and_o so_o may_v they_o circumcise_v themselves_o must_v not_o this_o be_v do_v among_o and_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n whence_o such_o be_v call_v proselyte_n and_o reckon_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n isaiah_n 56._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n before_o they_o be_v circumcise_v last_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v repute_v a_o visible_a believer_n before_o he_o do_v all_o this_o that_o which_o follow_v pag._n 40._o be_v answer_v before_o reply_n if_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o circumcise_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a answ_n the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o baptize_v in_o every_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v give_v only_o to_o visible_a member_n of_o that_o institute_v visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v allege_v many_o more_o different_a reason_n between_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o those_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v it_o will_v little_o avail_v in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o shall_v consider_v your_o difference_n particular_o reply_n first_o if_o ever_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o may_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o so_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o then_o baptize_v mat._n 3._o 7._o john_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n answ_n there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n in_o this_o as_o be_v object_v for_o abraham_n family_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o circumcision_n be_v give_v only_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o when_o john_n baptize_v he_o baptize_v the_o member_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n in_o covenant_n before_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o baptism_n be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o so_o many_o as_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n concern_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n now_o come_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n remain_v yet_o member_n of_o that_o church_n second_o though_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v erect_v in_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o he_o do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a church_n can_v be_v gather_v by_o john_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n of_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o according_a to_o that_o state_n be_v make_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n already_o come_v to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v appropriate_v as_o for_o the_o instance_n act._n 2._o 37._o etc._n etc._n and_o 8._o 37._o and_o 10._o 47_o 48._o they_o be_v speak_v to_o before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n second_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o be_v circumcise_v but_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n answ_n first_o this_o difference_n make_v little_a to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o that_o will_v be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n and_o so_o now_o second_o in_o after_o time_n no_o doubt_n every_o true_a proselyte_n fear_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o if_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o seek_v it_o there_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a yea_o where_o shall_v they_o profess_v their_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o proselyte_n of_o old_a do_v your_o three_o difference_n be_v oft_o press_v and_o answer_v before_o reply_n four_o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o that_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v come_v of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o peculiarity_n or_o respect_n answ_n this_o difference_n be_v of_o little_a moment_n neither_o will_v it_o hold_v for_o first_o though_o that_o and_o other_o promise_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o abraham_n family_n yet_o circumcision_n seal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o to_o they_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n now_o do_v second_o this_o peculiar_a respect_n you_o speak_v of_o no_o way_n hinder_v the_o join_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o abraham_n family_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n afterward_o of_o any_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o now_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n three_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v because_o although_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o other_o yet_o not_o establish_v nor_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o and_o hence_o if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o must_v join_v in_o this_o which_o also_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o church-covenant_n with_o all_o that_o will_v become_v a_o people_n to_o he_o to_o this_o day_n the_o first_o difference_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chap._n ix_o consid_n 4._o reply_n to_o the_o four_o consideration_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n either_o as_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v they_o or_o as_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o second_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n whereof_o visible_a beleiver_n not_o in_o church_n order_n be_v capable_a but_o not_o subject_a to_o common_a censure_n in_o your_o sense_n answ_n this_o distinction_n be_v needless_a our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v object_v against_o the_o first_o to_o the_o instance_n object_v against_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o answer_v first_o concern_v the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o censure_n whensoever_o they_o offend_v the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v though_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v innocent_o they_o need_v they_o not_o second_o member_n of_o any_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v subject_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o censure_n though_o not_o in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o in_o the_o proposition_n 2_o also_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o censure_n mediate_o by_o and_o in_o that_o other_o church_n if_o they_o there_o offend_v for_o that_o church_n may_v admonish_v and_o prosecute_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o refuse_v society_n with_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n who_o can_v be_v prosecute_v to_o excommunication_n in_o any_o place_n three_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n have_v a_o special_a communion_n in_o they_o in_o which_o respect_v other_o do_v not_o share_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n or_o peculiar_a ordinance_n wherein_o none_o but_o the_o church_n may_v share_v for_o a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n be_v cultus_fw-la naturalis_fw-la say_v amen_o unto_o the_o same_o
first_o institution_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n answ_n it_o be_v free_o grant_v first_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o church_n mystical_a consider_v as_o visible_a though_o not_o always_o political_a three_o that_o these_o may_v receive_v baptism_n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o but_o immediate_o to_o baptize_v they_o none_o have_v power_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o it_o will_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n have_v such_o a_o power_n want_v such_o extraordinary_a call_n because_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a have_v right_o unto_o the_o seal_n yet_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v by_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o only_a subject_n according_a to_o order_n of_o all_o such_o institution_n otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v private_a baptism_n if_o the_o extraordinary_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v press_v for_o our_o pattern_n reply_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n seal_v walk_v by_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o ground_n common_a to_o we_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n may_v dispense_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o have_v right_a to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v they_o though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n answ_n we_o grant_v the_o apostle_n ordinary_o and_o general_o baptize_v upon_o common_a ground_n but_o still_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o baptize_v they_o and_o in_o the_o like_o orderly_a way_n any_o pastor_n may_v do_v the_o same_o second_o we_o answer_v thing_n may_v be_v do_v sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la upon_o common_a and_o moral_a ground_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o gather_v in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o minister_n upon_o the_o same_o common_a ground_n must_v now_o preach_v the_o gospel_n also_o yet_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n on_o those_o ground_n preach_v to_o all_o nation_n this_o do_v not_o warrant_v minister_n now_o to_o do_v the_o like_a so_o here_o though_o we_o baptize_v believer_n as_o they_o do_v yet_o we_o may_v not_o do_v it_o to_o all_o in_o all_o case_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n hold_v only_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v alike_o as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a ground_n reply_n second_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n for_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o disciple_n baptize_v when_o they_o be_v neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n proper_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n if_o philip_n ananias_n and_o other_o may_v baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o particular_a congregation_n then_o may_v ordinary_a pastor_n do_v the_o like_a answ_n you_o mistake_v here_o in_o the_o force_n of_o our_o answer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n to_o which_o this_o objection_n and_o answer_n belong_v for_o we_o do_v not_o make_v all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n extraordinary_a but_o general_o orderly_a in_o the_o way_n we_o profess_v second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o particular_n not_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o ghost_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o beside_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v the_o 3000._o act._n 2._o as_o for_o philip_n and_o ananias_n if_o they_o baptize_v do_v they_o baptize_v as_o private_a man_n or_o as_o church_n officer_n if_o the_o second_o what_o officer_n be_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a we_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v they_o be_v ordinary_a who_o be_v honour_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n but_o in_o what_o office_n soever_o they_o be_v those_o particular_a action_n in_o baptise_v the_o eunuch_n and_o paul_n be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a call_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o story_n reply_n three_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v in_o church_n state_n or_o order_n if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o man_n have_v not_o right_a to_o baptism_n because_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o because_o disciple_n and_o as_o you_o say_v join_v together_o in_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o grant_v that_o since_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o in_o visible_a christian_a church_n the_o seal_n belong_v proper_o and_o ordinary_o to_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n not_o jewish_a yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o if_o in_o any_o special_a case_n a_o believer_n be_v baptize_v by_o any_o that_o have_v a_o special_a call_v thereto_o where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n present_v actual_o to_o join_v unto_o yet_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v the_o case_n do_v not_o so_o much_o vary_v from_o the_o set_n order_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o time_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o intend_v reply_n if_o the_o eunuch_n and_o centurion_n be_v proselyte_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o samaritan_n who_o philip_n baptize_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o any_o gentile_n or_o the_o jailor_n be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v very_o strange_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v full_o answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 2._o to_o join_v man_n to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a reply_n in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n second_o the_o substance_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o act._n in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o baptise_v of_o some_o of_o these_o may_v be_v extraordinary_a but_o the_o substance_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v ground_v upon_o â—ules_n perpetual_a and_o common_a to_o we_o and_o they_o that_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o we_o suppose_v among_o such_o circumstance_n you_o will_v reckon_v that_o for_o one_o that_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v alone_o in_o the_o wilderness_n not_o in_o any_o visible_a assembly_n of_o saint_n wherein_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o imitate_v that_o act_n and_o this_o come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o say_v for_o the_o chief_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n lie_v in_o their_o absence_n from_o such_o a_o assembly_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o christian_a but_o he_o that_o baptize_v they_o why_o not_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o 2_o the_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o apostle_n extraordinary_a power_n and_o do_v thing_n upon_o common_a ground_n be_v so_o oft_o say_v for_o substance_n and_o answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n again_o with_o the_o same_o thing_n reply_n second_o a_o argument_n follow_v necessary_o from_o a_o particular_a example_n to_o a_o general_a when_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o be_v make_v by_o force_n of_o the_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n under_o which_o those_o particular_n be_v contain_v now_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o speak_v of_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v name_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n and_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o all_o case_n for_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o ordinary_o and_o therefore_o your_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a practice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o some_o few_o special_a case_n we_o retort_v the_o argument_n thus_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordinary_o upon_o common_a ground_n that_o pastor_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o ordinary_o they_o baptize_v disciple_n admit_v they_o first_o into_o particular_a church_n therefore_o in_o the_o three_o reason_n we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o
the_o catholich_n church_n now_o we_o reduce_v what_o we_o intend_v into_o a_o argument_n thus_o if_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n concern_v the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v as_o true_o be_v affirm_v upon_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n then_o à _fw-la pâ—ri_fw-la it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o one_o catholic_n visible_a institute_v totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_a oâ—_n civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o actual_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v as_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n 47â—_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ergo_fw-la and_o it_o be_v prove_v per_fw-la part_n thus_o 1_o for_o the_o unity_n be_v not_o all_o mankind_n oft_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o so_o frequent_o all_o mankind_n be_v call_v man_n gen._n 6._o 5_o 6_o 7._o i_o will_v not_o strive_v with_o man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v one_o kingdom_n psal_n 145._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o if_o we_o view_v the_o whole_a psalm_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o mankind_n therein_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17._o 26._o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n all_o be_v one_o blood_n all_o have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v seek_v he_o and_o feel_v after_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v for_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v one_o for_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v a_o like_a unity_n here_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o mankind_n have_v one_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o all_o god_n who_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v a_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o yea_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1._o 22._o all_o have_v one_o law_n the_o moral_a law_n the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o this_o writ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o have_v all_o one_o spirit_n of_o reason_n dispose_v they_o to_o society_n and_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n one_o faculty_n of_o speak_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o communion_n one_o end_n to_o feel_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o and_o seek_v you_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o one_o another_o isaiah_n 58._o 7._o yea_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o common_a head_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n and_o out_o of_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o common_a and_o constant_a influence_n into_o all_o giving_z not_o only_a life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n act_n 17._o but_o also_o all_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n art_n skill_n for_o government_n etc._n etc._n to_o king_n judges_z father_n master_n and_o all_o officer_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o catholic_n church_n onâ—_n may_v here_o be_v apply_v and_o as_o for_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v fall_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o genus_fw-la homo_fw-la whereof_o the_o individua_fw-la be_v species_n specialissimae_fw-la or_o in_o another_o respect_n all_o person_n all_o family_n city_n kingdom_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n make_v one_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la or_o aggregatum_fw-la second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o this_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v one_o visibile_fw-la totum_fw-la by_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o which_o have_v visible_a part_n be_v a_o visible_a totum_fw-la iâ—_n hold_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n yea_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o have_v organ_n and_o visible_a officer_n in_o it_o it_o will_v hold_v here_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v but_o one_o army_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v army_n of_o heaven_n and_o army_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o body_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v and_o by_o his_o ordinance_n have_v ordain_v father_n master_n husband_n judge_n king_n etc._n etc._n to_o govern_v in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a rule_v and_o subjection_n by_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o why_o be_v not_o this_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la three_o for_o priority_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o god_n have_v first_o in_o nature_n and_o intention_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a believer_n and_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o govern_v by_o shepherd_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o sheep_n second_o to_o this_o or_o that_o flock_n so_o in_o nature_n and_o god_n intention_n he_o have_v first_o give_v to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n power_n of_o be_v govern_v with_o government_n and_o governor_n before_o they_o be_v give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o family_n city_n kingdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o what_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n give_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n first_o be_v it_o not_o as_o true_a here_o those_o promise_n and_o blessing_n increase_v and_o multiply_v subdue_v the_o earth_n and_o inhabit_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o you_o shall_v be_v on_o all_o beast_n and_o all_o like_a promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o marriage_n of_o liberty_n to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n mention_v gen._n 2._o &_o 9_o and_o all_o over_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o in_o nature_n first_o give_v to_o mankind_n and_o then_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n family_n city_n so_o if_o church_n power_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n rom._n 13_o 〈◊〉_d i_o say_v god_n king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n and_o such_o like_a scripture_n do_v this_o first_o belong_v to_o this_o or_o that_o kingdom_n city_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v first_o set_v up_o and_o ordain_v civil_a power_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v obey_v of_o all_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o in_o this_o or_o that_o state_n be_v foederall_a holiness_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o in_o a_o sense_n we_o will_v not_o now_o contradict_v so_o be_v legitimation_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o marry_a society_n in_o general_a in_o all_o mankind_n and_o then_o of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n be_v the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o here_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n city_n &c_n &c_n first_o and_o last_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o when_o the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v they_o be_v still_o of_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o all_o society_n spring_v of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o additament_n and_o increase_n to_o it_o the_o one_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v over_o tedious_a to_o follow_v this_o parallel_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a instance_n to_o guide_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v whatever_o else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v
and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o in_o the_o jewish_a policy_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o one_o political_a body_n so_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o yet_o be_v distinct_a church_n not_o one_o church_n as_o also_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n have_v sweet_a and_o bless_a communion_n yet_o be_v distinct_a and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a lump_n as_o be_v object_v yet_o be_v they_o thus_o by_o political_a combination_n or_o as_o dr._n downam_n to_o mould_n up_o a_o diocesan_n church_n compare_v the_o first_o church_n to_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n or_o batch_n of_o bread_n out_o of_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v form_v into_o many_o loaf_n or_o not_o rather_o call_v a_o lump_n by_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n common_a profession_n and_o fraternal_a communion_n be_v all_o the_o same_o countryman_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v church_n communion_n yet_o be_v not_o a_o political_a body_n kingdom_n so_o may_v have_v civil_a communion_n and_o commerce_n yet_o not_o be_v one_o kingdom_n object_n 6._o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o flock_n of_o redeem_a one_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o primary_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o secondary_o but_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v by_o such_o as_o deny_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n 1_o it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o of_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n house_n etc._n etc._n do_v agree_v primary_o to_o the_o church_n not_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o secondary_o to_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n colos_n 1._o 18._o ephes_n 5._o 25_o 26._o and_o 2._o 19_o 2_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exist_v in_o this_o age_n the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o it_o primary_o in_o comparison_n of_o particular_a church_n coexi_v with_o it_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n but_o not_o to_o it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o political_a dispensation_n the_o key_n belong_v first_o to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o redeem_v one_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o invisible_a rather_o than_o visible_a must_v have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o key_n primary_o 3_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o key_n be_v immediate_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n abstract_o as_o a_o number_n of_o redeem_v but_o as_o consociate_v and_o political_o combine_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o part_n a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o redeem_a one_o which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a ex._n gr_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v combine_v so_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o so_o can_v the_o whole_a so_o a_o man_n may_v tell_v the_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v convene_v together_o not_o so_o the_o whole_a thus_o far_o through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n propound_v concern_v a_o catholic_n institute_v church_n we_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o all_o institute_v worship_n do_v regular_o and_o ordinary_o belong_v and_o here_o we_o shall_v show_v 1_o what_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v 2_o how_o the_o dispensation_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n do_v belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o in_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1_o it_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n nor_o can_v many_o visible_a believer_n live_v several_o without_o society_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v one_o church_n 2_o it_o be_v not_o every_o society_n of_o visible_a professor_n that_o do_v make_v a_o church_n for_o then_o every_o family_n of_o such_o professor_n be_v a_o church_n then_o two_o or_o three_o which_o our_o brethren_n so_o much_o condemn_v be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o society_n of_o woman_n profess_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o political_a church_n then_o many_o member_n of_o several_a church_n meet_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o any_o like_a occasion_n make_v a_o church_n then_o a_o number_n of_o professor_n may_v constitute_v a_o diocesan_n church_n or_o any_o like_a form_n for_o out_o of_o this_o block_n that_o any_o number_n of_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n dr._n downam_n hew_v out_o his_o diocesan_n church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fit_a seat_n for_o his_o diocesan_n mercury_n last_o then_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o any_o set_a form_n prescribe_v then_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o humane_a wisdom_n see_v meet_v for_o hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o any_o form_n or_o mould_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o imagine_v a_o number_n of_o profess_v believer_n cohabit_v either_o in_o a_o city_n hundred_o wapentake_n shire_n province_n nation_n empire_n etc._n etc._n there_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o our_o best_a reformer_n who_o account_v it_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v mould_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n 3_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o society_n combine_v and_o that_o by_o a_o covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o combine_a society_n where_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o its_o member_n now_o whatever_o power_n one_o have_v over_o another_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o way_n of_o conquest_n or_o natural_a relation_n as_o the_o father_n over_o the_o child_n it_o be_v by_o covenant_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_z and_o people_n other_o power_n be_v but_o usurpation_n it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o profane_a speech_n in_o brennus_n who_o profess_v he_o know_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o justice_n then_o for_o the_o great_a to_o subdue_v the_o less_o again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v a_o ordinate_a power_n to_o subject_v itself_o to_o officer_n by_o elect_v of_o they_o to_o administer_v ordinance_n among_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o federall_a society_n again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o which_o be_v require_v something_o more_o than_o faith_n act_v 5._o 14._o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v first_o believer_n before_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o immediate_o scatter_v into_o many_o town_n or_o country_n now_o if_o faith_n profess_v alone_o make_v not_o a_o church_n but_o somewhat_o more_o be_v require_v what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o foederall_a combination_n last_o that_o the_o dissolution_n whereof_o do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o break_v the_o combination_n dissolve_v the_o church_n whether_o by_o consent_n schism_n or_o when_o god_n himself_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n ergo._fw-la 4_o though_o a_o church_n be_v such_o by_o combine_v and_o so_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v herein_o illimited_a but_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n express_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o they_o have_v this_o power_n to_o combine_v as_o many_o and_o as_o large_o as_o they_o will_v than_o a_o diocese_n province_n nation_n may_v combine_v and_o so_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_n national_n society_n which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v such_o a_o form_n as_o a_o man_n may_v ordinary_o bring_v offence_n unto_o it_o according_a to_o matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o diocese_n much_o less_o in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n where_o the_o member_n can_v neither_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o offence_n nor_o ordinary_o so_o much_o as_o consent_v unto_o any_o censure_n act_v by_o any_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o church_n nay_o further_o if_o their_o power_n be_v unlimited_a
a_o treatise_n of_o liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball._n by_o thomas_n shephard_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o emanuel-colledge_n in_o cambridge_n and_o late_a pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la turtul_n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33._o 16._o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discuss_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v
without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
unto_o more_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o oh_o that_o this_o mischief_n be_v sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o the_o dangerous_a spreading_n of_o such_o gangrene_n look_v to_o in_o season_n what_o will_v not_o all_o our_o vow_n covenant_n and_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v we_o together_o these_o and_o many_o such_o heart-breaking_a consideration_n we_o doubt_v not_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n daily_o which_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o enlarge_v only_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o propound_v what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o weak_a judgement_n may_v somewhat_o tend_v to_o heal_v this_o distance_n we_o confess_v we_o stand_v far_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o may_v miss_v the_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o do_v let_v our_o well-meaning_a be_v accept_v and_o our_o weakness_n pardon_v two_o thing_n as_o we_o touch_v before_o we_o conceive_v keep_v our_o dear_a brethren_n from_o close_v together_o in_o one_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a and_o general_a reformation_n first_o that_o point_n of_o reformation_n which_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o fear_v the_o distance_n at_o present_a be_v great_a for_o when_o it_o be_v think_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o send_v godly_a preacher_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o humble_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o gracious_a reformation_n but_o that_o pastor_n if_o they_o can_v be_v find_v shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o minister_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v if_o they_o will_v but_o join_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n as_o most_o have_v do_v for_o we_o see_v no_o other_o require_v and_o when_o godly_a pastor_n may_v not_o have_v power_n to_o try_v their_o people_n whether_o they_o can_v examine_v themselves_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o christ_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o may_v exclude_v they_o but_o upon_o some_o scandalous_a evil_n which_o seem_v short_a of_o that_o which_o even_o the_o common-prayer-booke_n do_v allow_v consider_v in_o what_o a_o state_n multitude_n of_o parish_n be_v in_o england_n how_o full_a of_o malignant_n atheist_n profane_a wretch_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o for_o the_o godly_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o such_o church-communion_n or_o godly_a pastor_n to_o minister_v unto_o their_o parish_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v whole_o condemn_v such_o minister_n and_o people_n as_o have_v be_v gather_v into_o congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o remedy_n in_o this_o case_n second_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o some_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o many_o congregation_n the_o most_o godly_a and_o able_a christian_n into_o sever_a church_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o may_v occasion_v grief_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o such_o congregation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o middle_a way_n wherein_o according_a to_o god_n these_o two_o may_v meet_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o help_v his_o people_n in_o these_o few_o thing_n 1_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o obtain_v of_o that_o ever_o renown_a parliament_n not_o only_o such_o liberty_n for_o godly_a pastor_n and_o their_o church_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o as_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o former_a description_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n but_o also_o all_o favour_n and_o furtherance_n from_o authority_n to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o such_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o live_v impenitent_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o scandalous_a evil_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o brethren_n will_v agree_v with_o one_o heart_n to_o petition_v the_o same_o such_o as_o have_v do_v so_o worthy_o many_o thing_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v also_o promote_v this_o needful_a point_n of_o reformation_n 2_o if_o all_o the_o godly_a minister_n will_v join_v as_o one_o man_n and_o take_v unto_o they_o the_o zeal_n of_o john_n bap._n thunder_v out_o the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o pride_n vanity_n luxury_n profaneness_n and_o late_a swarm_n of_o monstrous_a error_n the_o usual_a tare_n accompany_v reformation_n and_o other_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v all_o level_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o holy_a calvin_n resolve_v to_o suffer_v their_o hand_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o rather_o then_o to_o deliver_v that_o holy_a seal_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o open_o wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o will_v the_o lord_n go_v out_o with_o his_o servant_n and_o cut_v down_o sin_n by_o the_o sharp_a sword_n of_o excom_n his_o word_n and_o severity_n of_o discipline_n if_o all_o join_v together_o whereas_o we_o fear_v sin_n and_o profaneness_n will_v outstare_v all_o godly_a pastor_n when_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o divide_v 3_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v obtain_v and_o agree_v all_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n season_n the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o live_v they_o will_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o withdraw_v from_o they_o till_o first_o by_o public_a and_o private_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o seek_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n their_o reformation_n whereby_o some_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v gain_v and_o what_o a_o bless_a work_n be_v that_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o prove_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a there_o will_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o ordinance_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v in_o congregation_n with_o how_o much_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o shall_v such_o godly_a minister_n and_o people_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o they_o to_o a_o near_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o hope_v that_o england_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o this_o if_o god_n faithful_a minister_n will_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n endeavour_v the_o same_o far_o far_o be_v it_o from_o our_o dear_a country_n after_o all_o those_o notable_a step_n unto_o reformation_n that_o it_o shall_v stick_v in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o either_o the_o great_a one_o shall_v be_v too_o big_a to_o stoop_v down_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o wholesome_a discipline_n or_o the_o multitude_n so_o carnal_a worldly_a wilful_a profane_a impenitent_a as_o not_o to_o reform_v themselves_o family_n and_o so_o their_o congregation_n humble_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v look_v at_o preferment_n honour_n credit_n riches_n authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o not_o mind_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v and_o this_o after_o all_o the_o heavy_a humble_v dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o land_n after_o all_o the_o glorious_a out-breaking_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n after_o all_o the_o protestation_n covenant_n oath_n whereby_o so_o many_o have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o this_o particular_a reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o further_a the_o reformation_n of_o the_o public_a we_o tremble_v to_o speak_v it_o but_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o fear_v it_o that_o woe_n wo_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o poor_a sinful_a england_n it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o prophetical_a speech_n of_o mr._n brinsly_n long_o since_o at_o rest_n with_o god_n when_o lament_v the_o profaneness_n of_o england_n with_o their_o connivance_n at_o popery_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o wicked_a he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v call_v for_o they_o mean_v the_o popish_a faction_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o in_o new_a conspiracy_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o crew_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n in_o who_o we_o have_v so_o delight_v to_o take_v part_n with_o those_o to_o our_o destruction_n as_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v will_v be_v as_o outrageous_a as_o the_o other_o against_o all_o sound_o fear_v god_n be_v it_o not_o just_a yea_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v they_o make_v it_o bellum_fw-la prodigorum_fw-la the_o day_n of_o all_o the_o spendthrift_n and_o of_o all_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v their_o finger_n in_o every_o man_n coffer_n and_o their_o hand_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o they_o who_o they_o have_v hate_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o babylonish_n 10._o design_n shall_v take_v their_o effect_n can_v we_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o
knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_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 etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o moderate_a also_o and_o we_o humble_o wish_v that_o the_o moderate_a do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a ere_o long_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a encouragement_n upon_o your_o ground_n answ_n if_o you_o will_v needs_o account_v not_o join_v in_o that_o stint_v impose_v liturgy_n to_o be_v a_o moderate_a separation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o have_v witness_v against_o such_o separation_n yea_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o that_o corrupt_a worship_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a of_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o with_o shame_n before_o the_o lord_n may_v confess_v it_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n since_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v ever_o conceive_v that_o the_o separation_n witness_v against_o both_o by_o yourselves_o and_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n the_o ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n their_o separation_n from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n their_o endeavour_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o purity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o we_o have_v always_o approve_v and_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o separation_n more_o moderate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n but_o whether_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o indeed_o one_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n which_o you_o and_o we_o have_v need_n reject_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n and_o no_o long_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o grow_a endeavour_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o more_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o too_o rash_o brand_v with_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o separation_n and_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o degenerate_v into_o the_o rigid_a separation_n we_o think_v you_o need_v not_o fear_v it_o upon_o our_o principle_n no_o more_o then_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o nonconformist_n and_o you_o know_v what_o they_o infer_v upon_o those_o principle_n now_o just_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v in_o england_n it_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o drive_v many_o to_o separation_n not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o further_a reformation_n so_o you_o may_v fear_v the_o too_o too_o much_o conformity_n of_o minister_n to_o humane_a imposition_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o will_v more_o dangerous_o alienate_v godly_a mind_n from_o your_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o drive_v to_o separation_n then_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n proper_a to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n and_o other_o reason_n use_v by_o himself_o common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o letter_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o separation_n rigid_a and_o moderate_a only_o if_o you_o will_v a_o separation_n from_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n which_o latter_a be_v all_o we_o profess_v 2_o those_o reason_n which_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n will_v we_o suppose_v be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n thus_o far_o that_o the_o prayer_n preach_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v unlawful_a because_o offer_v in_o a_o false_a church_n by_o a_o false_a ministry_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o separatist_n in_o the_o world_n because_o none_o it_o be_v say_v none_o plead_v against_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n as_o unlawful_a because_o offer_v up_o in_o a_o false_a church_n be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o this_o learned_a author_n shall_v not_o read_v or_o observe_v the_o same_o exceed_v frequent_o in_o the_o separatist_n write_n take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o the_o first_o page_n of_o mr._n smith_n against_o bernard_n in_o his_o parallel_n censure_n and_o observation_n his_o word_n pag._n 9_o be_v these_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o erroneous_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o real_a idol_n and_o the_o prayer_n they_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v from_o that_o false_a constitution_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o constitution_n and_o pag._n 10._o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o offer_v up_o service_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church_n of_o a_o false_a constitution_n and_o pag._n 13._o tell_v i_o mr._n bernard_n can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n true_a baptism_n true_a faith_n true_a prayer_n true_a preach_v and_o administer_a the_o supper_n true_a excommunication_n in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v false_o constitute_v do_v the_o lord_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o jeroboam_n so_o page_n 14._o a_o church_n false_o constitute_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n neither_o be_v their_o action_n ecclesiastical_a as_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o again_o a_o false_a ministry_n worship_n government_n may_v be_v in_o a_o true_a church_n through_o ignorance_n and_o the_o like_a but_o a_o true_a ministry_n worship_n government_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o false_a church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o recite_v more_o testimony_n aliquando_fw-la bone_fw-la dormitat_fw-la homerus_fw-la a_o good_a memory_n may_v sometime_o fall_v asleep_a and_o not_o see_v that_o which_o be_v sometime_o most_o obvious_a and_o visible_a but_o what_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n as_o their_o
be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 1_o object_n if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o firâ—â—_n order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a 2_o object_n if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o ephes_n 1._o 22._o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o who_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o general_n may_v and_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o convene_v let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o all_o political_a
church_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o one_o political_a body_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o the_o similitude_n will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n three_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o army_n suppose_v they_o never_o meet_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o political_a union_n as_o full_o reach_v the_o political_a communion_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v combine_v viz._n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o a_o just_a government_n or_o by_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o army_n but_o if_o such_o a_o political_a body_n be_v combine_v to_o have_v such_o communion_n as_o a_o church-communion_n be_v than_o it_o will_v require_v convent_v together_o as_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_a for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o one_o to_o have_v political_a communion_n together_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o political_a combination_n but_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o helpfulnesse_n one_o to_o another_o as_o need_n require_v so_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o brotherly_a consociation_n of_o church_n together_o be_v union_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o communion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o judicious_a we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o come_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o knotty_a controversy_n as_o we_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v state_v and_o carry_v viz._n what_o be_v that_o form_n of_o a_o political_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o with_o another_o therein_o and_o here_o give_v we_o leave_v before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o question_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o little_a further_o use_v of_o our_o former_a similitude_n for_o illustration_n and_o then_o we_o will_v show_v where_o the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la as_o we_o conceive_v must_v stand_v it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n that_o although_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n thereof_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o no_o reason_n will_v enforce_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o so_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n we_o will_v now_o add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o such_o reason_n yet_o in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o least_o civil_a society_n yea_o a_o family_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o the_o least_o political_a church_n society_n may_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o of_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o we_o think_v that_o there_o by_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v seat_v and_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v best_o be_v attain_v thereby_o concern_v family_n we_o see_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n and_o noah_n of_o any_o sovereign_a or_o universal_a government_n further_o than_o in_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n after_o who_o as_o they_o increase_v family_n go_v out_o and_o combine_v make_v city_n and_o so_o commonwealth_n by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o in_o gen._n 10._o and_o other_o story_n appear_v except_o by_o the_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n of_o some_o as_o nimrod_n the_o rest_n be_v bring_v under_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n among_o any_o free_a people_n be_v still_o the_o most_o orderly_o just_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o erect_v all_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n family_n to_o combine_v into_o town_n city_n kingdom_n or_o aristocratical_a state_n but_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o similitude_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v the_o first_o church_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o church_n power_n and_o church_n communion_n then_o as_o family_n shall_v combine_v into_o town_n and_o city_n and_o they_o into_o great_a commonwealth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n so_o here_o these_o first_o church_n may_v not_o stand_v independent_o but_o aught_o to_o combine_v into_o great_a body_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o whole_a church_n to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o this_o evident_a reason_n because_o civil_a society_n and_o government_n thereof_o be_v herein_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o may_v admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n various_a law_n and_o constitution_n various_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o man_n shall_v conceive_v best_a for_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o common_a moral_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o those_o society_n but_o here_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o must_v attend_v what_o kind_n of_o church_n he_o have_v institute_v so_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o such_o rule_n privilege_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v one_o step_n beyond_o the_o same_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o alienate_v the_o power_n right_n or_o privilege_n christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o same_o or_o to_o mould_n up_o any_o other_o political_a church_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o here_o we_o conceive_v stand_v immovable_o the_o ne_fw-la plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o this_o similitude_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n well_o weigh_v to_o we_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v all_o such_o intermediate_v form_n of_o church_n or_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o mr._n ball_n call_v the_o same_o as_o classical_a provincial_n diocesan_n national_n patriarchicall_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o see_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v constitute_v either_o descendendo_fw-la from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o ascendendo_fw-la from_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_n except_o institution_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o same_o we_o find_v indeed_o that_o some_o endeavour_n to_o build_v such_o form_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o moral_a principle_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o god_n have_v give_v government_n to_o be_v over_o a_o multitude_n and_o that_o of_o many_o society_n as_o well_o as_o person_n that_o one_o society_n may_v not_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n and_o that_o therefore_o must_v be_v give_v of_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o little_a church_n power_n of_o external_a government_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o nature_n that_o general_o bind_v free_a society_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a government_n must_v many_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n by_o consequence_n all_o kingdom_n combine_v in_o government_n lest_o one_o kingdom_n be_v hurt_v â—_o must_v moab_n ammon_n edom_n tyre_n sydon_n judea_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o contiguous_a in_o near_a vicinity_n to_o each_o other_o combine_v in_o one_o government_n 2_o be_v it_o not_o as_o suitable_a to_o morality_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o combination_n that_o they_o set_v up_o one_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o when_o many_o grow_v ignorant_a evil_a or_o heady_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v wrong_a as_o to_o set_v up_o many_o 3_o do_v abraham_n lot_n melchisedeck_v and_o such_o family_n church_n walk_v against_o ground_n of_o morality_n and_o nature_n that_o do_v not_o so_o combine_v we_o may_v add_v more_o but_o forbear_v but_o we_o can_v desire_v our_o dear_a brethren_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o scatter_v such_o principle_n for_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o