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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 and_o reader_n beset_v with_o 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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 sound_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 the_o same_o judgement_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n that_o you_o have_v before_o you_o may_v forbear_v for_o a_o time_n upon_o special_a reason_n such_o as_o present_a state_n and_o occasion_n may_v suggest_v to_o receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n approve_v christian_n not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o some_o brethren_n do_v who_o yet_o dare_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o deem_v
fault_n such_o as_o one_o christian_n can_v or_o must_v not_o tolerate_v in_o another_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n for_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v present_a by_o such_o fault_n i_o be_o not_o defile_v though_o know_v before_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o in_o conscience_n may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v though_o not_o know_v before_o hand_n i_o be_o bind_v if_o present_a some_o way_n to_o profess_v against_o it_o this_o distinction_n of_o personal_a and_o ministerial_a fault_n in_o this_o case_n until_o it_o be_v clear_v by_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o sound_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n must_v go_v for_o the_o devise_n of_o man_n a_o church_n a_o minister_n or_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v stiff_a in_o a_o error_n be_v mispersuade_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n after_o many_o mean_n long_o use_v to_o convince_v they_o with_o who_o yet_o we_o must_v hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n 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thing_n abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n nor_o do_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o 1_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o you_o shall_v imagine_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n in_o read_v some_o few_o select_a prayer_n to_o be_v scandalous_a or_o offensive_a in_o their_o congregation_n when_o the_o people_n general_o not_o in_o their_o assembly_n only_o but_o throughout_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o course_n till_o now_o of_o late_a some_o have_v be_v draw_v away_o to_o separate_v who_o yet_o by_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n produce_v nothing_o of_o weight_n to_o countenance_v that_o practice_n 2_o if_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v as_o you_o take_v it_o a_o idolathite_n latent_fw-la offence_n do_v not_o oblige_v if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n eat_v it_o not_o so_o that_o if_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o appear_v that_o this_o practice_n 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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 populous_a enough_o to_o make_v many_o numbersome_a congregation_n nor_o upon_o this_o that_o to_o 226._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 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the_o gospel_n the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a but_o it_o 7_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 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 28._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 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 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they_o that_o seek_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o yourselves_o and_o if_o all_o this_o tend_v not_o to_o turn_v they_o who_o halt_n out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n we_o hearty_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v your_o judgement_n concern_v the_o position_n you_o deliver_v in_o three_o proposition_n for_o so_o many_o they_o be_v for_o substance_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n read_v the_o liturgy_n or_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v read_v as_o if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v read_v put_v case_n some_o few_o select_a prayer_n only_o by_o a_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n it_o be_v unlawful_a say_v you_o for_o the_o people_n to_o join_v in_o that_o case_n but_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o join_v when_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n read_v some_o few_o select_a prayer_n it_o be_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o the_o prayer_n themselves_o not_o of_o the_o prayer_n themselves_o for_o they_o be_v select_a and_o choice_n faultless_a 79_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v unless_o this_o distribution_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minister_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o one_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o the_o minister_n make_v it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n sin_v in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v not_o bark_v and_o greedy_a dog_n that_o can_v never_o have_v enough_o when_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v 14._o lie_n and_o the_o priest_n bare_a rule_n by_o their_o mean_n when_o the_o priest_n buy_v and_o sell_v dove_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o provide_v such_o thing_n for_o they_o that_o be_v to_o offer_v when_o the_o pharisee_n corrupt_v the_o law_n by_o false_a gloss_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v through_o their_o tradition_n under_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n devour_v widow_n house_n teach_v the_o law_n but_o practise_v it_o not_o when_o they_o be_v such_o and_o do_v such_o thing_n they_o be_v ungodly_a minister_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n the_o apostle_n do_v either_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n we_o read_v our_o saviour_n charge_v his_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o
or_o that_o the_o parent_n shall_v be_v actual_a visible_a set_a member_n of_o some_o particular_a distinct_a body_n before_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o walk_v therein_o they_o and_o their_o child_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o in_o their_o order_n the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n parent_n baptize_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o in_o that_o state_n by_o divine_a grant_n they_o have_v interest_n to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o church_n in_o debar_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o grow_v into_o one_o distinct_a separate_a society_n of_o mutual_a covenant_n do_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o her_o commission_n for_o a_o ministerial_a power_n only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n to_o admit_v or_o refuse_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o refuse_v by_o authority_n from_o god_n but_o the_o church_n if_o she_o thrust_v believe_v parent_n from_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n she_o deny_v these_o benefit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n have_v lawful_a right_n and_o title_n thereto_o 1._o for_o first_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o true_o administer_v by_o he_o and_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v esteem_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o john_n never_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n whether_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n by_o mutual_a covenant_n one_o with_o another_o 7._o this_o be_v not_o then_o know_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a point_n in_o the_o lawful_a due_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v and_o baptise_a disciple_n profess_v the_o faith_n but_o not_o combine_v into_o church-state_n or_o fellowship_n the_o apostle_n commission_n be_v first_o 20._o to_o teach_v the_o gentile_n and_o then_o to_o baptise_v they_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o this_o they_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n glad_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o give_v their_o name_n to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v baptize_v forthwith_o they_o accept_v they_o never_o except_v that_o they_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o distinct_a visible_a congregation_n when_o the_o first_o 3000._o convert_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o conscience_n come_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v peter_n return_v this_o answer_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v 38._o every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o you_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o etc._n etc._n as_o soon_o as_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v philip_n who_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o the_o eunuch_n ask_v of_o philip_n see_v 37._o here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o if_o thou_o be_v first_o receive_v as_o a_o set_a member_n into_o a_o visible_a congregation_n thou_o may_v but_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n say_v peter_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n upon_o who_o be_v pour_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o hold_v a_o bar_n 17._o sufficient_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n because_o they_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o distinct_a society_n which_o have_v it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n questionless_a it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o annanias_n baptise_a paul_n before_o he_o be_v any_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o jailor_n and_o his_o house_n be_v baptize_v 33._o without_o regard_n to_o their_o church-estate_n for_o in_o the_o same_o night_n which_o he_o be_v convert_v he_o be_v baptize_v with_o all_o his_o household_n and_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n only_o upon_o special_a dispensation_n but_o by_o other_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n common_a 23._o to_o they_o and_o all_o age_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v disciple_n believe_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n even_o to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n dispense_v the_o seal_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n upon_o common_a ground_n it_o be_v not_o etc._n essential_a to_o the_o lawful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n that_o all_o partaker_n shall_v be_v under_o such_o a_o covenant_n if_o the_o baptise_a disciple_n believer_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v unto_o such_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o those_o privilege_n 2._o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o god_n by_o divine_a institution_n so_o must_v we_o learn_v from_o he_o how_o and_o to_o who_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o holy_a seal_n who_o best_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n pass_v with_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o such_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o desire_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o baptifme_n and_o be_v great_o wrong_v if_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o unspeakable_a benefit_n 3._o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o live_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v internal_a communion_n with_o he_o by_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n join_v with_o conformity_n of_o life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o fellowship_n of_o love_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n though_o no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o free_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o evermore_o of_o our_o receive_n into_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a society_n as_o set_v member_n thereof_o this_o latter_a be_v accidental_a to_o baptism_n not_o essential_a it_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o ever_o necessary_a nor_o be_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v deny_v nor_o can_v we_o say_v it_o be_v imperfect_o administer_v where_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v for_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v one_o entire_a body_n make_v up_o by_o the_o collection_n and_o agregation_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a unto_o the_o unity_n thereof_o from_o which_o union_n there_o arise_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o they_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o dependence_n upon_o that_o church_n catholic_n as_o part_n use_v to_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o hold_v true_a not_o only_o of_o sound_a believer_n in_o respect_n of_o internal_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o so_o one_o with_o another_o but_o of_o all_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o neither_o particular_a person_n nor_o particular_a guide_n nor_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o work_v as_o several_a divide_a body_n by_o themselves_o but_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o duty_n as_o part_n conjoin_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o member_n of_o the_o
baptism_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a though_o as_o yet_o not_o set_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a society_n in_o some_o circumstance_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n when_o yet_o the_o reason_n be_v strong_a if_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o very_a likeness_n itself_o whereupon_o the_o reason_n be_v ground_v one_o circumstance_n that_o be_v material_a to_o the_o point_n may_v overthrow_v the_o likeness_n pretend_v and_o twenty_o different_a circumstance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n make_v no_o dissimilitude_n now_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o speak_v of_o no_o circumstance_n be_v or_o 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 disciple_n as_o yet_o be_v no_o set_a member_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o all_o case_n for_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n though_o it_o be_v desire_v 3._o what_o be_v do_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n that_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o only_o who_o have_v receive_v such_o dispensation_n and_o by_o they_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o other_o seldom_o by_o themselves_o as_o have_v be_v show_v 4._o we_o may_v urge_v the_o rule_n which_o a_o reverend_a elder_n among_o you_o give_v in_o another_o matter_n scil_n those_o example_n which_o be_v back_v with_o some_o 154._o divine_a precept_n or_o which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v part_n of_o the_o institution_n or_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a lawful_a action_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n not_o civil_a but_o sacred_a so_o bind_v we_o to_o imitation_n as_o that_o not_o to_o conform_v thereunto_o be_v sin_n for_o the_o assumption_n to_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a disciple_n etc._n etc._n be_v back_v with_o divine_a precept_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o be_v their_o constant_a lawful_a practice_n agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o service_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n 5._o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o apostles_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n 2_o reason_n our_o second_o reason_n in_o due_a order_n the_o seal_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v viz._n baptism_n to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o believer_n able_a to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n sanctification_n adoption_n and_o what_o other_o good_a thing_n be_v promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grant_n or_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o be_v grant_v to_o believer_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o under_o one_o promise_v all_o be_v understand_v and_o if_o one_o be_v vouchsafe_v none_o be_v deny_v when_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v employ_v and_o when_o circumcision_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n be_v 4._o include_v to_o whosoever_o then_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o inward_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v and_o grant_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o gift_n and_o grant_n do_v belong_v in_o their_o due_a order_n but_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v free_o grant_v to_o true_a believer_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n therefore_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v unto_o they_o to_o this_o you_o answer_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n rom._n 4._o 11._o be_v not_o to_o define_v a_o sacrament_n nor_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o adequate_a subject_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n that_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n not_o by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n thus_o as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v justify_v before_o god_n so_o must_v his_o seed_n be_v that_o be_v all_o believer_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a for_o therefore_o abraham_n receive_v circumcision_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o confirm_v the_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v before_o while_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o both_o but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v his_o circumcision_n be_v needless_a if_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n before_o circumcision_n he_o add_v that_o his_o circumcision_n be_v of_o no_o use_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v to_o he_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n yet_o as_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o circumcision_n seal_v but_o the_o whole_a covenant_n also_o make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v seal_v thereby_o so_o abraham_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o use_v circumcision_n not_o simple_o or_o only_o as_o a_o believer_n without_o church_n relation_n but_o as_o a_o confederate_a believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n though_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o seal_v thereby_o which_o be_v not_o that_o which_o serve_v for_o his_o purpose_n now_o that_o circumcision_n also_o seal_v the_o church-covenant_n may_v appear_v from_o gen._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o you_o may_v find_v that_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n though_o believer_n be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o god_n call_v they_o into_o church-covenant_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n &_o use_v of_o baptism_n to_o we_o which_o serve_v to_o seal_v our_o justification_n as_o circumcision_n do_v yet_o not_o that_o alone_a but_o also_o the_o whole_a covenant_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o adoption_n sanctification_n 21._o and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o affection_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o not_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o church-covenant_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o covenant_n also_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o confederate_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o 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nor_o mention_v every_o particular_a benefit_n or_o prerogative_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o he_o show_v sufficient_o to_o who_o the_o sacrament_n in_o due_a order_n do_v appertain_v even_o to_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o thus_o we_o argue_v from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n but_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o god_n institution_n if_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o circumcision_n seal_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o the_o 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body_n of_o christ_n be_v understand_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o any_o other_o covenant_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v digest_v the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o god_n for_o what_o end_n and_o use_v they_o be_v ordain_v but_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n record_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v learn_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o faithful_a to_o disciple_n to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o other_o covenant_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a participation_n of_o the_o seal_n there_o be_v deep_a silence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o institution_n in_o the_o lawful_a and_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o dispenser_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n already_o but_o we_o will_v conclude_v it_o with_o the_o word_n of_o that_o reverend_a author_n who_o we_o have_v cite_v many_o time_n before_o upon_o occasion_n afterward_o say_v he_o john_n the_o baptist_n walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n administer_v baptism_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n require_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n 16._o of_o life_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n whereof_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o this_o order_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n establish_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v a_o commission_n to_o 16._o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o gather_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v believe_v through_o the_o world_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o also_o and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o according_o the_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v careful_a to_o observe_v this_o rule_n in_o their_o administer_a baptism_n thus_o peter_n when_o he_o see_v those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n prick_v in_o their_o heart_n preach_v unto_o they_o concern_v repentance_n remission_n of_o sin_n christ_n the_o promise_n baptism_n faith_n amendment_n of_o life_n baptize_v those_o that_o glad_o receive_v 47._o his_o word_n and_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o join_v together_o in_o the_o procession_n thereof_o the_o same_o course_n philip_n take_v with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n where_o many_o be_v baptize_v but_o none_o till_o they_o 14._o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v express_o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o ananias_n be_v command_v to_o go_v and_o baptise_v paul_n he_o object_v against_o it_o at_o first_o till_o the_o lord_n assure_v 11-17_a he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v and_o then_o he_o go_v and_o do_v it_o when_o peter_n and_o those_o that_o come_v with_o he_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v at_o that_o time_n in_o his_o house_n 43-48_a 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
judge_v many_o time_n if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o power_n unto_o themselves_o we_o allow_v not_o rashness_n or_o precipitancy_n pride_n or_o self-conceitedness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o weighty_a matter_n shall_v be_v manage_v by_o council_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o bring_v every_o particular_a thing_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v peace_n but_o over_o many_o councillor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n as_o you_o describe_v it_o infer_v not_o a_o necessitle_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o in_o love_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v in_o well-doing_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n but_o 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society_n minister_n especial_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o draw_v this_o to_o the_o removal_n or_o abode_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o to_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n may_v you_o not_o expect_v to_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n will_v hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n rite_n and_o custom_n expedient_a to_o prevent_v confusion_n for_o the_o time_n let_v they_o be_v observe_v as_o custom_n expedient_a and_o what_o god_n require_v in_o the_o examination_n or_o admission_n of_o member_n let_v that_o take_v place_n according_a to_o the_o precedent_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n but_o to_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_v rule_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o for_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o intermeddle_v further_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n than_o the_o word_n do_v warrant_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o and_o to_o debar_v know_v and_o approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o settle_a member_n to_o abide_v and_o stay_v in_o the_o society_n unless_o they_o shall_v obtain_v leave_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n to_o be_v man_n who_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o here_o we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o schil_fw-la that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n either_o express_o or_o implicit_o to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o 7._o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v 12._o all_o of_o you_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o think_v that_o among_o that_o great_a multitude_n there_o be_v not_o one_o who_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n we_o read_v often_o time_n that_o israel_n after_o some_o grievous_a fall_n and_o revolt_n renew_v their_o covenant_n 30_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n the_o judge_n david_n samuel_n also_o joash_n josiah_n and_o nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o particular_a enquiry_n be_v make_v what_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n be_v take_v when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o to_o baptism_n but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o unto_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n