the_o virgin_n mary_n four_o put_v case_n the_o minister_n in_o read_v such_o prayer_n give_v offence_n or_o attribute_n unlawful_a honour_n to_o a_o thing_n abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o faithful_a this_o can_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o that_o offence_n be_v personal_a only_a and_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a they_o join_v in_o prayer_n only_o and_o not_o in_o his_o read_n or_o limit_v himself_o not_o to_o say_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v herein_o both_o accuser_n and_o judge_n if_o he_o give_v offence_n must_v they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stone_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v rather_o think_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v unto_o their_o foot_n that_o they_o go_v not_o awry_o let_v it_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o either_o the_o minister_n be_v guilty_a of_o give_v unlawful_a honour_n or_o that_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o will_v then_o say_v as_o you_o do_v but_o until_o that_o be_v prove_v be_v press_v and_o call_v to_o proffer_v our_o judgement_n we_o believe_v that_o separation_n be_v scandalous_a and_o sinful_a never_o teach_v of_o god_n nor_o confirm_v by_o the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o any_o age_n or_o time_n of_o the_o church_n 246._o yea_o against_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n injurious_a to_o the_o church_n distract_n christian_n bring_v contempt_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o defraud_v believer_n of_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v think_v of_o it_o now_o in_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v account_v no_o small_a offence_n fist_o if_o this_o and_o such_o like_a scruple_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o the_o ordnance_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o no_o society_n under_o heaven_n for_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n which_o hold_v all_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_v form_n unlawful_a say_v with_o like_a strength_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n with_o other_o if_o either_o they_o give_v too_o little_a honour_n to_o it_o as_o deem_v the_o other_o lawful_a or_o sinful_o limit_v or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o one_o stint_a form_n though_o conceive_v at_o first_o by_o themselves_o and_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n who_o hold_v a_o stint_a form_n lawful_a in_o like_a manner_n object_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o because_o they_o attribute_v too_o much_o honour_n to_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o make_v their_o device_n and_o method_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n which_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o use_v some_o select_a prayer_n according_a to_o the_o form_n among_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n condemn_v communion_n with_o both_o sort_n and_o all_o of_o they_o one_o with_o another_o because_o they_o either_o limit_v themselves_o too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a you_o say_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o first_o position_n many_o preacher_n constant_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o make_n before_o their_o sermon_n must_v you_o not_o say_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o they_o because_o they_o sinful_o stint_v themselves_o in_o probability_n a_o christian_a may_v presume_v that_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o will_v be_v through_o humane_a ignorance_n &_o infirmity_n somewhat_o amiss_o for_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o both_o &_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n he_o must_v join_v with_o no_o society_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worshipat_v all_o the_o advance_n of_o every_o small_a difference_n to_o this_o height_n be_v that_o which_o will_v bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n if_o man_n walk_v uniform_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o master_n i._o da._n that_o unless_o man_n will_v yield_v so_o much_o favour_v each_o to_o other_o in_o some_o difference_n of_o opinion_n a_o dissolve_v not_o only_a of_o church_n but_o of_o humane_a society_n also_o must_v necessary_o follow_v &_o not_o only_o not_o two_o minister_n but_o not_o two_o man_n shall_v live_v together_o which_o be_v to_o put_v off_o even_a humanity_n itself_o six_o we_o have_v credible_o hear_v that_o you_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n without_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o error_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o member_n or_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n though_o you_o profess_v you_o approve_v not_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o if_o in_o godly_a wisdom_n you_o can_v see_v ground_n to_o join_v with_o they_o we_o marvel_v you_o shall_v be_v so_o timorous_a in_o this_o particular_a seven_o if_o you_o judge_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o godly_a minister_n scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o it_o be_v not_o administer_v in_o this_o or_o that_o but_o in_o a_o stint_a form_n it_o be_v a_o scandal_n take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o by_o forbear_v if_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o error_n be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o they_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o more_o yea_o they_o shall_v prejudice_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o beget_v needless_a scruple_n in_o other_o and_o draw_v they_o ignorant_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n be_v run_v too_o far_o into_o schism_n already_o iii_o position_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christmas_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n iv_o position_n that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n answ_n these_o two_o position_n may_v be_v maintain_v with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o defence_n be_v somewhat_o coincident_a and_o therefore_o we_o join_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o one_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n it_o may_v please_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o we_o be_v not_o of_o their_o judgement_n who_o refuse_v all_o religious_a communion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v not_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v we_o appropriate_a communion_n in_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n exclude_v all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o same_o though_o they_o may_v be_v through_o error_n or_o humane_a frailty_n defective_a in_o some_o matter_n of_o order_n provide_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o church_n be_v preserve_v of_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v as_o well_o by_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n or_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a concern_v those_o who_o we_o admit_v unto_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n for_o as_o we_o account_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n inviolate_a with_o any_o in_o who_o we_o discern_v any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n according_a to_o order_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n &_o other_o religious_a action_n of_o like_a nature_n we_o maintain_v with_o all_o godly_a person_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church_n order_n but_o church_n communion_n we_o hold_v only_o with_o church_n member_n admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_v the_o know_v and_o approve_v &_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n but_o into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o censure_n admittance_n of_o member_n and_o choice_n of_o officer_n only_o the_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o they_o and_o we_o any_o of_o we_o stand_v member_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o consideration_n whereupon_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v sway_v for_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o order_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v reply_n what_o be_v here_o premise_a to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n do_v seem_v more_o to_o raise_v then_o to_o abate_v scruple_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o meaning_n you_o refuse_v not_o all_o religious_a communion_n with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o church_n member_n and_o so_o much_o they_o profess_v who_o former_o have_v go_v for_o and_o profess_v themselves_o separatist_n from_o our_o assembly_n you_o
do_v not_o appropriate_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o your_o own_o church_n exclude_v all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o same_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v only_o this_o that_o you_o deny_v not_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n for_o substance_n than_o you_o ascribe_v little_a more_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o then_o to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v baptism_n administer_v among_o they_o to_o be_v true_a for_o substance_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o then_o either_o your_o judgement_n be_v contrary_a to_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v what_o you_o former_o build_v and_o here_o profess_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v provide_v you_o go_v not_o beyond_o the_o lord_n warrant_v and_o deny_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a by_o divine_a appointment_n nor_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o god_n have_v plentiful_o bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o highness_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o call_v into_o question_n nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a according_a to_o order_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a viz_o to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n true_a visible_a believer_n or_o know_v recommend_v christian_n former_o member_n of_o visible_a church_n among_o we_o and_o their_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o member_n as_o you_o speak_v in_o church_n order_n and_o whether_o god_n allow_v to_o put_v this_o difference_n between_o church_n member_n of_o your_o society_n &_o other_o visible_a believer_n walk_v in_o holiness_n though_o not_o admit_v member_n of_o any_o society_n according_a to_o your_o church_n order_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o one_o though_o member_n of_o another_o society_n unto_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o debar_v the_o other_o and_o their_o child_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o present_a position_n and_o first_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o reason_n for_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o so_o far_o as_o we_o judge_v meet_v try_v your_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n you_o make_v against_o it_o 1_o consideration_n the_o seal_n baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereto_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n indeed_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o ordinance_n give_fw-mi not_o only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n already_o gather_v but_o also_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o man_n to_o the_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v without_o whereas_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v god_n ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v now_o no_o universal_a visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o time_n nor_o officer_n nor_o ordinance_n appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v under_o moses_n it_o remain_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n whereunto_o these_o privilege_n be_v give_v be_v congregationall_a consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edify_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 16._o and_o not_o only_a when_o they_o be_v of_o divers_a nation_n 33._o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o also_o of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o church_n of_o judea_n 4._o and_o not_o only_a when_o that_o country_n be_v of_o large_a extent_n and_o circuit_n 22._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o also_o of_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o country_n 14._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n yea_o when_o congregation_n in_o several_a city_n be_v speak_v of_o 19_o they_o be_v call_v church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 2._o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o see_v the_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v congregationall_a 38._o and_o that_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v church_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o city_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o citizen_n and_o their_o child_n so_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v church_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o see_v sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la to_o apply_v they_o to_o other_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v abuse_v if_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o grant_n of_o privilege_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o town_n corporate_a to_o one_o that_o be_v no_o freeman_n of_o that_o corporation_n be_v uncapable_a thereof_o reply_n if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n of_o christ_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n but_o if_o by_o the_o church_n you_o understand_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n the_o seal_n be_v never_o appropriate_v to_o it_o but_o to_o examine_v every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v 1_o the_o seal_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereunto_o not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n 5._o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o within_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o and_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o for_o substance_n right_o use_v token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n 10._o and_o symboll_n or_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n 20._o this_o be_v most_o certain_a 77._o as_o in_o the_o ordinary_a so_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v in_o the_o margin_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o you_o say_v dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o the_o seal_v dispense_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n of_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispence_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a to_o what_o pupose_v then_o be_v those_o word_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n add_v to_o the_o proposition_n if_o thereby_o you_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n it_o be_v evident_o cross_v to_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v and_o to_o yourselves_o afterward_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o sacrament_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o only_o who_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n and_o shall_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o which_o this_o very_a scripture_n do_v plentiful_o disprove_v for_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v baptize_v nor_o in_o a_o church_n way_n before_o baptism_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o the_o most_o of_o yourselves_o but_o by_o baptism_n
good_a acceptance_n communicate_v each_o of_o they_o at_o other_o church_n even_o so_o often_o as_o god_n providence_n lead_v they_o thereunto_o and_o themselves_o desire_v it_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o this_o consideration_n you_o say_v you_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o know_v approve_a and_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n and_o if_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v over_o into_o new_a england_n shall_v desire_v either_o to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o to_o be_v admit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o any_o society_n theâ—e_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n baptize_v themselves_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o their_o child_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o all_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n lawful_o and_o just_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o visible_a church_n and_o walk_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o this_o privilege_n in_o all_o church_n profess_v their_o entire_a faith_n and_o you_o must_v show_v just_a and_o sound_a reason_n from_o god_n of_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o debar_v their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n and_o parent_n themselves_o from_o the_o supper_n or_o else_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o reverend_a elder_n among_o you_o 18._o in_o a_o case_n of_o less_o importance_n and_o not_o concern_v so_o many_o you_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o the_o word_n and_o make_v eleven_o commandment_n and_o set_v up_o humane_a custom_n and_o selfewill_n against_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereunto_o but_o you_o deny_v this_o privilege_n to_o the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o yourselves_o confess_v for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o congregation_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o your_o opinion_n the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n may_v be_v receive_v unto_o baptism_n upon_o confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o think_v the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v as_o much_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o seal_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 6_o the_o distinct_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v congregationall_a society_n consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o might_n and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o but_o because_o it_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o other_o point_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o church_n order_n we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o least_o circuit_n wherein_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o church_n be_v ample_a enough_o to_o contain_v some_o diocese_n and_o the_o least_o city_n 226._o populous_a enough_o to_o make_v many_o numbersome_a congregation_n nor_o upon_o this_o that_o to_o meet_v at_o one_o time_n and_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n mere_o accidentary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v still_o one_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v asunder_o and_o no_o particular_a man_n of_o that_o society_n at_o first_o remain_v now_o alive_a the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o the_o great_a part_n can_v not_o ordinary_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n to_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o samaria_n 4._o in_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a embrace_v the_o faith_n as_o the_o whole_a city_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a have_v give_v heed_n to_o simon_n magus_n before_o 12._o so_o to_o philip_n now_o when_o he_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o samaria_n receive_v the_o gospel_n the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a 7_o but_o it_o grow_v and_o increase_v first_o to_o 3000._o then_o to_o 5000._o afterward_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n increase_v it_o be_v also_o note_v that_o a_o company_n of_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o faith_n the_o syriac_a have_v it_o of_o the_o jew_n scil_n inhabit_v judea_n but_o the_o greek_a arabian_a vulgar_a chrisostom_n &_o ethiopian_n approve_v the_o former_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o small_a 38._o there_o be_v mention_v also_o of_o million_o of_o believer_n and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o time_n continue_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 18._o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o earnest_o and_o diligent_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o other_o how_o can_v we_o think_v but_o that_o church_n do_v grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n there_o to_o be_v more_o than_o can_v fit_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o congregation_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n continue_v there_o one_o whole_a year_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 21._o and_o teach_v the_o multitude_n so_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n at_o antioch_n 25_o after_o that_o this_o church_n be_v visit_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 35._o who_o continue_v there_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o many_o other_o also_o and_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o this_o church_n do_v quick_o rise_v to_o such_o bigness_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o now_o we_o call_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o small_a at_o ephesus_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o when_o paul_n have_v be_v there_o but_o two_o year_n all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o jew_n and_o grecian_n 27._o that_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v to_o he_o at_o ephesus_n 19_o that_o the_o art_n for_o make_v shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o and_o that_o those_o that_o have_v use_v curious_a art_n come_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n unto_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v where_o a_o church_n do_v comprehend_v a_o city_n with_o its_o suburb_n and_o the_o country_n circumjacent_a i._n e._n the_o believer_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n within_o that_o circuit_n it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o number_n do_v so_o increase_v through_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o continue_v one_o society_n for_o when_o a_o number_n be_v
credit_n in_o such_o case_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v weighty_a and_o convince_a but_o for_o your_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o observe_v one_o substantial_a ground_n or_o approve_a author_n to_o be_v allege_v doctor_n ames_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n give_v this_o reason_n quoniam_fw-la alius_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quum_fw-la conturbentur_fw-la signa_fw-la illa_fw-la quibus_fw-la fideles_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelibus_fw-la discerni_fw-la possunt_fw-la 1._o cor._n 5._o 12._o but_o herein_o dr._n ames_n manifest_o show_v that_o by_o they_o that_o be_v without_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o not_o believer_n and_o godly_a man_n though_o of_o no_o particular_a settle_a society_n for_o the_o time_n for_o thus_o we_o conceive_v he_o argue_v the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n must_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o unless_o christian_n make_v themselves_o actual_a member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o church_n the_o sign_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a be_v discern_v from_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v obscure_v and_o darken_v and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o reason_n how_o can_v that_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v allege_v for_o confirmation_n unless_o by_o man_n without_o infidel_n be_v understand_v again_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o same_o book_n lib._n 4._o ca._n 27._o speak_v of_o infant_n to_o be_v receive_v it_o be_v require_v he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o estimation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o that_o there_o be_v hope_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n 2._o that_o baptism_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o those_o infant_n who_o parent_n at_o least_o one_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o without_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 3._o that_o child_n that_o be_v cast_v forth_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o presume_v the_o contrary_a that_o in_o admit_v unto_o baptism_n a_o difference_n must_v be_v put_v between_o the_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o open_o break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o other_o 1._o because_o a_o distinction_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o holy_a thing_n between_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a see_v else_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v preserve_v from_o all_o pollution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o add_v touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n bear_v in_o fornication_n excommunication_n and_o papist_n which_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o clear_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o former_a passage_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v gather_v themselves_o into_o a_o particular_a society_n but_o as_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o his_o mind_n to_o censure_v they_o who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o church-covenant_n because_o they_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n as_o man_n without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n his_o judgement_n be_v further_o manifest_v in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n pa._n 33._o so_o many_o parish_n assembly_n of_o england_n say_v he_o as_o have_v any_o competent_a number_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o they_o unite_v to_o worship_n god_n ordinary_o in_o one_o society_n so_o many_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o integrall_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o all_o they_o have_v entire_a right_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o how_o ever_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o combination_n and_o in_o the_o complete_a free_a exercise_v of_o their_o power_n whereupon_o a_o reverend_a 182._o elder_n now_o among_o you_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n ergo_fw-la to_o dischurch_n they_o whole_o and_o to_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o infant_n of_o their_o know_a member_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o know_v nor_o justify_v by_o any_o assertion_n or_o practice_n answ_n 5._o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o for_o a_o five_o consideration_n the_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o extend_v communion_n in_o church_n privilege_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n fellowship_n for_o thus_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v much_o confound_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o illimited_a as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n be_v abroagate_v if_o without_o membership_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o parent_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o their_o seed_n in_o baptism_n 3._o the_o church_n shall_v endanger_v the_o profane_v of_o the_o seal_n and_o want_v one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o grace_n and_o piety_n of_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o make_v know_v for_o if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o you_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o without_o attestation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o how_o can_v such_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o approve_a piety_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o orderly_o join_v themselves_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o member_n thereof_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o see_v such_o fellowship_n be_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n require_v of_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o true_a piety_n frame_v man_n spirit_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o we_o have_v have_v much_o experience_n of_o it_o that_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o have_v be_v find_v too_o light_a not_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o but_o even_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n in_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n have_v god_n follow_v this_o order_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n but_o this_o mean_n of_o discovery_n of_o man_n piety_n and_o sincerity_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o enter_v in_o church-fellowship_n reply_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a institution_n to_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n lawful_o baptize_v walk_v in_o the_o faith_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partaker_n of_o church_n privilege_n among_o we_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 213._o or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o your_o order_n than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a though_o no_o such_o evil_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v but_o if_o by_o accident_n some_o abuse_n shall_v fall_v out_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n 23._o but_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o utter_o to_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n by_o his_o free_a grant_n and_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o no_o question_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v profane_v many_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o dispenser_n to_o put_v back_o or_o expel_v such_o as_o profane_v they_o if_o the_o congregation_n shall_v admit_v of_o or_o tolerate_v a_o unworthy_a member_n the_o church_n privilege_n be_v profane_v and_o yet_o we_o conceive_v you_o will_v say_v the_o pastor_n be_v not_o faulty_a in_o receive_v he_o when_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v unworthy_o if_o he_o do_v what_o pertain_v to_o his_o office_n to_o keep_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n but_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o danger_n of_o such_o consequence_n necessary_a to_o follow_v for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o all_o sort_n at_o randame_n 80._o but_o of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n entire_o lawful_o baptize_v know_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o
together_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o have_v call_v a_o pastor_n to_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o we_o desire_v not_o word_v but_o proof_n why_o the_o poor_a disperse_a christian_n want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n to_o join_v themselves_o together_o into_o society_n ought_v not_o to_o desire_v and_o that_o other_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o afford_v they_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n ordinance_n if_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v for_o good_a i_o fear_v we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v that_o ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o the_o premise_n be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o exception_n the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o thereunto_o we_o oppose_v the_o direct_a contrary_n that_o infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o godly_a christian_n former_o visible_a believer_n know_v and_o approve_a member_n of_o congregation_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v and_o expect_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v dispense_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v not_o join_v into_o such_o church-state_n and_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o you_o require_v answer_v 7._o consideration_n that_o our_o practice_n may_v not_o be_v censure_v as_o novel_a and_o singular_a give_v we_o leave_v to_o produce_v a_o precedent_n of_o the_o like_a care_n observe_v and_o approve_v by_o public_a countenance_n of_o state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o edward_n 6._o of_o bless_a and_o famous_a memory_n who_o in_o the_o year_n 1550._o grant_v johannes_n alasco_n a_o learned_a noble_a man_n of_o poland_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n and_o to_o order_v themselves_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n among_o other_o godly_a order_n establish_v in_o that_o church_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o prevent_v the_o profanation_n of_o it_o we_o will_v repeat_v in_o alascoes_n own_a word_n baptism_n in_o our_o church_n say_v he_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o public_a sermon_n for_o see_v baptism_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v drive_v thence_o which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o true_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a again_o he_o add_v now_o see_v our_o church_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n so_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o parish_n of_o stranger_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o one_o body_n corporate_a as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o king_n grant_v and_o yet_o all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o english_a church_n that_o they_o be_v join_v with_o we_o and_o to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a church_n and_o so_o do_v abuse_n both_o they_o and_o we_o lest_o the_o english_a church_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o imposture_n of_o such_o man_n and_o that_o under_o colour_n of_o our_o church_n we_o do_v baptize_v their_o infant_n alone_o who_o have_v adjoin_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n by_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v their_o seed_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o thereto_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a the_o father_n of_o the_o infant_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o possible_a he_o can_v or_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o notable_a credit_n in_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n and_o do_v public_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n to_o offer_v infant_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v not_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o who_o present_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n may_v in_o time_n plead_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o our_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v deceive_v the_o english_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o those_o which_o present_v infant_n to_o baptism_n they_o propound_v three_o question_n the_o first_o be_v be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n answer_v yea._n this_o instance_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o alasco_n affirm_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o that_o book_n that_o this_o liberty_n be_v by_o the_o king_n grant_v to_o they_o out_o of_o his_o desire_n to_o settle_v alike_o reformation_n in_o the_o english_a church_n which_o in_o effect_n you_o see_v the_o same_o with_o out_o practice_v in_o this_o particular_a reply_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o different_a from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n not_o in_o some_o by-circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o main_a point_n in_o question_n for_o your_o judgement_n be_v that_o true_a visible_a believer_n baptize_v and_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o other_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n or_o fellowship_n have_v no_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o the_o seal_n they_o nor_o their_o seed_n but_o this_o church_n of_o stranger_n hold_v no_o such_o opinion_n as_o their_o own_o word_n which_o you_o have_v omit_v do_v plain_o speak_v and_o paul_n testify_v say_v they_o that_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n whence_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o baptism_n do_v neither_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o they_o for_o so_o they_o profess_v yet_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v open_o show_v that_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n though_o we_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o they_o both_o in_o language_n and_o ceremony_n we_o do_v not_o refuse_v that_o the_o english_a may_v as_o public_a witness_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v the_o infant_n of_o our_o member_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o have_v both_o the_o use_n of_o our_o language_n and_o a_o certain_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o member_n be_v accustom_v to_o offer_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o english_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o english_a church_n if_o your_o judgement_n be_v this_o of_o the_o english_a church_n your_o judgement_n in_o acknowledge_v we_o member_n of_o true_a church_n and_o practice_v in_o debar_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n be_v opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o who_o whilst_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n pretend_v to_o the_o english_a that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n and_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a but_o you_o debar_v know_v christian_n who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o you_o not_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n of_o they_o who_o avoid_v all_o church_n yea_o you_o debar_v they_o as_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o herein_o you_o can_v show_v no_o precedent_n ancient_a or_o modern_a either_o from_o scripture_n or_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o your_o practice_n be_v without_o example_n so_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o we_o thus_o propound_v 1_o reason_n that_o sacred_a order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o all_o his_o saint_n to_o
into_o all_o church_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v he_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o now_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 12._o 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 2._o so_o all_o baptise_a person_n have_v true_a and_o entire_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o god_n have_v set_v his_o name_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n for_o one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o other_o the_o member_n of_o one_o society_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n join_v in_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o when_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o congregation_n and_o hereto_o he_o need_v no_o other_o call_v but_o that_o god_n offer_v a_o opportunity_n there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v or_o have_v leave_v from_o they_o in_o place_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o society_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o if_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n shall_v preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o another_o contrary_a to_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o society_n and_o governor_n though_o the_o act_n be_v irregular_a it_o be_v never_o esteem_v a_o nullity_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n or_o the_o church_n and_o approbation_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o who_o charge_n and_o jurisdiction_n they_o live_v it_o have_v be_v judge_v a_o mere_a nullity_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v four_o that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o godly_a conversation_n that_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o aposles_a sense_n 12._o because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n in_o church-covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v 1._o it_o have_v and_o may_v fall_v out_o many_o time_n through_o the_o ignorance_n rashness_n or_o pride_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o the_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n visible_a flock_n or_o congregation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a visible_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v esteem_v alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o not_o only_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a body_n but_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o parent_n though_o not_o actual_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o present_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v without_o because_o no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a body_n or_o spiritual_a fellowship_n then_o all_o member_n which_o be_v of_o one_o society_n be_v without_o to_o another_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n or_o subject_n to_o the_o authority_n one_o of_o another_o and_o so_o not_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n to_o it_o they_o be_v without_o whereas_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a time_n distinct_a society_n do_v communicate_v together_o admit_v and_o receive_v each_o other_o as_o brethren_n to_o testify_v their_o fellowship_n in_o the_o faith_n if_o the_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o within_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o not_o under_o their_o censure_n or_o judgement_n this_o hold_v true_a of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o another_o society_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4._o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o order_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n 5._o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o read_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n 19_o but_o in_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n heretic_n themselves_o be_v within_o the_o church_n 19_o 6._o the_o believer_n not_o yet_o gather_v as_o the_o godly_a learn_v think_v into_o a_o certain_a distinct_a body_n be_v call_v believer_n brethren_n disciple_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o faith_n the_o apostle_n whether_o allude_v to_o this_o place_n or_o not_o let_v other_o judge_v be_v dog_n 101._o enchanter_n whoremonger_n not_o such_o as_o be_v call_v faithful_a and_o holy_a walk_v in_o integrity_n believe_v in_o and_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v their_o saviour_n 8._o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a censure_n upon_o your_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o your_o society_n as_o set_v member_n 9_o let_v the_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o be_v without_o not_o only_o who_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o some_o congregationall_a assembly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o that_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o with_o or_o without_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbitry_n or_o class_n and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o the_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v approve_v christian_n desire_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o sacrament_n either_o to_o be_v without_o or_o uncapable_a of_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o time_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v offend_v though_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n or_o themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o time_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o and_o as_o they_o be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n so_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o they_o will_v proceed_v with_o a_o offend_a member_n 10._o if_o upon_o just_a and_o good_a reason_n a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v clear_v to_o prove_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v never_o allege_v by_o any_o writer_n we_o be_v not_o to_o except_v against_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o it_o want_v man_n testimony_n only_o if_o we_o desire_v
be_v assemble_v at_o that_o time_n in_o his_o house_n while_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n peter_n demand_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o in_o this_o catalogue_n we_o see_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o church-covenant_n either_o in_o the_o institution_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o they_o that_o christian_n be_v solemn_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o into_o particular_a society_n by_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o truth_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n but_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v deem_v necessary_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n or_o that_o by_o divine_a institution_n any_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v as_o necessary_a thereunto_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v we_o deny_v and_o can_v account_v it_o less_o than_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o institution_n for_o if_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o baptism_n by_o divine_a institution_n belong_v to_o disciple_n faithful_a saint_n who_o have_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o grace_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o to_o debar_v such_o from_o the_o seal_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o speak_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o grace_n and_o many_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n v._o position_n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n answer_n if_o the_o question_n have_v be_v etc._n whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n our_o answer_n shall_v be_v affirmative_a and_o according_a hereunto_o be_v also_o our_o practice_n and_o we_o hope_v your_o judgement_n and_o we_o be_v not_o different_a herein_o but_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n do_v allow_v that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v dissent_n upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n our_o answer_n be_v negative_a viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o seal_v in_o the_o congregation_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o ought_v not_o to_o carry_v matter_n by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o do_v thing_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8_o and_o not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o church_n among_o we_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o practice_n but_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n therein_o reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o whether_o power_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n do_v so_o reside_v in_o the_o community_n as_o that_o they_o must_v be_v refuse_v who_o the_o major_a part_n refuse_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v of_o another_o judgement_n and_o he_o admit_v who_o the_o major_a part_n do_v approve_v and_o though_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n no_o doubt_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o different_a judgement_n and_o affection_n wherein_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o do_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o the_o question_n hereupon_o move_v be_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o that_o in_o external_a court_n that_o act_n or_o sentence_n must_v stand_v and_o be_v in_o force_n which_o the_o great_a part_n shall_v determine_v among_o they_o which_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o 240._o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n 124-126_a other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n by_o church_n also_o some_o understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a together_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o guide_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n with_o your_o reason_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o different_a judgement_n from_o mr._n parker_n in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o separation_n which_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o can_v but_o dissent_v from_o you_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o no_o power_n agree_v to_o the_o multitude_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o positive_a law_n for_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a power_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v derive_v from_o 239._o and_o communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o necessity_n it_o must_v draw_v its_o original_n from_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o can_v agree_v to_o none_o but_o as_o it_o be_v communicate_v but_o the_o communicate_v power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v immediate_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o to_o some_o person_n and_o officer_n design_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o peruse_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o distinct_a several_a person_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a community_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n 28._o and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n â—6_n feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n be_v these_o thing_n speak_v to_o the_o whole_a community_n or_o to_o special_a person_n 2._o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n and_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a 1._o which_o they_o do_v not_o 22._o but_o
you_o as_o side_v from_o the_o truth_n with_o by-respect_n whereof_o you_o complain_v very_o we_o abhor_v such_o rash_a harsh_a and_o presumptuous_a notoriousnesse_n we_o see_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o suspect_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o you_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o be_v more_o privy_a to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n then_o to_o you_o and_o we_o can_v but_o with_o much_o thankfulness_n of_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o many_o rich_a precious_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v sundry_a of_o you_o above_o your_o brethren_n which_o cause_v we_o with_o great_a reverence_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o but_o as_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v we_o hitherto_o practise_v and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o we_o speak_v this_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_n most_o of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v because_o there_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o we_o who_o proceed_v further_o even_o to_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o man_n of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o as_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n so_o do_v we_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o all_o go_v in_o bear_v witness_n against_o any_o set_a form_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o they_o in_o dispatch_v whereof_o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o slow_a because_o it_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n among_o ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v well_o attend_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n about_o foreign_a question_n which_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o practice_n beside_o your_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o we_o dwell_v far_o a_o sunder_a it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n for_o all_o of_o we_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o question_n much_o less_o to_o resolve_v upon_o one_o just_a answer_n but_o have_v at_o length_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n bring_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o issue_n we_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o he_o to_o your_o christian_a and_o judicious_a consideration_n where_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v find_v safe_a and_o due_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n ground_n do_v you_o also_o as_o seem_v vigilant_a watchman_n of_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o faithful_a witness_n to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v doubtfall_n to_o you_o consider_v and_o weigh_v it_o very_o well_o before_o you_o reject_v it_o if_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v unfound_a and_o dissnant_n from_o the_o word_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v disterne_n we_o shall_v willing_o attend_v to_o what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v send_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o suffer_v such_o apprehension_n to_o lodge_v in_o your_o mind_n which_o you_o intimate_v in_o your_o letter_n as_o if_o we_o here_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n which_o sometime_o among_o you_o we_o have_v former_o bear_v witness_n against_o and_o so_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v destroy_v you_o know_v they_o separate_v from_o your_o congregation_n as_o no_o church_n from_o the_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o as_o mere_a antichristian_a and_o from_o yourselves_o as_o no_o visible_a christian_n but_o we_o profess_v unfeigned_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o your_o church_n and_o from_o such_o ordinance_n administer_v therein_o as_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n and_o for_o yourselves_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o separate_v as_o from_o no_o visible_a christian_n as_o that_o you_o be_v under_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o we_o look_v at_o sundry_a of_o you_o as_o man_n of_o that_o eminent_a growth_n in_o christianity_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a christian_n under_o heaven_n among_o you_o be_v the_o man_n which_o for_o these_o many_o year_n have_v be_v write_v in_o your_o forehead_n hoiinesse_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v any_o truth_n which_o ourselves_o be_v here_o teach_v and_o call_v to_o profess_v but_o we_o still_o believe_v though_o personal_a christian_n may_v be_v eminent_a in_o their_o growth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o church_n have_v still_o need_n to_o grow_v from_o apparent_a defect_n to_o purity_n and_o from_o reformation_n to_o reformation_n age_n after_o age_n till_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o abolish_v antichrist_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a truth_n especial_o touch_v the_o order_n of_o his_o house_n and_o public_a worship_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o this_o our_o estimation_n of_o you_o and_o sincere_a affection_n to_o you_o we_o have_v send_v you_o these_o answer_n to_o your_o demand_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v back_o again_o from_o you_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a advertisement_n in_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n your_o lord_n and_o we_o lead_v we_o all_o unto_o all_o truth_n purge_v out_o all_o leaven_n out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o fear_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n reverend_a and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n look_v back_o upon_o former_a course_n and_o call_v thing_n do_v to_o more_o strict_a examination_n for_o be_v overclouded_n with_o ignorance_n compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n reader_n and_o beset_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n know_v what_o we_o know_v best_a but_o dark_o and_o in_o part_n no_o marvel_n if_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v ignorant_o of_o frailty_n for_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n rash_o mistake_v error_n for_o truth_n condemn_v truth_n for_o error_n suspect_v evil_a without_o cause_n and_o not_o suspect_v where_o be_v just_a reason_n draw_v erroneous_a conclusion_n from_o sound_a principle_n and_o maintain_v truth_n upon_o weak_a ground_n so_o that_o in_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n and_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v wary_o that_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o in_o the_o one_o we_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o of_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v aside_o to_o both_o a_o loose_a conscience_n will_v be_v profane_a a_o tender_a scrupulous_a it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o upon_o to_o have_v ourselves_o in_o suspicion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o experience_n teach_v that_o many_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o path_n of_o find_a peace_n and_o comfort_n on_o each_o hand_n wherefore_o belove_v brethren_n if_o since_o your_o come_n into_o new_a england_n upon_o serious_a review_n of_o former_a action_n you_o have_v discover_v any_o truth_n heretofore_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v they_o because_o of_o your_o former_a judgement_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o with_o you_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o as_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n our_o instruction_n &_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n as_o before_o so_o still_o we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v new_a opinion_n and_o not_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n opinion_n we_o say_v not_o practice_n for_o not_o change_v your_o opinion_n you_o may_v lawful_o alter_v your_o practice_n nay_o what_o you_o do_v tolerate_v former_o as_o a_o burden_n in_o case_n not_o free_a you_o may_v well_o forgo_v be_v at_o your_o liberty_n your_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o you_o may_v use_v your_o liberty_n in_o forbearance_n of_o a_o set_a liturgy_n and_o yet_o retain_v
abuse_v may_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o poperty_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o papist_n in_o devonshire_n and_o cornwall_n have_v make_v a_o commotion_n and_o rebellion_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o the_o king_n for_o the_o pacify_v of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o selfsame_a service_n in_o english_a which_o have_v be_v before_o in_o latin_a and_o if_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n be_v good_a in_o latin_a it_o remain_v good_a in_o english_a for_o nothing_o be_v alter_v fox_n act_n and_o monument_n edward_n 6._o and_o pope_n pius_n the_o five_o do_v see_v so_o little_a variation_n in_o it_o from_o the_o latin_a service_n that_o have_v be_v former_o use_v in_o that_o kingdom_n that_o he_o will_v have_v ratify_v it_o by_o his_o authority_n if_o q._n elizabeth_n will_v have_v so_o receive_v it_o and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n put_v such_o holiness_n in_o it_o that_o they_o think_v god_n be_v not_o right_o worship_v nor_o his_o sabbath_n well_o observe_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n sufficient_o administer_v if_o there_o be_v no_o read_n of_o that_o service_n and_o other_o put_v such_o holiness_n and_o necessity_n in_o it_o that_o they_o prefer_v it_o before_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n liturgy_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o of_o be_v censure_v if_o they_o do_v not_o read_v that_o liturgy_n every_o lord_n day_n without_o omit_v any_o part_n thereof_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o preach_v or_o otherwise_o 3_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o many_o woeful_a scandal_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o use_v that_o liturgy_n of_o which_o we_o suppose_v you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a to_o mention_v but_o two_o viz._n the_o harden_v of_o papist_n who_o be_v embolden_v to_o think_v better_o of_o their_o own_o breviaries_n masse-book_n portuiss_n see_v that_o liturgy_n have_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o those_o book_n and_o rather_o fetch_v from_o they_o then_o from_o the_o form_n use_v in_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n 2_o the_o conntenance_v and_o establish_v of_o a_o unlearned_a idol_n ministry_n of_o not-preaching_a curate_n non-residents_a plurality_n etc._n etc._n in_o who_o skirt_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o so_o many_o man_n soul_n live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n while_o they_o ignorant_o content_v themselves_o with_o and_o harden_v themselves_o in_o some_o empty_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o blind_a devotion_n which_o be_v beget_v and_o cherish_v chief_o by_o such_o prayer_n and_o minister_n neither_o be_v there_o less_o scandal_n hereby_o we_o mean_v not_o only_o take_v but_o give_v then_o by_o the_o eat_n of_o a_o idolathite_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 7_o 10._o for_o if_o the_o eat_n of_o a_o idolathite_n by_o he_o that_o have_v knowledge_n and_o know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o that_o all_o meat_n be_v lawful_a do_v embolden_v other_o to_o honour_v the_o idol_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o scandal_n give_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n 4_o see_v that_o book_n be_v so_o impose_v as_o that_o the_o minister_n in_o read_v of_o it_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o very_a word_n set_v down_o without_o any_o diminution_n addition_n or_o alteration_n therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o use_v it_o for_o 1_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v not_o limit_v his_o people_n to_o his_o own_o form_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a to_o be_v limit_v to_o other_o man_n form_n for_o in_o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o prelate_n as_o in_o this_o case_n put_v forth_o a_o strong_a act_n of_o limit_v power_n then_o christ_n himself_o who_o do_v not_o limit_v we_o to_o those_o form_n which_o himself_o have_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o form_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v as_o prayer_n due_a caution_n be_v observe_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o limitation_n lie_v upon_o the_o church_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n ever_o use_v that_o form_n teach_v by_o christ_n in_o those_o very_a word_n much_o less_o limit_v themselves_o to_o it_o when_o they_o pray_v nor_o do_v they_o teach_v the_o church_n so_o to_o do_v 2_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v we_o limit_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o form_n while_o we_o be_v exercise_v our_o own_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v special_o sanctify_v to_o edify_v his_o church_n act._n 6._o 4._o eph._n 4._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o lest_o we_o shall_v quench_v or_o at_o least_o straiten_v his_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o will_v he_o then_o have_v we_o limit_v to_o other_o man_n form_n which_o have_v not_o be_v in_o like_a sort_n sanctify_v of_o god_n but_o will_v rather_o quench_v or_o straiten_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n while_o we_o be_v so_o limit_v to_o they_o 3_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o form_n have_v be_v a_o manifest_a snare_n unto_o the_o church_n who_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o form_n into_o the_o desk_n have_v be_v limit_v to_o other_o in_o the_o pulpit_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o minister_n gift_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o minister_n in_o public_a have_v be_v great_o restrain_v as_o for_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o who_o use_v this_o liturgy_n in_o our_o native_a country_n we_o have_v always_o be_v unwilling_a to_o express_v our_o mind_n there_o against_o unless_o we_o have_v be_v necessary_o call_v thereunto_o and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a to_o express_v ourselves_o any_o further_o concern_v this_o matter_n as_o loath_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n but_o content_v ourselves_o with_o and_o blessing_n the_o lord_n for_o those_o liberty_n which_o we_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v here_o enjoy_v reserve_v also_o due_a reverence_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o belove_a brethren_n and_o dear_a countryman_n who_o may_v concern_v this_o matter_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v reply_n this_o position_n can_v bear_v that_o meaning_n which_o you_o give_v it_o if_o you_o take_v it_o according_a o_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o plain_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n we_o never_o question_v why_o you_o make_v not_o use_v of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n much_o less_o why_o you_o do_v not_o whole_o and_o in_o every_o part_n tie_v yourselves_o unto_o and_o approve_v of_o that_o form_n in_o use_n among_o we_o you_o may_v well_o think_v we_o have_v little_a to_o do_v to_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o demand_n viz._n whether_o you_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o approve_v in_o other_o and_o practice_n yourselves_o what_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o we_o think_v it_o strange_a you_o shall_v give_v our_o word_n such_o a_o meaning_n the_o thing_n we_o crave_v resolution_n in_o be_v whether_o in_o your_o judgement_n all_o stint_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n be_v unlawful_a the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o in_o write_n from_o new-england_n we_o have_v see_v all_o set_a liturgy_n and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n condemn_v as_o devise_v worship_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n in_o our_o assembly_n therefore_o disallow_v because_o administer_v in_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n which_o thing_n be_v receive_v with_o such_o like_v among_o some_o brethren_n with_o we_o and_o by_o they_o impart_v and_o recommend_v to_o other_o that_o they_o occasion_v that_o rent_n and_o distraction_n whereof_o we_o complain_v it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n among_o we_o separate_v from_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o liturgy_n but_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v stint_v not_o because_o this_o or_o that_o or_o we_o in_o particular_a you_o confess_v you_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o you_o who_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o one_o of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o liturgy_n and_o set_v
form_n be_v question_v and_o doubt_v of_o by_o many_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n such_o also_o as_o come_v over_o occasional_o who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o congregation_n do_v it_o on_o this_o pretence_n that_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v a_o humane_a invention_n and_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o reason_n bring_v against_o stint_a form_n and_o liturgy_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o strike_v at_o all_o form_n and_o liturgy_n though_o devise_v by_o man_n of_o the_o same_o age_n and_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v use_v but_o now_o and_o then_o or_o but_o once_o on_o set_v purpose_n and_o that_o either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a as_o elsewhere_o we_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v you_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a many_o preacher_n constant_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o make_n before_o their_o sermon_n with_o who_o the_o people_n refuse_v not_o to_o join_v and_o you_o know_v we_o doubt_v not_o that_o such_o set_v form_n be_v dislike_v also_o and_o if_o the_o ground_n be_v examine_v in_o our_o understanding_n they_o make_v as_o much_o against_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o view_v but_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o admit_v not_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o two_o last_o will_v not_o in_o the_o same_o term_n direct_o conclude_v against_o both_o but_o what_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v think_v herein_o or_o whether_o man_n practice_n agree_v with_o their_o opinion_n we_o now_o dispute_v not_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o man_n opinion_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o their_o express_a word_n and_o reason_n not_o by_o their_o practice_n the_o brownist_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v can_v separate_v from_o no_o stint_a liturgy_n among_o we_o but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o use_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v join_v with_o their_o own_o pastor_n though_o they_o oft_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n in_o thanksgiving_n before_o meat_n or_o in_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n or_o the_o like_a and_o yet_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o all_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a humane_a invention_n forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v leave_v doubtful_a in_o the_o letter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v strain_v to_o another_o sense_n either_o because_o we_o be_v short_a in_o expression_n or_o many_o of_o you_o not_o inform_v in_o the_o passage_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o question_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o the_o word_n mean_v in_o ordinary_a construction_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o brethren_n among_o you_o might_n and_o can_v full_o inform_v you_o of_o our_o meaning_n that_o there_o need_v no_o such_o strain_v to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o position_n as_o you_o interpret_v it_o we_o pass_v over_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o matter_n intend_v and_o we_o be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n take_v you_o from_o your_o own_o weighty_a occasion_n as_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v interrupt_v only_o in_o regard_n of_o promise_n and_o because_o plain_a deal_n serve_v to_o maintain_v love_n we_o think_v good_a to_o advertise_v you_o these_o few_o thing_n 1_o that_o your_o reason_n why_o you_o accept_v not_o of_o a_o stint_a lyturgie_n be_v ambiguous_o propound_v for_o sometime_o you_o plead_v only_o for_o your_o liberty_n herein_o and_o that_o a_o stint_a form_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o sometime_o you_o speak_v so_o as_o they_o that_o look_v at_o stint_a liturgy_n as_o image_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n will_v easy_o draw_v your_o word_n to_o their_o meaning_n 2_o the_o reason_n you_o bring_v against_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o liturgy_n do_v hold_v as_o strong_a against_o a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n confession_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n blessing_n baptise_v and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n 3_o we_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o you_o at_o this_o time_n to_o witness_v for_o or_o against_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o communion-booke_n this_o you_o fall_v upon_o by_o strain_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o demand_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o reason_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o it_o we_o can_v approve_v they_o all_o the_o exception_n which_o have_v be_v take_v both_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n thereof_o we_o know_v but_o to_o esteem_v the_o whole_a for_o some_o corruption_n find_v therein_o a_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n that_o we_o have_v not_o learned_a the_o argument_n in_o the_o abridgement_n which_o be_v use_v against_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v not_o in_o their_o judgement_n who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o book_n hold_v against_o the_o lyturgie_n of_o which_o opinion_n we_o be_v also_o 4_o if_o these_o reason_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o show_v why_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o form_n of_o administration_n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v you_o know_v we_o never_o require_v of_o you_o if_o to_o disallow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o book_n among_o we_o altogether_o in_o thing_n lawful_a good_a and_o pertinent_a they_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n 5_o you_o be_v general_o as_o you_o say_v loath_a to_o meddle_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n unless_o you_o have_v be_v necessary_o call_v thereunto_o but_o when_o some_o upon_o the_o request_n as_o we_o suppose_v of_o private_a friend_n and_o other_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n have_v labour_v to_o draw_v many_o to_o separation_n from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o minister_v in_o a_o stint_a lyturgie_n we_o can_v apprehend_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o this_o apology_n the_o rent_n be_v wide_a and_o some_o brethren_n have_v their_o hand_n deep_a therein_o which_o make_v we_o at_o this_o present_a to_o crave_v your_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o to_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n 6_o i._n d._n object_v to_o master_n p._n that_o his_o manner_n of_o preach_v be_v disorderly_o in_o carry_v that_o matter_n it_o he_o speak_v of_o to_o the_o class_n before_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o church_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o refuse_v the_o minister_n desire_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v not_o we_o with_o like_a reason_n object_n that_o this_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v disorderly_a in_o seek_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o separation_n because_o of_o stint_a liturgy_n before_o you_o have_v show_v to_o we_o or_o other_o brethren_n who_o it_o may_v concern_v by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n draw_v from_o thence_o that_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v unlawful_a but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v entreat_v more_o full_o elsewhere_o ii_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a question_n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v answer_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o your_o letter_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n have_v be_v the_o separation_n of_o divers_a from_o your_o assembly_n because_o of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n of_o divers_a people_n who_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o a_o able_a faithful_a ministry_n as_o no_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o their_o godly_a congregation_n as_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n from_o which_o through_o want_n of_o light_n not_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o thorough_o cleanse_v against_o which_o practice_n we_o have_v ever_o witness_v as_o for_o our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o position_n itself_o we_o will_v promise_v two_o thing_n first_o concern_v the_o person_n read_v this_o liturgy_n which_o may_v be_v either_o a_o ungodly_a or_o unable_a minister_n or_o a_o able_a and_o a_o godly_a second_o concern_v the_o liturgy_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a or_o some_o select_a prayer_n which_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o least_o offensive_a now_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o and_o when_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o where_o that_o which_o be_v use_v be_v read_v by_o a_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n we_o then_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n in_o such_o case_n for_o 1_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o his_o private_a prayer_n but_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n who_o mouth_n he_o be_v to_o god_n and_o when_o the_o prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n as_o a_o live_a holy_a and_o acceptable_a
acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n as_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n his_o body_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o church_n viz._n whereof_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n and_o whereunto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v 28._o which_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n 2d_o divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whereof_o some_o be_v pure_a 13._o other_o impure_a some_o more_o other_o less_a sound_n hereunto_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o every_o multitude_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v indefinite_o call_v the_o church_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 9_o in_o which_o sense_n all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v true_o be_v call_v one_o 13._o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v to_o many_o disperse_a church_n 6._o who_o can_v not_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n nor_o be_v feed_v by_o one_o shepherd_n 15._o speak_v of_o they_o singular_o as_o one_o flock_n 2._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o but_o that_o flock_n be_v the_o stranger_n disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n asia_n cappadocia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o join_v together_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n ecclesiae_fw-la or_o make_v one_o distinct_a congregat_v assembly_n and_o if_o the_o catholic_a militant_a church_n be_v one_o society_n the_o seal_n that_o be_v give_v as_o a_o prerogative_n to_o the_o church_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o in_o due_a order_n though_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n fellowship_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o the_o flock_n or_o society_n be_v one_o so_o be_v the_o ministry_n 7._o faith_n covenant_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v as_o a_o communion_n prerogative_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o appropriate_v to_o this_o or_o that_o part_n or_o member_n as_o separate_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v further_o evidence_v hereby_o that_o sometime_o it_o have_v and_o too_o often_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n he_o may_v hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v that_o holy_a catholic_a faith_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v who_o for_o the_o present_n be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a or_o visible_a society_n in_o church_n order_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o excommunication_n from_o all_o commerce_n with_o the_o present_a visible_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v breed_v and_o bear_v 2._o when_o he_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_a orthodox_n all_o church_n he_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o every_o particular_a society_n example_n when_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o they_o be_v much_o better_a than_o these_o who_o have_v most_o injurious_o cast_v he_o out_o or_o debar_v he_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a be_v the_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o agree_v to_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n under_o the_o head_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v communion_n together_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o be_v one_o 4._o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o church-order_n into_o one_o congregationall_a body_n or_o society_n for_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n 7._o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n 12._o be_v the_o child_n and_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n though_o but_o two_o or_o three_o and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o he_o by_o that_o covenant_n 13._o 10._o the_o communication_n on_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o table_n of_o covenant_n be_v a_o undoubted_a token_n of_o a_o people_n in_o convenant_n or_o confederate_n 127._o but_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o true_a and_o entire_a faith_n 18._o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 3._o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o 17_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n 222._o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o the_o want_n of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o title_n or_o right_a of_o a_o church_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o head_n corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o people_n come_v unto_o christ_n unite_v unto_o he_o build_v upon_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n by_o god_n himself_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v a_o people_n in_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o church_n so_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o sacrament_n if_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_n and_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o a_o privilege_n whether_o in_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n we_o accept_v it_o as_o good_a and_o sound_a but_o it_o make_v against_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o keep_v away_o such_o as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n if_o you_o mean_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v only_o to_o set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n combine_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v among_o you_o we_o can_v receive_v it_o because_o it_o imply_v a_o distinction_n not_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o cross_v to_o yourselves_o and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o scripture_n have_v nothing_o but_o many_o thing_n against_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v 5_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v member_n of_o true_a and_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n membership_n as_o you_o call_v it_o for_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o entire_a and_o true_a faith_n 117._o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o matter_n substantial_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o visible_a believer_n receive_v the_o word_n and_o profess_v the_o true_a entire_a faith_n admit_v to_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v that_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o dwell_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o man_n the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v ever_o join_v with_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o they_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o seal_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o without_o but_o within_o the_o church_n a_o ordinance_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n other_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o divine_a providence_n shall_v minister_v occasion_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n you_o say_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n well_o know_v and_o approve_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n with_o church_n do_v mutual_o and_o with_o
from_o christ_n immediate_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n 3._o their_o calling_n itself_o and_o the_o designation_n of_o their_o person_n it_o be_v say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o tuitu_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la tanquam_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o power_n they_o receive_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o power_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o receptacle_n of_o it_o and_o from_o it_o derive_v to_o other_o but_o this_o power_n must_v be_v in_o the_o community_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n from_o who_o it_o come_v to_o the_o officer_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v not_o only_o give_v in_o tuitu_fw-la hominis_fw-la as_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o totum_fw-la to_o who_o it_o agree_v but_o be_v in_o homine_fw-la as_o the_o first_o subject_n from_o which_o it_o come_v to_o the_o eye_n 1._o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o their_o end_n 8._o and_o all_o their_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o authority_n itself_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a subject_n nor_o derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o for_o a_o gift_n absolute_a that_o it_o may_v reside_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n themselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v one_o thing_n then_o to_o ask_v for_o what_o end_n or_o use_v the_o key_n be_v give_v 7._o another_o to_o who_o to_o every_o one_o be_v give_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o profit_n 12._o i._n e._n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n 15._o but_o be_v this_o gift_n give_v to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a first_o and_o immediate_o 1._o no_o by_o gift_n and_o possession_n it_o be_v give_v â—o_o some_o but_o for_o use_v and_o profit_v it_o be_v public_a after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_v for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v show_v where_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o god_n first_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o that_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 28._o the_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n 11._o from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n 29_o by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o must_v execute_v their_o office_n 20._o who_o steward_n legate_n and_o ambassador_n they_o be_v 7._o and_o unto_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n no_o less_o than_o apostleship_n and_o that_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ambassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n 1._o if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o presbyter_n receive_v their_o order_n jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o execution_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o mandate_n and_o commission_n than_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o bishop_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o minister_n than_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o people_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_n their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o who_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n elector_n have_v not_o evermore_o authority_n over_o he_o who_o they_o elect_v but_o power_n and_o authority_n only_o to_o apply_v that_o power_n to_o he_o who_o they_o choose_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n whereunto_o a_o minister_n be_v elect_v be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n that_o elect_v he_o but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o out_o of_o power_n do_v confer_v that_o office_n upon_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o man_n give_v or_o give_v 〈◊〉_d universal_o it_o must_v be_v deem_v that_o any_o man_n can_v make_v minister_n 11._o because_o they_o give_v not_o the_o office_n gift_n or_o authority_n which_o be_v from_o christ_n â—â—ene_n 3._o if_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n and_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o make_v officer_n out_o of_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v into_o herself_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o true_a lordlike_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o people_n who_o service_n the_o people_n be_v to_o use_v for_o administration_n and_o execute_v their_o judgement_n that_o be_v pronounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o god_n first_o against_o the_o obstinate_a rob._n against_o ber._n p._n 136._o the_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v both_o christ_n and_o the_o people_n servant_n and_o minister_n id._n p._n 165._o for_o as_o he_o that_o will_v derive_v authority_n to_o the_o church_n make_v himself_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o the_o church_n derive_v authority_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n she_o make_v herself_o lady_n and_o mistress_n over_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n over_o they_o for_o all_o man_n know_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o impart_v authority_n do_v the_o church_n give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n she_o may_v make_v the_o sacrament_n and_o preach_v which_o one_o do_v in_o order_n no_o sacrament_n no_o preach_n for_o it_o be_v the_o order_n institute_v of_o god_n that_o give_v be_v and_o efficacy_n to_o these_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v feed_v and_o dispense_n the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n do_v reside_v in_o the_o faithful_a the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o respect_n of_o dispensation_n and_o efficacy_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o society_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a then_o be_v officer_n immediate_o and_o formal_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n rule_n feed_v bind_v loose_a remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n than_o they_o must_v perform_v their_o office_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n more_o or_o less_o episcoporum_fw-la seldom_o or_o frequent_v remiss_a or_o diligent_a for_o from_o who_o be_v they_o to_o receive_v direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o office_n but_o from_o he_o or_o they_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o office_n who_o work_n they_o do_v and_o from_o who_o they_o expect_v their_o reward_n if_o their_o power_n and_o office_n be_v of_o god_n immediate_o they_o must_v do_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n according_a to_o his_o designment_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a unto_o god_n but_o if_o their_o power_n
not_o only_a christ_n himself_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o their_o hand_n for_o such_o contempt_n do_v to_o he_o in_o his_o minister_n according_a to_o christ_n speech_n luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o reject_v you_o reject_v i_o and_o god_n speech_n 1_o sam._n 8._o 7._o they_o have_v not_o cast_v off_o thou_o but_o i_o but_o even_o other_o church_n also_o may_v admonish_v they_o and_o if_o they_o prove_v obstinate_a therein_o withdraw_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o they_o and_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v see_v it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o church_n without_o christ_n yea_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o do_v yet_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n notwithstanding_o such_o deposition_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o that_o people_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o any_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_a minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v but_o set_v they_o aside_o we_o will_v in_o few_o word_n examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o bind_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o sentence_n you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n neither_o in_o these_o day_n have_v nor_o in_o any_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o have_v apostolical_a power_n over_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v only_a power_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n with_o the_o personal_a service_n of_o their_o apostleship_n but_o pastoral_a power_n of_o ordinary_a minister_n or_o teacher_n they_o never_o have_v and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordinary_a minister_n much_o less_o can_v pastor_n receive_v the_o power_n of_o apostle_n for_o christ_n give_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o order_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o preach_v and_o among_o who_o they_o continue_v for_o some_o space_n no_o more_o do_v pastor_n become_v apostle_n if_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o another_o flock_n or_o people_n beside_o their_o own_o whereof_o they_o have_v the_o special_a oversight_n but_o of_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n here_o allege_v therefore_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o only_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o you_o shall_v cite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v feed_v one_o flock_n or_o feed_v that_o flock_n of_o god_n only_o for_o we_o find_v the_o word_n one_o or_o only_o neither_o in_o the_o text_n express_o nor_o in_o the_o sense_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o allege_a viz._n as_o if_o he_o may_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o grant_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o elder_n go_v before_o or_o along_o with_o they_o 14._o but_o the_o authority_n office_n and_o gift_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v not_o from_o the_o people_n or_o elder_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o when_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o 22_o 23._o no_o one_o have_v the_o handle_n of_o that_o business_n but_o peter_n declare_v unto_o the_o brethren_n present_a what_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o they_o present_v two_o whereof_o one_o be_v elect_v by_o lot_n in_o this_o example_n something_n be_v extraordinary_a for_o one_o only_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o something_n ordinary_a for_o our_o imitation_n for_o if_o peter_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o disciple_n then_o may_v not_o ordinary_a election_n be_v pass_v without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o popular_a election_n not_o govern_v by_o the_o fore-direction_n of_o elder_n which_o be_v conclude_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o a_o church_n election_n by_o the_o free_a consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o fore-leading_a of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v act._n 6._o 1._o 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mutiny_n of_o the_o hellenist_n against_o the_o hebrew_n occasion_v that_o election_n but_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v make_v by_o free_a consent_n the_o apostle_n show_v what_o person_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o who_o ever_o think_v the_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v as_o she_o please_v without_o direction_n but_o in_o this_o election_n the_o people_n do_v first_o choose_v the_o apostle_n only_o direct_v who_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o when_o most_o common_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v the_o people_n and_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o election_n and_o they_o consent_v act._n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n by_o consent_n choose_v elder_n and_o so_o in_o every_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n belong_v direct_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o several_o in_o one_o congregation_n or_o joint_o in_o many_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o observation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v act._n 11._o 22._o and_o 15._o 22._o and_o 16._o 4._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 19_o but_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n one_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o pastor_n for_o another_o as_o ignatius_n exhort_v the_o phyladelphians_n that_o they_o will_v elect_v a_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o so_o when_o the_o east_n church_n be_v infect_v with_o arianism_n basil_n epist_n 69._o 70._o 74._o though_o it_o a_o fit_a mean_n to_o remove_v the_o heresy_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n be_v send_v thither_o do_v condemn_v the_o heresy_n 3._o and_o he_o implore_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n france_n and_o all_o the_o east_n cyprian_n say_v all_o bishop_n sunt_fw-la mutuae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la glutine_fw-la copulati_fw-la that_o if_o any_o hold_v heresy_n the_o rest_n shall_v help_v it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v up_o example_n which_o in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v produce_v if_o here_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o your_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o answer_v 1._o a_o thing_n be_v essential_a two_o way_n first_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n without_o it_o second_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v maim_v without_o it_o again_o either_o the_o people_n be_v few_o in_o number_n and_o simple_a apt_a to_o be_v lead_v aside_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n increase_v in_o wisdom_n sound_v in_o faith_n and_o able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o differ_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o necessary_a or_o essential_a but_o in_o the_o second_o we_o can_v say_v he_o be_v no_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n but_o his_o call_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v maim_v if_o the_o people_n be_v few_o and_o simple_a apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o guidance_n and_o direction_n both_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n and_o other_o church_n if_o the_o people_n be_v many_o in_o number_n full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n their_o liberty_n to_o choose_v be_v the_o great_a and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o the_o