake_v in_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n your_o first_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o this_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v no_o sin_n i_o deny_v the_o antecedent_n &_o i_o declare_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o bemjamin_n consent_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n commit_v upon_o the_o levite_n concubine_n judg._n 19_o &_o 20._o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n fear_v lest_o wrath_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o for_o suffer_v their_o brethren_n to_o make_v another_o altar_n &_o to_o forsake_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o they_o suspect_v josh._n 22._o &_o of_o achan_n sin_n which_o bring_v wrath_n upon_o the_o whole_a congregation_n wherefore_o in_o the_o law_n the_o lord_n do_v appoint_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n aswell_o as_o for_o any_o particular_a person_n levitt_n 4.13_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o you_o be_v for_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o godly_a be_v never_o reprove_v for_o be_v present_a at_o the_o ministration_n of_o holy_a thing_n though_o wicked_a man_n be_v present_a but_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n only_o for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a whereto_o i_o answer_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v typical_a &_o therefore_o person_n typical_o clean_a though_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n may_v come_v to_o sacrifice_n &_o yet_o not_o pollute_v other_o as_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o former_a section_n beside_o whereas_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n &_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o carnal_a priest_n as_o spiritual_a priest_n thereby_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pollute_v by_o not_o distinguish_v &_o separate_n the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a see_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n ezech._n 22.26_o compare_v with_o revel_n 1.6_o &_o 11.1_o jude_n we_o 23.2_o cor._n 6.17_o but_o still_o some_o may_v object_v that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o do_v pray_v &_o preach_v &_o praise_n god_n &_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o faithful_a herein_o be_v not_o defile_v if_o the_o wicked_a do_v join_v with_o they_o in_o communion_n thereof_o &_o therefore_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o man_n do_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o open_a know_a sin_n &_o suffer_v know_v sin_n yet_o may_v be_v saint_n &_o unpolluted_a in_o communion_n &_o this_o be_v the_o very_a pith_n &_o warrow_n of_o your_o second_o abjection_n mr._n bern._n whereto_o i_o make_v answer_v many_o way_n first_o i_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o saint_n or_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o saint_n of_o we_o that_o be_v impenitent_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n know_v i_o say_v to_o he_o for_o i_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n &_o yet_o because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o so_o to_o be_v he_o can_v be_v account_v impenitent_a though_o he_o live_v in_o it_o since_o ignorance_n be_v a_o sin_n whereof_o a_o man_n repent_v generaly_a &_o so_o in_o his_o general_a repentance_n of_o sin_n do_v of_o ignorance_n that_o particular_a sin_n be_v include_v second_o i_o be_o to_o judge_v of_o another_o according_a to_o that_o which_o i_o know_v &_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n therein_o wherefore_o if_o i_o know_v any_o of_o my_o brethren_n to_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n know_v to_o i_o i_o must_v admonish_v he_o &_o prove_v it_o to_o he_o to_o be_v sin_n &_o require_v his_o repentance_n if_o he_o repent_v not_o to_o take_v withness_n &_o they_o to_o admonish_v he_o before_o withness_n &_o so_o to_o convince_v it_o again_o to_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o repent_v not_o then_o to_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n where_o